The American Nurses Association called on the US Department of Health and Human Services to declare the nurse staffing shortage a national crisis.

In a letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, the organization called for the administration to acknowledge and take action to address the shortage.

“The nation’s healthcare delivery systems are overwhelmed, and nurses are tired and frustrated as this persistent pandemic rages on with no end in sight. Nurses alone cannot solve this longstanding issue and it is not our burden to carry,” ANA President Ernest Grant said. “If we truly value the immeasurable contributions of the nursing workforce, then it is imperative that HHS utilize all available authorities to address this issue.”

Its letter calls for HHS to:

Convene stakeholders to identify short- and long-term solutions to staffing challenges to face the demand of the Covid-19 pandemic response, ensuring the nation’s healthcare delivery system is best equipped to provide quality care for patients, and prepared for the future challenges.

Work with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services on methodologies and approaches to promote payment equity for nursing services and remove unnecessary regulatory barriers to allow advanced practice registered nurses to practice.

Educate the nation on the importance of the Covid-19 vaccine and provide resources for widespread administration of the Covid-19 vaccine and any subsequent boosters.

Sustain a nursing workforce that meets current and future staffing demands to ensure access to care for patients and prioritize the mental health of nurses and other health professionals.

Provide additional resources, including recruitment and retention incentives, that will attract students to the nursing profession and retain skilled nurses to fill the demands of patient care.

The American Nurses Association represents the interests of the 4.2 million nurses in the US.