[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 66 (Tuesday, April 24, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E517]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE NURSES OF METHODIST LE BONHEUR HEALTHCARE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DIANE BLACK

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 24, 2018

  Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Speaker, there are 3 million registered nurses in the 
United States that comprise our nation's largest health care 
profession. Today I rise to honor National Nurses Week May 6-12, 2018, 
and my friends working within Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare.
   When I first became a nurse more than 40 years ago, I took an oath 
to ``devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.'' I 
still consider the words of that oath today in the decisions I make as 
a Member of Congress--particularly in matters of protecting the most 
vulnerable among us.
   In that same oath, we also pledge ourselves before God to practice 
our profession faithfully. Nursing is not simply an occupation--it's a 
calling, and those are powerful words that we carry with us day in and 
day out.
   Every day, registered nurses are working to chart a new course for a 
healthy nation and it is a privilege to honor them, and celebrate the 
ways in which they inspire, innovate, and influence to provide safe and 
high quality patient care.
   Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system and I am proud to 
recognize the outstanding men and women of Methodist Le Bonheur 
Healthcare. We should show our appreciation for our nation's registered 
nurses not just during National Nurses Week, but at every opportunity 
throughout the year.

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