[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 149 (Tuesday, September 24, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E962-E963]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING NEPHROLOGY NURSES WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 2024

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the vital 
contributions of nephrology nurses and address the profound impact 
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has on the Greater Philadelphia Community. 
Nephrology nurses are critical to the support and care of patients who 
suffer with CKD and often go above and beyond to meet their patients' 
needs. Recognizing their critical work, I am proud to support the 
designation of September 8-14, 2024, as National Nephrology Nurses 
Week.
  CKD statistics are staggering: about 1 in 7 Americans are affected by 
chronic kidney disease, over 1.8 million people in Pennsylvania alone. 
We must provide the necessary education and care to this vulnerable 
population and their families and recognize the significance of the 
nurses who practice in all areas of nephrology.
  Nephrology nurses practice in countless different areas as they care 
for patients with CKD, such as inpatient (hospital) and outpatient 
hemodialysis, transplantation, home therapy, pediatric dialysis, and 
CKD education. Nephrology nurses' responsibilities include care 
coordination, outcome management, supervision and delegation, patient-
centered

[[Page E963]]

care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and focused, one-on-one teaching 
of patients, their families, and their support systems.
  I call upon all members of our community to join me in celebrating 
the strength, courage, and dedication of nephrology nurses. Let us 
honor those who care for this patient population in the Greater 
Philadelphia area and reaffirm our commitment to supporting these 
dedicated nurses.
  Congress should also support the designation of September 8-14, 2024, 
as National Nephrology Nurses Week. Together, let us acknowledge the 
role of these nurses in our community regarding the care and support of 
those with CKD.
  I encourage all individuals to learn more about chronic kidney 
disease and the impact it has on our health system and our population 
in Pennsylvania, as well as celebrate the invaluable impact made by 
nephrology nurses.

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