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Nursing is a PROFESSIONAL Degree
As HR 1 goes into effect, it includes a strategy to address the cost of higher education by changing the federal loan system. The Department of Education (ED) is tasked with reducing government support for graduate school loans that are not subsidized. The approach includes the removal of the PLUS loan, which has triggered a 1965 definition of a professional degree to become relevant again. This means that graduate nursing students would only be eligible for half the amount of federal loans than graduate medical students. That definition of ‘professional degree’ programs excludes nursing, PT, OT, Chiropractors, and many more professional health care careers, making them ineligible for the higher loan cap.
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![It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Leo LeBel.
Leo was a remarkable nurse leader with a heart of gold and an unwavering sense of purpose. A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, tireless advocate, and past President of the Connecticut Nurses’ Association, he guided CNA and the Connecticut Nurses’ Foundation through lean times with creativity, perseverance, and a well-timed joke. His trademark belly laugh could lift any meeting and remind us of the joy in our shared work.
Leo’s contributions were recognized with some of the highest honors in Connecticut nursing, including the Agnes Ohlson Award for Outstanding Contributions to Nursing Through Political Action and the Vera R. Keane Award for Distinguished Service to CNA. His legacy in policy, advocacy, and advancing nursing will never be forgotten.
Above all, Leo will be remembered for his generosity of spirit, his endless ideas, and his ability to bring people together. He showed us that leadership and kindness can coexist — and that dedication to nursing can change lives.
Our thoughts are with his wife Terry, his family, and all who were touched by his work and his laughter. May we honor his legacy by carrying forward the advocacy and compassion he modeled every day. 🕊️💙
👉 For service details and ways to honor Leo, please see his full tribute here: [link in story]](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/554981233_18304097455247665_3109491611477329881_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=cbAimC2cBpQQ7kNvwFutabL&_nc_oc=AdlEI7LS_V0GY09LFWJCvPzI7TK2baDG2OAAw5fj3bjOBzUTOfBgO5QiFXLRnaHgfCM&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=7cA8V-U1IFHM8-r4fKZvOA&oh=00_Afg0vbDaJXGe2x9uEY3AT0ZrUkVVhG1LH0g8CvuRJcJYjQ&oe=692FA0C2)
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Since 1904 Connecticut Nurses Association has supported and advanced nursing in Connecticut to achieve healthier communities. Our mission is to protect and advance the practice of nursing and the health of people in Connecticut. Through advocacy, professional development, innovative solutions, and collaborations, we can achieve our mission.
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