[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 59 (Friday, May 10, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E783]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          NATIONAL NURSES WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL FERGUSON

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 10, 2002

  Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today in recognition 
of National Nurses Week.
  Every year, National Nurses Week is celebrated from May 6 to May 12, 
the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of nursing as a modem 
profession. During this week, we recognize the accomplishments and 
tireless efforts nurses make in order to improve our healthcare system.
  Nurses are devoted to their profession and to people in need. They 
serve our country on the front lines of care in our doctor's offices, 
hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and schools.
  As we in Congress work to strengthen Medicare and ensure that all 
people have access to first class healthcare, we are reminded of the 
long hours of hard work that nurses endure, the sacrifices they make 
everyday to contribute to the health and well being of our communities.
  With a large population of Americans aging, the continuing expansion 
of life-sustaining technology, and the explosive growth of home health 
care services, the nursing profession will become increasingly 
important. In fact, it is estimated that our country will need more 
than one million new nurses over the next decade. In order to encourage 
individuals to enter the nursing profession and support care for our 
loved ones, we must promote education programs, provide information to 
recruit individuals and highlight the role of nurses in the community.
  As such, I ask you to join me in honoring nurses for their commitment 
to the principles we value. While they serve as the foundation of our 
Nation's healthcare system, nurses' dedication to their work and 
compassion for all patients exemplify the best of America's spirit.

                          ____________________