Photo by Patty Brito on Unsplash
Few people who are not nurses or researchers have likely heard about the Nurses Health Study. Begun in 1976, it is one of the most enduring longitudinal health studies and has produced important findings that have improved the lives of everyone. But it is likely to end because of the Trump administration’s battle with Harvard University that has cut about $2.6 billion in research and contracts from that university, including for the Nurses Health Study. Why should people care? HealthCetera host Diana Mason, RN, posed that question to Jean Keifner, RN, a retired school nurse who is one of the original participants in the study; and Robin Cogan, RN, HealthCetera correspondent, school nurse, and creator/writer of the blog, The Relentless School Nurse. Cogan wrote one of her blog posts on the Nurses Health Study and included actions that people can take to oppose its closure. This interview first aired on WIOX Radio on July 30, 2025.
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Jeanne Kiefner RN MEd FNASN / August 9, 2025
Diana, How pleased I am to have been a participant with your health policy expertise relating to nursing over 50 years. This project began because of my interest in nurses’ health care and research. I never believed it would ever come back to me creating years of memories. Unfortunately I did not keep notes about questions and answers that helped with this research but speaking with you has challenged me to become very inquisitive about the future of this superior interest in women and nurses’ health. You are certainly giving us provocation about the 50 years of biospecimens, research, writings, etc. being housed? destroyed? utilized? where will that data be?
Thank you for introducing me to another challenge in my nursing knowledge and life. I loved being part of your work.
Jeanne
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