[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 59 (Friday, May 13, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 13, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     TRIBUTE TO OUR NATION'S NURSES

                                 ______


                           HON. DEAN A. GALLO

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 12, 1994

  Mr. GALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate our Nation's 
nurses for their outstanding work and dedication in providing care to 
the sick.
  As a result of being on the front lines of treating medical 
conditions, while also performing most of the required administrative 
duties in providing that care, nurses are in a unique position to 
understanding the system. In fact, I don't think there is any other 
health care profession that is as exposed to the intricacies of 
providing health care as nurses are.
  The nursing profession faces imminent change as Congress moves 
forward with reform, and they are facing many new challenges in today's 
ever-changing medical technology. More than ever before, nurses are 
playing an important role in expanding quality care while our 
expectations of them rise.
  Even under the strain of health care reform, austere budgets, rapid 
change in technology, inadequate pay, and a shortage of nurses, they 
continue to carry out their responsibilities of protecting their 
clients and maintaining public trust like no other group of 
professionals. Few people truly understand the important service nurses 
provides in keeping our communities together.
  I urge my colleagues to listen closely to what they have to say. 
These are the care givers who are on the front lines of the system, and 
they are keenly aware of what needs to be done to improve the quality 
of care in this country.
  In my health care advisory group I have two nurses--Ms. Golden 
Bethune and Ms. Muriel Shore. They have been indispensable to me in 
keeping me informed of concerns of their colleagues and their patients, 
and I hear them. I appreciate having the honor of working with them, 
and I am proud that they are active members of New Jersey's District 
11.
  Mr. Speaker, I salute our Nation's nurses. They deserve our support, 
our gratitude, and our respect.

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