[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 11, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                  COMMEMORATING NATIONAL NURSES' WEEK

  (Ms. McKINNEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. McKINNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise in salute of National Nurses' 
Week.
  Throughout the centuries, nurses have been the front line and the 
last line of defense in health care. Doctors make the diagnosis, but 
nurses make you well.
  Since the profession is predominantly female, nursing is not unlike 
most women's jobs. Nurses are overworked, underpaid and undervalued in 
their role as caregivers.
  Yet, nurses are essential to the health care system and the people 
whom they serve. Both doctors and patients depend on nurses for their 
expertise and bedside manner.
  One of the answers to our health care problems in this country should 
be to fully utilize the abilities of nurses, nurse midwives, and nurse 
practitioners.
  Today, I'd like to honor the nurses at Grady Hospital, Augusta 
Regional Medical Center and all who serve ably in our rural hospitals 
and small community health centers throughout Georgia's 11th District.
  I would also like to pay a special tribute to Leola McKinney: a woman 
who recently retired as head nurse at Grady Hospital's Emergency 
Medical Clinic where she worked for 40 years--and who just happens to 
be my Mom.

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