[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 75 (Wednesday, May 7, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E848]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          NATIONAL NURSES WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 6, 2008

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as a registered 
nurse with a Master's in Public Administration, it is a privilege and a 
delight to offer a resolution recognizing National Nurses Week, which 
is May 6th through the 12th.
  My colleagues, Congresswoman Lois Capps and Congresswoman Carolyn 
McCarthy, are also nurses and champions of this resolution, and of the 
profession.
  I thank them for their efforts to encourage more than 110 
Congressional colleagues to cosponsor this bill honoring nurses.
  The Congressional Nursing Caucus was also helpful in promoting the 
legislation, and I appreciate Members' efforts to rally support for H. 
Res. 1086.
  National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6, also known as 
National Nurses Day, through May 12, the birthday of Florence 
Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
  Nurses are a key component of our Nation's health care system.
  Whether on the battlefield or at sea, in a skilled nursing facility, 
in a hospital or even in a patient's own home, the care that a nurse 
provides is so very valuable.
  Nurses are intelligent individuals who must often make quick 
decisions in an effort to save the life of a patient.
  Nurses are recognized as the patient's primary advocate.
  Nurses are tasked with closely monitoring even small changes in 
patients' health.
  Nurses are tough. They often do their work under duress, and in 
difficult conditions.
  For 15 years, I provided hands-on patient care as a psychiatric 
nurse.
  The work was challenging and fulfilling.
  Although more than 2.5 million nurses work in the United States, our 
Nation has suffered from a nursing shortage.
  Those currently in the profession are beginning to retire. There are 
fewer individuals entering the profession.
  The nursing shortage is unprecedented in its depth and duration, with 
a projection of over 1 million new and replacement nurses needed by 
2016.
  Nursing schools need help attracting well-prepared faculty to recruit 
the best and brightest into their educational programs.
  Loan forgiveness and educational incentive programs can help, but 
Congress must do more to encourage bright young minds toward nursing.
  Nursing is a career that has been valued for a long time, and it is 
fitting to recognize the Navy Nurse Corps on its 100th Anniversary this 
year.
  For nearly 100 years before Congress formally established the Navy 
Nurse Corps in 1908, women worked as nurses aboard Navy ships and in 
Navy hospitals.
  As early as the War of 1812, volunteers performed nursing duty in 
places that were often dangerous and required courage in the face of 
adversity.
  Members of the esteemed Navy Nurse Corps care for those brave men and 
women who fight for our freedoms.
  They contribute to relief efforts in all corners of the globe.
  They serve in lead roles as part of a unified health-care team.
  The Navy Nurse Corps practices progressive patient care.
  It enjoys a rich heritage accompanied by high-tech training.
  A registered nurse in the Navy is also a respected Officer, serving 
in modern facilities at home, at sea, around the country and across the 
globe.
  I am proud to especially recognize the Navy Nurse Corps for its 
centuries of outstanding service for our military men and women.
  Today's resolution honors the good work that all nurses do.
  H. Res. 1086:
  (1) recognizes the significant contributions of nurses to the health 
care system of the United States;
  (2) supports the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, as founded 
by the American Nurses Association; and
  (3) encourages the people of this Nation to observe National Nurses 
Week with appropriate recognition, ceremonies, activities, and programs 
to demonstrate the importance of nurses to the everyday lives of 
patients.
  Along with my many supportive colleagues, I want to thank the House 
leadership for bringing this important resolution to the Floor.

                          ____________________