[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 11, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E804-E805]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE SERVICE OF CADET NURSES DURING NATIONAL NURSES WEEK

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                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 11, 2010

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of our 
Nation's nurses as we commemorate National Nurses Week and in 
particular to remember the service of the Cadet Nurse Program 
participants during World War II.
  Nurses have long provided invaluable service in a wide array of 
medical settings. But few circumstances call for greater service to 
others or place more demands on society than times of conflict and war. 
Sixty-seven years ago, thousands of nurses answered this call and rose 
to these demands by taking part in the Cadet Nurse Program established 
in the midst of one of the greatest conflicts of the last century.
  The demand for medical services caused by WWII led to a critical 
shortage of nurses both within the military and domestically. Congress 
responded by passing the Nurse Training Act

[[Page E805]]

of 1943, which provided an opportunity for accredited nursing schools 
to offer accelerated training programs, greatly increasing the number 
of nurses available to serve at home and overseas. In addition, nursing 
students were able to receive subsidies for the cost of their training 
and a modest living stipend, which permitted many students to advance 
economically.
  However, the Cadet Nurses' path through this program was not simple 
or easy. In addition to the daily stresses and high demands of nursing 
work, these future nurses faced the additional burdens of completing 
their studies faster than regular students and learning critical skills 
on the job instead of in the classroom. Yet, by responding to these 
challenges, the nursing students receiving training through the Cadet 
Nurse Program were critical to supporting the increased need for 
services during this difficult time in our Nation's history.
  As we celebrate National Nurses Week, let us remember the difficult 
work that all nurses carry out. They serve at the front lines of 
medical care: often, they are the first and most familiar medical 
provider patients will see.
  This week, I ask you to join me in remembering and honoring the work 
of Cadet Nurses and making sure that their outstanding service to their 
communities and our Nation is not forgotten.

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