Legislation to help increase the number of practicing nurses in Pennsylvania will soon receive a final vote on the house floor.
The legislation is three separate bills and hopes to provide more opportunities for Pennsylvanians to get into the nursing industry.
The first piece of legislation will allow nurses and graduate nurses to immediately take the Certified Nurse Aide exam once all relevant coursework is completed.
The second would allow people to take a skills competency exam so they can be a direct caregiver. Right now they must have a high school diploma or GED.
Finally, the third bill would allow high school juniors and seniors to earn two credits towards their graduation requirement for employment in a nursing facility, personal care home, assisted living residence, or hospital.
The bill received bipartisan support in the senate and is expected to pass through the state house.
