[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 2, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E697]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     HONORING NATIONAL NURSES WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 2, 2001

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the 2.7 million registered nurses in the United States. I encourage our 
nation to join me in celebrating their dedication and commitment to the 
health care needs of America during National Nurses Week. This year it 
begins on May 6 and ends on May 12, which is Florence Nightingale's 
birthday.
  Professional nurses are an indispensable component in the safety and 
quality of care of hospitalized patients. The depth and breadth of the 
nursing profession consistently meet the different and emerging health 
care needs of the American population in a wide range of settings. 
These settings include hospitals, home care, clinics, offices, extended 
care centers, schools, military service, corporations, and hospice 
among others. Indeed, our nurses touch all of our lives in a positive 
way.
  National Nurses Week was first celebrated in 1954 on the 100th 
anniversary of Florence Nightingale's mission to Crimea. Nurses have 
continually been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the 
American health care system ever since. Nurses today represent women 
and men from all walks of life, and reflect the people who live in the 
communities that they serve. Employment among nurses will grow faster 
than the average for all occupations through 2006, and nurses will 
become increasingly important as the demographics of our country change 
dramatically in coming years.
  The theme of this year's week is ``Nurses are the True Spirit of 
Caring.'' The theme could not be more appropriate. These individuals 
blend a scientific mind, technological know-how, compassionate heart, 
and helping hands in their day-to-day caring of patients.
  Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize and 
celebrate National Nurses Week with America's 2.7 million nurses. These 
special individuals truly do embody the spirit of caring.

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