[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 64 (Thursday, May 10, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E783]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E783]]
                          NATIONAL NURSES WEEK

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                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 10, 2001

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
me in celebrating National Nurses Week. This week is an important 
reminder of nurses and their continued dedication and concern for their 
patients every day.
  Well trained nurses are the cornerstone of our nation's health 
system. Currently, hospitals and other health care employers are faced 
with an emerging nurse shortage. After meeting with several nursing and 
health care organizations in my district, I believe increased funding 
of existing nurse education programs and new programs to recruit and 
retain nurses are desperately needed to provide advanced training and 
to build the faculty workforce. I am actively working with my 
colleagues to pursue these goals.
  It is important to support the goals and ideas of National Nurses 
Week, because their impressive level of achievement and accomplishment 
are a milestone for the nursing profession as a whole. Mr. Speaker, I 
know my colleagues join me in support and appreciation of these 
extraordinary individuals.

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