I have been a pediatric nurse at the University of Missouri for 39 years and a Maternal-Child Clinical Nurse Specialist for almost 20. The University of Missouri pays female Advanced Practice Nurses (Nurse Practioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists) less than males with similar education and job duties.

For years the University has admitted the disparity but has done nothing. I tried to force them to follow the Equal Pay Act. In return, they took my clinical duties away, stated that I am incompetent, and blamed me for physician misconduct and lack of compliance with state and federal regulations.

Nurses are an important part of healthcare and are not easily replaced. Please help to make a difference in my life and the lives of all my nursing colleagues.