This page was last updated on December 3, 2010.
Loan forgiveness would help nursing; Rachel L. Gill; Beaver County Times; November 30, 2010.
Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.
“I have read and heard many opportunities regarding nursing student loan forgiveness.
“The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency launched the nursing loan forgiveness program in September 2001. Only Pennsylvania residents who have graduated from a state nursing program after July 2001 are eligible. This is an absolutely wonderful concept to encourage people to go to nursing school and to keep the nurses working in Pennsylvania.”
[RWC] If so-called “loan forgiveness” is such “absolutely wonderful concept to encourage people to go to nursing school” and it’s been in existence since 2001, why does PA still have a “nursing workforce shortage?” Though I’m sure Ms. Gill has good intentions, this letter is an example of what happens when lefty policies don’t achieve their stated goals. That is, lefties will claim the policy isn’t to blame; it’s just that we haven’t done enough of it yet.
“The nursing workforce shortage is a growing problem nationally, regionally and locally. I have attempted to apply for this loan forgiveness on many occasions, and have always gotten the response that it was filled.
“I have been a nurse for six years. I am currently enrolled in a master’s program for nursing education. Unfortunately, I am still carrying the burden of my undergraduate loans and will soon have to start paying on my graduate loans.
“Perhaps the nursing shortage would not be as bad and more people would be attracted to the profession if there were more opportunities for loan forgiveness. This would ultimately improve job retention and encourage more nurses to advance their careers.”
[RWC] I wonder if nursing schools teach economics. You see, subsidizing education only increases tuition, making nursing school ever more expensive for students.
Finally, why should taxpayers and students in other disciplines struggling to make tuition be forced to subsidize nursing students?
Finally #2 <g>, what would be Ms. Gill’s recommendation if her program were successful but generated shortages in other areas by luring students from other disciplines?
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