Nurses serve as the backbone of our healthcare system, administering one- on-one care, monitoring recovery progress, and emotionally supporting those in need of a lift. Nurses, while primarily known for their work in hospitals, serve others in a variety of settings, including schools, community health centers, and senior care facilities, impacting lives even when there is no emergency. Our nurses are the ultimate professionals, exhibiting patience, empathy, and incredible work ethic in order to balance medical expertise with human compassion.
Despite the incredible technical and soft skills it takes to work in the field, nurses often face similar challenges to first responders. Nurses are often burdened with working long hours, making critical decisions, overcoming staffing shortages, dealing with belligerent patients, and enduring traumatic experiences. Despite all of these challenges, they remain committed to serving others, often with a smile.
“Nurses are tasked with one of the most difficult jobs imaginable, and they do incredible work in the midst of all of the challenges they face,” said State Representative Travis Weaver (R-Peoria). “Their dedication is unmatched, and we must support them in every way possible to help retain and recruit these amazing professionals to the industry.”
Given nurses work tirelessly to serve those in need, in recent years, House Republicans have made several efforts to help those who help others, especially in terms of reducing unnecessary licensing burdens current and prospective nurses are forced to put up with. Such measures include:
HB 4855 - Requires the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to accept online payments for professional licenses. (2024)
HB 5148 - Caps the application fee for a license renewal by the Division of Professional Regulation at one-half of the application fee for initial issuance of the same license. (2024)
HB 5608 - Provides that State boards shall issue occupational licenses or government certifications to people who hold such a license or certification in another state if they satisfy specified conditions. (2024)
Perhaps the most impactful proposal aimed at improving the lives of nurses is HB 1652, filed by Deputy House Republican Leader Ryan Spain (R-Peoria). Leader Spain and Deputy House Republican Leader Norine Hammond (R-Macomb), the bill’s Chief Co-Sponsor, emphasized the importance of taking care of Illinois’ nurses and addressing the state’s nursing shortage.
"As the son of a nurse, I know how essential nurses are to ensuring patients receive the best possible care. They are the lifeblood of our healthcare system," said Deputy House Republican Leader Ryan Spain. "This is why it is just as important that we take the time to appreciate the work that nurses do and continue to take steps in Illinois to make sure they have the support and resources to thrive. Enacting legislation to join the Nurse Licensure Compact is a critical step to overcoming the nursing shortage in Illinois that will reduce the burden already placed on these often unsung heroes."
The legislative measure proposes Illinois participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing nurses licensed in one participating state to practice in other compact states without needing additional licenses.
“Today is a day to thank hardworking nurses across Illinois for their dedicated and compassionate care,” said Leader Hammond. “Unfortunately, many parts of our state are facing critical nursing shortages, especially in rural Illinois. That’s why I’m sponsoring the Nurse Licensure Compact to streamline the process of bringing highly qualified nurses here to provide excellent care for patients in our communities.”
The caucus has also notably pushed for additional reforms to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation in order to streamline the licensing process for various professionals including nurses. These reforms include legislation that would expedite the licensure approval process in certain circumstances, reduce renewal and issuance costs, and incentivize nurses in other states to work in Illinois.
All throughout Illinois, nurses are making profound impacts in quiet ways, whether it be at large research hospitals or rural clinics, and there is no time like the present to recognize their hard work. Whether you’re proud to call someone you know a nurse or have been impacted by the care of an outstanding caregiver, showing a small gesture of appreciation can go a long way.
"On National Nurses Day, we give our thanks and heartfelt appreciation to the heroes who keep our entire healthcare system running," said Assistant Republican Leader Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee). "They provide compassionate and holistic care to patients, while also ensuring their well-being. Thank you to the incredible nurses across Illinois for all that you do!"
Nurses play a critical role in the health and wellbeing of Illinoisans and their work as such deserves plenty of recognition. This National Nurses Day, thank a nurse for all that they do in ensuring the safety of us all. They are truly heroes in scrubs!
The caucus has also notably pushed for additional reforms to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation in order to streamline the licensing process for various professionals including nurses. These reforms include legislation that would expedite the licensure approval process in certain circumstances, reduce renewal and issuance costs, and incentivize nurses in other states to work in Illinois.
All throughout Illinois, nurses are making profound impacts in quiet ways, whether it be at large research hospitals or rural clinics, and there is no time like the present to recognize their hard work. Whether you’re proud to call someone you know a nurse or have been impacted by the care of an outstanding caregiver, showing a small gesture of appreciation can go a long way.
"On National Nurses Day, we give our thanks and heartfelt appreciation to the heroes who keep our entire healthcare system running," said Assistant Republican Leader Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee). "They provide compassionate and holistic care to patients, while also ensuring their well-being. Thank you to the incredible nurses across Illinois for all that you do!"
Nurses play a critical role in the health and wellbeing of Illinoisans and their work as such deserves plenty of recognition. This National Nurses Day, thank a nurse for all that they do in ensuring the safety of us all. They are truly heroes in scrubs!