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Financial Assistance for Working Nurses

Nalea Ko, MFA
by
Updated November 18, 2022
Nurses deserve respect and compensation for their sacrifices, especially during the pandemic. This guide highlights grants that help nurses pay for student loans, housing, and childcare.
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COVID-19 continues to take a financial toll on hospitals and nurses. According to the American Hospital Association, hospitals lost $54 billion in 2021 due to factors like severely ill patients, higher expenses, and fewer outpatient visits.

These financial hardships have led to nursing layoffs, furloughs, and/or reduced hours, even in understaffed facilities. During the pandemic, many nurses left their specialty areas to help in critical care units.

The healthcare industry lost 40,000 jobs in the first three months of 2021, followed by 18,000 positions in September, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In total, the field has lost about 460,000 jobs since February 2020.

Nurses who quit or were let go faced financial hardships. How would they pay for childcare? Housing? Student loans?

Many national and state organizations stepped up to provide nurses with financial support as repayment for their service during the pandemic. Read on to learn about nursing grants, emergency loans for nurses, and other forms of financial aid available right now.

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National Financial Assistance Programs for Working Nurses

Some national and regional programs are offering financial help for nurses and relatives of healthcare professionals. These funds support healthcare workers affected by COVID-19, or those struggling due to illness or injury. Eligible recipients can receive $500-$60,000, depending on the program.

The American Nurses Foundation’s $3 million grant helps support nurses unable to work because of COVID-19. Nurses of color receive preference since they were disproportionately affected during the pandemic. The Nurse House distributes funds, which help cover the recipient’s mortgage and rent payments.

Who Can Apply: Eligible applicants must be registered nurses (RNs) who have COVID-19 or other medical issues that prevent them from working.

Amount: Varies

$15,000-$60,000

State-Specific Financial Assistance Programs for Working Nurses

State governments and local organizations offer financial support to help healthcare workers pay for childcare, education, and emergency expenses. Recipients usually must meet residency standards in the state to receive funds.

In recognition of the pandemic’s toll on healthcare workers, the Alabama Department of Human Resources offers a childcare program for first responders and other healthcare workers. Income does not determine program eligibility.

Who Can Apply: Parents who enroll their children in a Child Care Subsidy Program can apply.

Amount: Varies

Varies

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