Guillermo Mendoza-Lujan, Secretary-Treasurer of Service Employees International Union Local 121RN, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to address significant changes threatening the nursing profession. Representing more than 13,000 members, Mendoza-Lujan highlighted the growing challenges that nurses and other healthcare professionals face due to new federal loan caps, the financial implications for aspiring nurses and organizing efforts to turn the tide.
Mendoza-Lujan began by explaining that recent legislation now caps borrowing for professional nursing programs at $20,500 per year. He said this is inadequate given that some nursing programs, especially those at private schools, often charge upwards of $180,000 to earn a degree in four years. Mendoza-Lujan argued that these caps deter individuals from entering nursing and other vital healthcare professions, thereby exacerbating the ongoing nurse shortage in California and across the nation.
Next, Mendoza-Lujan discussed the broader impact beyond nursing, noting that occupational therapists, physical therapists and social workers are similarly affected by the loan caps. These health care specialties are essential to rehabilitation and patient recovery, and restricting their access to funding undermines the quality and availability of care, he said. Mendoza-Lujan shared stories from nurses and other professionals describing how financial strain pushes dedicated workers to the brink, which could have long-term consequences for the U.S. health system.
Lastly, Mendoza-Lujan advocated for increased union engagement and political activism among nurses. He recounted participating in rallies and press conferences, such as the one led by U.S. Representative Laura Friedman, where professionals spoke out against loan restrictions. Mendoza-Lujan urged nurses, patients and community members to contact legislators and support union organizing as a way to protect education, maintain safe staffing levels and ensure quality patient care. He emphasized that joining a union amplifies the collective voice necessary to effect legislative changes and secure the future of healthcare.
For more from Mendoza-Lujan, listen to the full episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast above.
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