[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 75 (Tuesday, May 8, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CELEBRATING NATIONAL NURSES WEEK

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                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS-

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 8, 2007

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to observe National Nurses 
Week, an annual recognition of the critical role played by registered 
nurses in meeting the nation's health care needs.
  The origin of this event can be traced to 1953, when Dorothy 
Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare 
proposed the proclamation of a ``Nurse Day.'' The following year, 
nurses were celebrated during the 100th anniversary of Florence 
Nightingale's mission to the Crimea.
  National Nurses Week now begins each year on the 6th of May, which is 
National Nurses Day. During the week, we also celebrate National 
Student Nurses Day, on May 8th, and School Nurses Day, on May 9th. The 
week concludes on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, which is 
celebrated around the world as International Nurses Day.
  National Nurses Week is one of the Nation's largest health care 
events. Activities include banquets, educational seminars, and other 
community-wide events. These events draw awareness to the importance of 
registered nurses in our nation's healthcare system. These nurses 
compose the largest group of healthcare workers in the United States.
  Today, I would like to recognize our nation's 2.4 million registered 
nurses for their passion to the health profession and their commitment 
to quality healthcare. I support the goals of National Nurses Week, and 
am proud to represent many of our nation's fine nurses in the 26th 
District of Texas.

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