Transforming the Economic Value of Nursing Narrative

New Report and Survey Launch from the Economic Value of Nursing Project

MEDIA CONTACT: Claire Sabin | claire.sabin@ana.org  

SILVER SPRING, MD – Nursing has long been seen as a cost rather than the valuable, strategic asset it truly is. But that perspective is changing. The American Nurses Enterprise (the enterprise) is taking bold steps to redefine the economic role of nursing by commissioning the Economic Value of Nursing research project—an effort that highlights the importance of investing in the nursing workforce by measuring its far-reaching impact on patient care and organizational success. 

Today, the enterprise’s Institute for Nursing Research and Quality Management is proud to announce two major advancements in this project: 

A New Perspective: Nursing as a Key Asset 

The Re-Imagining the Economic Value of Nursing Summit Summary Report brings together the key takeaways from the April 2024 summit, where leading experts, health care professionals, and policymakers gathered to move the conversation forward on the future of nursing and provide feedback on key topic areas related to the value of nursing. The report features the American Nurses Enterprise’s Nursing Human Capital Value Model, developed by researchers Dr. Olga Yakusheva and Dr. Marianne Weiss. This model illustrates how investments in nursing—such as professional development, education, and leadership—can lead to better patient outcomes, improved organizational performance, and even financial growth for health care organizations. 

Phase Two: The INVEST Study 

The next phase of the project—the INVEST Study—seeks to understand how health care organizations are currently allocating resources to nursing. This confidential, nationwide survey will collect financial and operational data from Chief Nursing Officers and Chief Nursing Executives to measure the impact of nursing investments on hospital financial performance. 

“We need concrete data to show the economic value of the nursing workforce and its impacts across health care,” said Research and Quality Director Marcela Cámpoli. “The INVEST Study is designed to collect evidence that will help us advocate for more strategic investments in nursing—investments that will ultimately lead to better care for everyone.” 

Nurses Have a Voice—Let Nurses Lead the Way 

Nurses nationwide have a unique opportunity to contribute to this important conversation by encouraging their leaders to participate in the INVEST Study. This is a chance to ensure that the value of nursing is recognized not only in patient care but also in the economic future of health care. 

The survey is open now, and responses are due by March 31, 2025. Nurses and health care organizations can learn more here. 

To learn more about the Economic Value of Nursing project and to read The Nursing Human Capital Value Model publication authored by Drs. Weiss, Yakusheva, and Kathryn A. Lee, visit this page. 

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About American Nurses Enterprise 
American Nurses Enterprise unites the expertise and dedication of the American Nurses Association, American Nurses Credentialing Center, and American Nurses Foundation to champion nurses, advance standards of excellence and inspire transformative change. With a powerful legacy and forward-thinking vision, our influence spans federal and local levels working through state affiliates and partners to amplify the voice of nurses across all practices and specialties. Every day, we harness The Power of Nurses™ to increase the value of the nursing profession and transform the health care experience for all. 

About the American Nurses Enterprise Institute for Nursing Research & Quality Management 

The American Nurses Enterprise Institute for Nursing Research & Quality Management is dedicated to advancing nursing research and promoting organizational excellence through quality management: Institute for Nursing Research and Quality Management (nursingworld.org).