The National Institute Of Nursing Research Is In Jeopardy

By Jennifer M. Manning, DNS

Linda Aiken, PhD, RN, a prominent nurse researcher, has benefited significantly from funding from the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) throughout her distinguished career. NINR grants enabled her to conduct groundbreaking work that demonstrated the crucial link between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes: higher nurse-to-patient ratios lead to reduced mortality and improved quality of care. This evidence has been instrumental in advocating for policy changes and influencing hospital staffing practices nationwide, ultimately improving patient safety and the nursing profession.

Without NINR funding, Aiken's pivotal research would have been severely hampered -- potentially delayed, reduced in scope, or never fully realized. Her ability to influence hospital staffing practices would have been significantly diminished. Her story is one of many highlighting NINR's vital role in enabling impactful research.

Threats to NINR

The NINR is vital in advancing healthcare through nursing science. The institute evolved from a growing recognition of the importance of nursing's contribution to health. Federal involvement in nursing research can be traced back to 1946, and the NINR was established as a dedicated center within the NIH in 1986 and elevated to an institute in 1993. NINR's funding supports crucial research that directly impacts patient outcomes by informing evidence-based interventions, addressing health disparities, and improving healthcare delivery.

Despite this, the institute may be under threat. A leaked FY 2026 HHS budget proposal suggested eliminating NINR entirely, leading to strong opposition from national nursing organizations. There have also been reports of staff reductions at NINR, including the removal of its director, Shannon Zenk, PhD, MPH, RN, raising further concerns about the institute's future.

Cuts to or eliminating NINR would have far-reaching negative consequences for patient care, research, and the economy.

The Broad Impacts of Cutting Funding

NINR has significantly impacted patient care by funding research that directly informs and improves nursing practice. NINR-supported studies have led to evidence-based interventions for managing symptoms in chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer, enhancing palliative and end-of-life care, and promoting health and preventing disease across diverse populations. For example, NINR funding has supported research identifying that the early signs of coronary heart disease and the acute symptoms of an impending heart attack differ between women and men. Additionally, NINR prioritizes research on health equity and the social determinants of health, aiming to reduce disparities and ensure optimal care for all individuals, families, and communities.

Adverse effects on healthcare delivery

Cuts to NINR funding would harm patient care, public health, and healthcare delivery, and directly threaten the very foundation of evidence-based healthcare. NINR-funded research is crucial for developing and testing innovative nursing interventions that improve patient outcomes, enhance quality of life, and address health disparities across diverse populations and settings. By supporting studies on symptom management, chronic disease care, and the effectiveness of nursing practices, NINR contributes significantly to a healthcare system that is safe, efficient, and patient-centered. Diminishing this vital research would stifle advancements in care delivery, potentially leading to less effective treatments, increased healthcare costs, and a reduced ability to meet the evolving health needs of the nation. Ultimately, undermining NINR jeopardizes patients' well-being and the future of healthcare innovation.

Adverse effects on training programs for nurse scientists

Cuts to NINR funding would severely impact nurse scientist training programs by reducing the number and funding levels of crucial grants like National Research Service Awards and Career Development Awards. This would lead to fewer nurses pursuing research careers, fewer institutional training opportunities, and diminished loan repayment options.

The long-term consequences include a shortage of qualified nurse researchers, hindering the advancement of evidence-based nursing practice and ultimately compromising the quality and innovation of healthcare delivery. Weakening this vital research pipeline jeopardizes patient well-being and the future of nursing science.

Adverse effects on discoveries that improve patient outcomes

Reduced NINR funding would cripple discoveries vital for improving patient outcomes. Fewer nurse scientists would be trained, the driving force behind patient-centered research. This would slow investigations into crucial areas like symptom management, chronic disease care, and health disparities. Innovative nursing interventions, proven to enhance patient well-being and reduce healthcare costs, would stagnate. Translating research into practice would suffer, leading to less effective treatments and a diminished ability to address evolving healthcare needs.

Economic losses for universities and communities

Cuts to NINR would trigger significant economic losses for universities and their surrounding communities. NINR grants support research infrastructure, faculty salaries, and training programs, injecting substantial funds into local economies. Universities would face budget shortfalls, potentially leading to hiring freezes, program reductions, and decreased competitiveness for attracting top researchers and students.

Communities would suffer from reduced economic activity from lower university spending, job losses in research and related sectors, and a decline in the innovation and intellectual capital driven by universities. The ripple effect could impact local businesses, healthcare systems, and overall community prosperity, hindering economic growth and development.

Protect NINR

The evolution of NINR underscores the growing recognition of nursing's vital role in health. Its significant impact on patient outcomes through evidence-based research is undeniable. Cuts to NINR funding would not only hinder crucial scientific discoveries and compromise patient care quality but also negatively affect the training of nurse scientists and inflict economic losses on universities and communities. Maintaining and strengthening NINR funding is essential for all Americans' health and financial well-being.

Jennifer M. Manning, DNS, is associate dean for Undergraduate Nursing Programs and coordinator for the AG-Clinical Nurse Specialist Program at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing in New Orleans.