[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 55 (Thursday, April 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E715]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING OUR NATION'S NURSES

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                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 14, 2011

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of our nation's 
nurses, and in recognition of the exemplary healthcare they provide to 
patients all across our country. Nurses represent the largest group of 
healthcare professionals, standing at the front lines of our nation's 
healthcare system. They are our brothers, our daughters, our neighbors 
and friends. My own sister was a nurse and my mother was a nurse's 
aide, and I remember the dedication and sense of service they brought 
to their job every day.
  I'm sure that everyone in this chamber can remember one time, if not 
many, when a loved one needed medical help or felt ill. Often, a nurse 
is the first person by our side when we need it most. Often, their 
compassion, their expertise, and their decisions make all the 
difference.
  Recently, my office had the chance to welcome my constituent Grace 
Paranzino, as a part of the Nurse in Washington Internship Program. She 
spoke of her experiences in nursing, and how we as a nation can better 
serve the needs of those who so often serve ours. For all the vital 
services they provide, nurses are severely short-staffed across the 
country: 2.5 million nursing positions are currently waiting to be 
filled. The Health Resources and Services Administration predicts that 
by 2030, that number could climb even higher to nearly 30%.
  Nurses across this country need our help. They need lawmakers here in 
Washington to enact smart policies that don't impede their ability to 
save lives and ease suffering. They also need us to encourage 
qualified, professional, and educated citizens like themselves to take 
up the profession of nursing.
  Therefore, I ask my colleagues to join me today in applauding these 
nurses from my home state of Michigan and across the country.

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