[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 69 (Friday, May 9, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S5994]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                          NATIONAL NURSES WEEK

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I acknowledge the importance of 
this week and pay tribute to a very important sector of our health care 
workforce. This week marks ``National Nurse Week,'' which highlights 
the critical role that nurses play in our Nation's health care system. 
Nurses are the backbone of our health care system and their continued 
dedication and commitment to both patients and doctors deserves our 
praise during this special week. I am thankful for all the hard work 
that the men and women of this profession provide to the people of 
South Dakota and our Nation.
  South Dakota is fortunate to have several successful nursing programs 
throughout the State dedicated to providing outstanding service to the 
people of South Dakota. It is important that these institutions 
continue to grow and work to bring bright young professionals to the 
nursing field. This job has become more difficult in recent years as 
the profession faces increased workforce shortages. The average 
practicing nurse is in her midforties and will soon leave the workforce 
for retirement. At the same time, we have less and less young nurses 
entering the field. This is especially a problem for rural States, such 
as South Dakota, which have chronic health care worker recruitment and 
retention problems. The nursing shortage also puts great strain on 
those currently working in the profession. Initiatives need to be taken 
on both fronts, professional and educational, to address these 
challenges and bolster the nursing workforce in preparation for an 
aging baby boom generation.
  Last year, I was pleased to be a cosponsor of the Nurse Reinvestment 
Act, which was signed into law. This critically important legislation 
has established five standards that will help alleviate many of the 
problems facing the nursing profession, including a specific focus on 
implementing these programs in rural areas. First, it creates a 
National Nurse Service Corps Scholarship Program, which provides 
scholarships in exchange for at least 2 years of service in a critical 
nursing shortage area or facility. Second, it will recruit nurses by 
establishing Nurse Recruitment Grants and by creating both national and 
State public awareness campaigns. Third, it creates ``career ladder'' 
programs that will encourage individuals to pursue additional 
education, training, and advancement within the profession. Fourth, it 
includes a loan, scholarship, and stipend program for graduate level 
education in the nursing profession in exchange for teaching at an 
accredited school of nursing. Finally, it establishes a National 
Commission on the Recruitment and Retention of Nurses to conduct 
studies and make recommendations on the vital issues facing the nursing 
profession.
  The fiscal year 2003 Omnibus Appropriations bill designated $20 
million in funding for the Nurse Reinvestment Act. While this marks a 
step in the right direction, I would like to see this funding increased 
to accurately reflect what is really needed to curb the workforce 
shortage crisis. I joined several of my colleagues in fighting for $250 
million in new money for this program last year, and as a member of the 
Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for 
additional resources towards that goal.
  As I have noted, the nursing workforce is the foundation of our 
health care system. The continued dedication and commitment of our 
country's nurses is truly inspirational and has made patients' lives 
better and doctors' jobs easier. I look forward to seeing this 
workforce grow as a result of the wonderful programs authorized by the 
Nurse Reinvestment Act. I will do what I can to help foster the 
expansion of these programs and I celebrate Nurses Week by thanking the 
nurses of this country for all that they do.

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