Part of the mission at NSRH is to advocate for nurses to be recognized as essential to the healthcare workforce and an essential voice in advocating for gaps in the sexual and reproductive health and justice landscape. We advocate for our nurses by building education, programs, and community spaces that advance the skills and network of nurses to continue providing full-spectrum SRH care.
When SB-8 passed in Texas in 2021, we were grappling with the impact this would have not only on the thousands of people who deserve access to abortions but also on all of the healthcare staff committed to ensuring their communities have access to this care. With this in mind, NSRH created the Abortion Nursing Corps, a program that places registered nurses who have experience in abortion care at clinics experiencing an increase in volume from neighboring states with anti-abortion legislation. The need for this program became even more critical when Roe v. Wade was overturned and abortion care workers began losing their jobs. Our current system of healthcare and abortion access is failing us. As a national organization committed to SRH and RJ, we have to reimagine new models of care - NSRH’s Abortion Nursing Corps program is one approach to building these new models.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the first pilot cohort, the travel assignment will last 8-weeks. The nurse is expected to complete the full 8-week assignment.
This program is for NSRH members only. Please visit our Join page if you would like to apply to the Abortion Nursing Corps but are not an NSRH member.
Other eligibility requirements:
- ACLS & BLS certified
- Holds an active multi-state nursing license
- Up to date on vaccinations including tetanus, COVID, flu, and a negative TB skin test or chest x-ray within the last year
* We are prioritizing registered nurses with previous experience in abortion care.
At this time NSRH is partnering with vetted clinic(s) that have identified a need for short-term staffing and can support a travel nurse role. For that reason, travel nurses will not be able to choose their placement site.
No, it is free to apply and participate in the Abortion Nursing Corps.
All accepted applicants will either need to submit or complete:
- A valid multi-state nursing license in good standing
- Up-to-date vaccinations, including Sars-COVID 19
- Background check
- Current ACLS & BLS certification
- Reference check
Nurses with a valid license to work in the placement state, and who are working within the scope of that license and according to the laws of that jurisdiction should not be subject to any additional scrutiny or risk. NSRH has worked with healthcare attorneys to mitigate any risk to the nurse, but with the changing regulatory landscape regarding the provision of reproductive healthcare services, we cannot ensure that there is no risk. NSRH will support the nurse if any legal action is required as a result of properly provided services by a nurse who is licensed and certified to provide services in a jurisdiction.
Yes, nurses will receive an hourly wage as well as a weekly- living stipend.
Individual liability insurance will be covered by NSRH and clinic facility insurance will cover the nurses as well.
Registered nurses who do not have abortion care experience, but may have other affiliate experience (ED, PACU, ambulatory-care etc.) can apply. We are prioritizing nurses with abortion care experience, especially those who may be out of work due to clinic closures.