[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 52 (Tuesday, May 2, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E612]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        A TRIBUTE TO AMERICAN NURSES DURING NATIONAL NURSES WEEK

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                        HON. WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 2, 2000

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a 
remarkable group of dedicated health professionals--the 2 million+ 
registered nurses in the United States.
  These outstanding men and women, who work hard to save lives and 
maintain the health of millions of individuals, will celebrate National 
Nurses Week from May 6-12, 2000. Registered nurses will be honored by 
hosting or participating in several events such as rallies, childhood 
immunizations, community health screenings, publicity efforts, dinners, 
receptions and hospital events. I believe that any American who has 
ever been cared for by a nurse should join in the celebration of 
National Nurses Week.
  Modern nursing has been traced to Florence Nightingale's efforts 
during the Crimean War of the mid-19th century. Exactly 100 years after 
Nightingale's methods were first used, National Nurses Week was first 
observed from October 11-16, 1954. National Nurses Day and Week was 
eventually moved to May to include Florence Nightingale's birthday, 
which is May 12th.
  Using this year's theme: ``Nurses--Keeping the Care in Health Care,'' 
the American Nurses Association (ANA) and its 53 constituent 
associations will highlight the diverse ways in which registered 
nurses, the largest health care profession, are working to improve 
health care for Americans. Thankfully, the efforts of nurses are being 
widely acknowledged. According to the Gallup Poll's 1999 ``Honesty and 
Ethics'' survey, nursing ranked #1 of 45 among the most respected 
professions.
  Mr. Speaker, I will salute America's nurses during the week of May 6-
12, 2000. I encourage my colleagues to do the same.

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