The Department of Education just finalized the RISE Rule — and graduate nursing still isn't a "professional degree." What does that mean? It means nursing students starting after July 1, 2026 can borrow less than half of what med students, law students, and even chiropractic students can access in federal loans. The Department says it's just a classification issue. Jamie says it's misogyny in a bureaucratic hat.

Jamie breaks down what the RISE Rule actually does, why the CIP code defense doesn't hold up, why "just get a private loan" is not the answer anyone thinks it is, and what this means for a nursing workforce that's already short 264,000 nurses — with 40% of current nurses planning to leave within five years. Plus: what you can do about it, and why your legislators need to hear from you yesterday.

Stay tuned after the Soapbox for our conversation with Dr. Victoria Soltis-Jarrett of UNC on what "professional" status really means for the nurses doing this work every day.

See more on our Substack.

The U.S. and Israel have launched massive strikes against Iran. Cable news is debating carrier groups and regime change. We're checking the vitals of the people right here at home.

War doesn't just happen "over there." In this bonus episode, Jamie and Melissa Anne apply the nursing lens to the Third Gulf War's homefront realities — from a spike in oil prices and the financial toxicity hitting American households, to the cortisol-soaked "Headline Stress Disorder" disrupting sleep, relationships, and mental health across the country.

We also offer a four-step Nursing Care Plan for surviving a nation on a war footing — because you can't put a bandage on collective anxiety, but you can titrate media intake, add fact based journalism, and [Jamie's go to] contact your Congressional representatives.

Today's bonus episode features a discussion based on the Department of Education's final proposed rule that will EXCLUDE graduate level nursing education from the professional federal student loan limits. Jamie and Melissa Anne discuss how this impacts nurses, patients, and the healthcare system at large with Dr. Victoria Soltis-Jarrett, while providing context to what exactly graduate level nursing is.

Get more info, show notes, and follow us on Substack: https://nursingthenation.substack.com/

Jamie and Melissa Anne address the escalating violence and the tragic loss of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a VA ICU nurse who was killed by ICE agents on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Minnesota. Speaking not just as nurses, but as witnesses to the "best and worst of humanity," they deliver an urgent message to those who have previously remained silent or supported the current administration’s immigration policies.

Get more info, show notes, and follow us on Substack: https://nursingthenation.substack.com/

In this episode, Jamie and Melissa Anne unpack reports of a CDC-funded study in Guinea-Bissau that would randomize newborns to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth versus a delayed dose, which is framed by RFK Jr. as “gold standard science.” They break down what decades of evidence say about Hep B transmission and why the birth dose matters, then dig into the ethical red flags of testing delayed protection in a hyper-endemic setting, including concerns about vulnerable populations, justice, and preventable harm. We also connect the this "gold standard science" experiment to research ethics frameworks and discuss potential investigator bias and “cronyism” concerns. We also ask why this story hasn’t gotten more mainstream attention?

For more head to Nursingthenation.substack.com.

We’re excited to share a special bonus episode today. Jamie and Melissa recently joined host James Hodgson on Humanism Now, a podcast that explores how compassion, curiosity, equality, and freedom can help us build a fairer and more humane world. The show showcases the values and applications of a Humanist worldview. It's not anti-religion — it’s pro-human — and each week James speaks with thinkers, community leaders, and everyday people about how humanist values shape their lives and work.

This podcast highlights various conversations that align with a shared mission of Nursing the Nation: from science and education to ethics, the arts, and social care, Humanism Now celebrates the one life we have and the responsibility we share to leave a better world for those who follow.

If you enjoy this conversation, you can find Humanism Now on all major podcast platforms and on social media at @HumanismNowPod — links are in the show notes. James also runs Humanise Live, a production team helping charities and purpose-driven organizations start podcasts with heart, so do reach out if you’ve ever wanted to share your mission through podcasting. James was wonderful to work with!

Here’s our conversation with Humanism Now. Remember to head to Nursingthenation.substack.com.

As Season One of Nursing the Nation wraps up, Jamie and Melissa Anne sit down for a lighter, reflective conversation about the surprises, challenges, and insights that shaped their first year behind the mic. From discovering that both the Senate and House have nursing caucuses (who knew?) to unexpected twists in health policy history, the season taught them just as much as it informed listeners. They also share personal updates,(Melissa entering the dissertation phase of her PhD and Jamie following close behind) and how their doctoral work and nursing practice continue to guide the show’s direction.

Looking ahead to Season Two, they preview deep dives into the MAHA strategy plan, a behind-the-scenes look at the business of health care with an industry insider, and a multifaceted series on the U.S. maternal health crisis. Expect even more evidence-based policy analysis, nursing-centered perspectives, and conversations that highlight just how political, expansive, and essential nursing truly is.

Season Two will continue the ethical obligation nurses have to advocate for safety, dignity, equity, and just health policy. Until then, Jamie will still be active on Substack reading, writing, and keeping the conversation going. Thanks to everyone who joined us this season for a nurse’s take on the nation.

For more head to Nursingthenation.substack.com.

Our last Shout Out this season is to the esteemed nurse Ann Burgess. Ann Burgess is a doctorally prepared nurse scientist that is internationally recognized for her pioneering work in forensic science. Even if you have not heard her by name, you are likely to have known of her work. Did you watch the Netflix series Mindhunter? She is depicted as Dr. Wendy Carr (and we explain why). Dr. Burgess also has a fascinating 3-part documentary, Mastermind: To Think Like a Killer, on her work that is a must watch on Hulu. If you wanted further proof that nurses have engaged with all aspects of life and death, this episode will make the case.

For further information, visit Nursingthenation.substack.com