Date: 2008-05-06
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Let me thank my colleague and friend of longstanding. I want to also thank the minority side for their assistance. and both Chairman DINGELL and Ranking Member BARTON. As a registered nurse with a masters degree. it is a privilege and a delight to offer a resolution recognizing National Nurses Week which is May 6 through 12. I have two outstanding colleagues that we have found to have something in common. Congresswoman Lois CARPS and Congresswoman CAROLYN MCCARTHY. who are also nurses and champions of this resolution and of the profession. and I thank them for their efforts to encourage more than 110 congressional colleagues to cosponsor this bill honoring nurses. The Congressional Nursing Caucus was also helpful in promoting the legislation. and I appreciate Members efforts to rally support for H. Res. 1086. Nurses are a key component of our Nations health care system. Whether on7 the battlefield or at sea. in a skilled nursing facility. in a hospital or even in a patients own home. the care that a nurse provides is very valuable. Nurses are intelligent individuals who must often make quick decisions in an effort to save the life of a patient. even before the physician arrives. Nurses are recognized as the patients primary advocate and every poll shows that nurses are always very trusted by the patients. They are tasked with closely monitoring even small changes in a patients health. Nurses are tough. directed. decisionmaking people who work under stress and in difficult situations. For 15 years I provided handson patient care as a psychiatric nurse at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Dallas. The work was challenging but fulfilling. Thats why I still remain very interested in quality care for all of our veterans. Although more than 2.5 million nurses work in the United States. our Nation has suffered from a nursing shortage. Those currently in the profession are beginning to retire. There are fewer individuals entering the profession. The nursing shortage is unprecedented in its depth and duration. with a projection of over 1 million new and replacement nurses needed by Nursing schools need help attracting wellprepared faculty to recruit the best and brightest into their educational programs. Loan forgiveness and educational incentive programs can help. but Congress must do more to encourage bright young minds toward nursing. Nursing is a career that has been valued for a long time. and it is fitting to recognize the Navy Nurse Corps on its 100th anniversary this year. For nearly 100 years before Congress formally established the Navy Nurse Corps in 1908. women worked as hurses aboard Navy ships and in Navy hospitals. As early as the War of 1812. volunteers performed nursing duty in places that were often dangerous and required courage in the face of adversity. Members of the esteemed Navy Nurse Corps care for those brave men and women who fight for our freedoms. They contribute to relief efforts in all corners of the globe. They serve in lead roles as part of a unified health care team. The Navy Nurse Corps practices progressive patient care. It enjoys a rich heritage. accompanied by hightech training. A registered nurse in the Navy is also a respected officer. serving in modern facilities at home. at sea. around the country and across the globe. I am proud to especially recognize the Navy Nurse Corps for its centuries of outstanding service for our military men and women. Todays resolution honors the good work that all nurses do. (1) recognizes the significant contributions of nurses to the health care system of the United States. (2) supports the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week as founded by the American Nurses Association. and (3) encourages the people of this Nation to observe National Nurses Week with appropriate recognition. ceremonies. activities. and programs to demonstrate the importance of nurses to the everyday lives of patients. Along with my many supportive colleagues. I want to thank the House leadership for bringing this important resolution to the floor. I urge its support.