[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 70 (Thursday, May 7, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S5279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       TRIBUTE TO OKLAHOMA NURSES

 Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, I wish to honor the men and women 
who have dedicated their lives to caring for others through the nursing 
profession. As you may know, National Nurses' Week is celebrated from 
May 6 through 12. Nurses play a crucial role in our health care system. 
The need for attention to detail, medical expertise, time management, 
critical thinking, and compassion shape a vocation that is more than a 
career. Professional nurses make enduring investments in their 
patients' lives.
  Nursing is the largest health care occupation, with over 2.5 million 
nurses nationwide. In my State of Oklahoma, there are over 25,000 
registered nurses alone. Nurses are found in a wide variety of 
settings, including hospitals, doctors' offices, schools, nursing 
homes, community clinics, and even the battlefield. Nurses do more than 
treat wounds and assist doctors. They help us all, regardless of age or 
standing, from the tiniest premature baby to the senior who has a life 
full of memories. They comfort those in pain, ease children's fears, 
educate students, attend deliveries, and offer assurance to worried 
parents. Nurses are trained to take care of the whole patient, sick or 
healthy.
  It is no coincidence that the last day of National Nurses' Week, May 
12, is also the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of the 
modern nursing profession. Her work set an example of commitment to 
patients that can be seen and felt even today. The skill, dedication, 
and strength of our nurses are too often overlooked. Quality of life 
has increased for many Oklahomans, myself included, as a result of a 
nurse's actions and care. Nursing is among the noblest professions.
  Madam President, I ask that you join me today in honoring nurses both 
in Oklahoma and all across the Nation.

                          ____________________