[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 52 (Tuesday, May 2, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S3255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING VETERANS ADMINISTRATION NURSES

 Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, as we prepare to celebrate 
National Nurses Week during the week of May 6 through May 12, 2000, I 
would like to give special recognition to the dedicated nurses who 
serve the largest healthcare system in the world, the Veterans Health 
Administration. I rise today to recognize our Veterans Administration 
nurses for the critical care which they have provided throughout our 
nation's history and continue to provide today.
  The first VA nurses served the needs of veterans of the Spanish-
American War and World War I. In the 1930's, the VA Nursing Service was 
created, and employed 2,500 registered nurses. Throughout World War II, 
Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf War, VA nurses continued the 
tradition of outstanding service to our nation's veterans. The number 
of VA nurses has grown substantially, and today the Veterans Health 
Administration employs 34,000 registered nurses and 26,000 licensed 
practical nurses and nursing assistants, serving an average of 25 
million outpatients and 1 million inpatients annually. The VA Nursing 
Service maintains its tradition of excellence by encouraging nurses to 
pursue higher education, and was a forerunner in introducing advanced 
employment and educational policies. These trained professionals work 
in a nationwide system of VA health facilities located throughout the 
continental United States and its territories.
  I have been privileged to personally witness the hard work and 
dedication of Veterans Administration nurses. From 1946 until 1985, my 
mother served as a VA nurse at several hospitals including Aspinwall 
Veterans Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Butler Veterans 
Hospital in Butler, PA. As Chief of Nursing for 32 years, my mother can 
attest to the commitment which is typical of VA nurses everywhere. 
During times of low funding and limited staffing, VA nurses worked 
harder than ever to care for the needs of their patients. While my 
experience on the Senate Armed Services Committee has served as 
affirmation of the dedication of Veterans Administration nurses, it 
pales in comparison to the hard work and sacrifice that I personally 
witnessed as the son of a VA nurse.
  As we celebrate National Nurses Week, it is imperative that we 
remember those who have faithfully served and continue to care for our 
Nation's veterans.

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