Preserve the National Institute of Nursing Research’s Independence

The positioning of the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) as an independent entity within NIH is essential to effectively support nursing-led health solutions that lead to better patient outcomes. At a time when public health needs are more complex than ever, dismantling NINR would weaken our capacity to improve the health and well-being of Americans across all stages of life. Yet, a proposed restructuring of NIH threatens to undermine this mission.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee recently released a proposal, “Reforming the National Institutes of Health: Framework for Discussion,” which proposes folding NINR into a broader institute along with other health sciences entities. This proposed change risks diluting NINR’s focus and marginalizing the critical research that nurses conduct. Nurse-led studies are not only responsive to the evolving needs of individuals across their lifespan, they also prioritize equity and prevention — cornerstones of a resilient healthcare system. Merging NINR into a National Institute on Health Sciences Research would jeopardize the unique person-and-family-centered research that is essential to advancing health equity and addressing long-term health challenges.

An independent NINR strengthens the foundation of healthcare by funding research that goes beyond traditional medicine and clinical research, addressing real-world issues like maternal health disparities, chronic illness management outside the hospital setting, community-engaged mental health solutions, and firearm injury prevention. Nurse-led research addresses critical gaps in healthcare by focusing on the “whole person” rather than just disease-specific interventions.

This is essential for achieving health equity, as highlighted in the National Academy of Medicine’s The Future of Nursing 2020–2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity report, which calls for nursing science to take the lead in eliminating persistent health disparities and inequities. By supporting innovative, practical solutions that respond to the realities of people’s lives, NINR enables nurses to drive meaningful change that benefits entire communities. In fact, the research often incorporates patient perspectives to inform actionable, community-centered solutions. Without a dedicated NINR, these insights risk being overshadowed or lost in the broader, disease-specific priorities of other institutes.

Nurses have long been recognized as the most trusted professionals, working at the intersection of clinical care and community needs. They understand that health isn’t just about treating disease; it’s about addressing the diverse and interconnected factors that shape well-being. NINR supports nurse scientists who approach health from a holistic perspective, funding research and training that tackles diverse issues.

So why should this matter to you? Without an independent NINR, we lose the only NIH institute dedicated specifically to advancing nursing science. Nurses, who are deeply embedded in their communities and often serve as the primary caregivers for vulnerable populations, have an unparalleled perspective on the health needs of Americans. Losing NINR’s focus would mean losing a vital source of research funding and leadership that enables nurses to bring sustainable health solutions to life.

Take NINR-funded research by Madelyne Greene, PhD, RN, as an example. Greene is studying a nurse-led prenatal care coordination (PNCC) program aimed at reducing racial disparities in maternal health outcomes. By tailoring prenatal care to the unique needs of high-risk mothers and addressing social determinants of health, her research demonstrates how nursing interventions can significantly reduce adverse birth outcomes and improve the health of both mothers and infants. Programs like PNCC are not one-size-fits-all; they are responsive and adaptable, addressing both individual and structural factors that influence health. This kind of research, focused on real-world solutions, exemplifies the practical, life-saving impact of NINR’s support for nursing science.

We agree that the NIH needs periodic reviews and reforms to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective use of public funds. But the proposal to fold NINR into a larger institute does not address these priorities. Instead, it risks diminishing an area of research uniquely equipped to tackle our most pressing health challenges. The proposal also fails to acknowledge that nursing science is not just an adjunct to medical science; it is an essential component of a comprehensive healthcare strategy that prioritizes prevention, equity, and community health. Without a dedicated NINR, the nursing research agenda — and by extension, the health needs of millions of Americans — could fall through the cracks.

The solution is clear: preserve NINR’s independence and recognize the critical role that nursing science plays in our healthcare ecosystem. An independent NINR not only supports the trusted work of nurses but also strengthens the foundation of our healthcare system by funding research that addresses whole-person health. As we look to the future, we need to ensure that nursing science remains a priority. The House should reconsider the proposal to merge NINR, and instead commit to preserving its independence as a vital part of the NIH.

Ashley Darcy-Mahoney, PhD, NNP, is a professor, neonatal nurse practitioner, researcher, and educator at the George Washington University School of Nursing. Throughout her career, she has been at the forefront of advancing nursing research, education, and practice, with a specific focus on neonatology, infant health, and developmental pediatrics. Usha Menon, PhD, RN, is dean of the University of South Florida (USF) College of Nursing in Tampa, and senior associate vice president at USF Health. Her research focuses on human behavior change for optimum health outcomes and integrating evidence-based practices into primary care settings. Teri A. Murray, PhD, PHNA-BC, RN, is dean emerita, professor, and chief diversity officer at Saint Louis University School of Nursing in Missouri. Murray is actively involved in workforce development and governmental affairs at the state and national levels. As a board-certified advanced public health nurse, her research and policy interests are focused on the social and structural determinants of health, the interplay among the social and political environments, and health equity.

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