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Letter from the NIH Director to nurses

September 17, 2019

Dear Ms. Summers:

Thank you for your recent email expressing your interest in and support for nursing science and the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR). I recognize the concerns raised by your organization, The Truth About Nursing, regarding the leadership transition at NINR. I am writing to you personally share NIH's plans for NINR.

NINR is, and will remain, a vital part of the NIH community. Its work to support the practice of the nation's largest healthcare profession provides the critical link between the laboratory and the clinic to patients and families. For over 30 years, under the leadership of outstanding nurse scientists, NINR has been the largest federal supporter of nursing research, providing research grants and training opportunities for nurse scientists across the United States. The work of NINR-supported scientists has led to critical discoveries in areas such as symptom science, wellness, and end-of-life and palliative care.

Patricia Grady, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., led NINR for over two decades, and upon her retirement in 2018, I initiated a search for the next NINR Director. While the search has required more time than I would have hoped, I am sure you would agree that it is more important that we identify the absolute best candidate for the job. I am confident that we will identify an experienced nurse leader with a bold vision for setting NINR and nursing science on a dynamic course for the future, and I share your organization's desire to see this position filled as quickly as possible. To this end, I recently charged a new search committee to identify a pool of strong candidates from the nursing science community to be considered for this important position. The vacancy announcement was posted on the NIH website on September 13. Please encourage your constituents to spread the word about this important position and to consider applying.

For the past year, Ann Cashion, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., has done an exemplary job as the Acting Director of NINR. Her leadership of NINR during this transition period has been greatly appreciated and will be missed. Following Dr. Cashion's departure later this month, and until the new NINR Director is identified, I want to ensure that the work of the Institute continues unabated under experienced NIH leadership. That is why I have asked the Principal Deputy Director of NIH, Lawrence Tabak, D.D.S., Ph.D., to serve as the interim NINR Director while we commence this search. I have also asked the Associate Deputy Director of NIH, Tara Schwetz, Ph.D., to serve as the interim NINR Deputy Director, managing the day-to-day operations of the Institute. As of August 26, Dr. Schwetz has been working closely with Dr. Cashion and current NINR staff to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of leadership. Both of these individuals have been willing, at my request, to make major time commitments to these interim roles.

The involvement of senior NIH leadership in running NINR until we appoint a permanent Director is reflective of our firm belief in the importance of nursing science, both now and in the years to come.

Throughout this period of searching for the next Director, the Institute, its mission, and its functions will remain largely unchanged. NINR will continue to implement its current Strategic Plan, and NINR's capable staff will continue their important roles in facilitating the work of NINR-supported scientists across the United States.

Thank you again for your commitment to nursing and nursing science and for your organization's efforts on behalf of the nursing profession. It is through the support of the nursing community that NINR and nursing research will continue making important contributions to improve the health of all.

Sincerely yours,

Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D.
Director, NIH

See the Truth About Nursing's response to the NIH Director here.

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