Nurses React Strongly to Trump Administration’s Loan Changes

On November 6, 2023, the U.S. Department of Education revealed significant changes to the federal student loan system, part of President Donald Trump’s proposed plan, dubbed “One Big Beautiful Bill.” A key aspect of this announcement is the classification of certain degrees, including nursing, no longer as “professional.” This decision has prompted an outcry from the medical community, particularly among nurses who took to social media to express their frustration and disbelief.

Nurses are voicing their concerns about the implications of this classification. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Bettina Rodgers articulated the sentiment in a TikTok video, stating, “To get to the point where you’re saying that I’m not a professional, with all the licensure, all the studying, all the tests, all the certifications that I have, it’s just unimaginable.” Similarly, nurse Wendy Brindley Hines, a three-time Trump voter, shared her disappointment on Facebook, urging the President to reconsider: “As a PROFESSIONAL nurse who has her Master’s Degree… I cannot believe that you would disrespect our profession!”

The decision sparked a wave of commentary on platforms like TikTok. Pediatric Nurse Alex Kim remarked on the irony of the classification, noting that the individuals making these decisions may soon require the very care they undervalue. Nurse Ivana Budesa echoed this sentiment, pointing out that nursing requires extensive training and critical thinking, and questioning how the profession could be deemed unprofessional by those who might struggle with basic emergency procedures.

As the conversation developed, some nurses adopted a humorous approach to the situation. Posts emerged where nurses jokingly declared their newfound freedom to act “unprofessional.” One user quipped, “Now I’m allowed to act as unprofessional as I can. Time to act ‘unprofessional!’”

The backlash against the Department of Education’s decision extends beyond social media. The American Nurses Association issued a statement urging the Trump Administration to revise its definition of “professional degree” to include nursing education pathways. President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy emphasized the potential negative impact on the nursing workforce, stating, “This will severely restrict access to critical funding for graduate nursing education, undermining efforts to grow and sustain the nursing workforce.” She highlighted the essential role nurses play in healthcare, particularly in light of the current nursing shortage.

In a parallel response, the Massachusetts Nursing Association condemned the decision, calling on allies to support nurses and healthcare professionals in opposing the policy, which they believe threatens healthcare education and exacerbates the ongoing nursing crisis.

The Department of Education’s recent changes aim to differentiate between loan amounts available for various degree types. Graduate degrees, which include nursing, will be capped at $20,500 per year, while professional degrees, such as those in law and medicine, can access loans exceeding $50,000 annually. The Department stated that this decision seeks to address unsustainable borrowing practices that have led to high-cost graduate programs with low returns on investment.

As the debate continues, the implications of this decision may significantly affect the future of nursing education and the healthcare workforce in the United States. With an ongoing need for qualified healthcare professionals, the classification of nursing as a non-professional degree raises serious concerns about access to funding and the overall support for the nursing community.