U.S. Congress Introduces Resolution to Celebrate National Nurses Week
Honoring the important contributions of nurses, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) and U.S. Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), and Lauren Underwood (D-IL) introduced (https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/members-of-congress-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-resolution-celebrating-national-nurses-week) a bipartisan, bicameral resolution to recognize National Nurses Week (https://www.nursingworld.org/education-events/national-nurses-week/history/).
The resolution (https://www.merkley.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/national_nurses_week_resolution.pdf) acknowledges the need to strengthen nursing workforce development and education and calls upon the public to recognize National Nurses Week while also supporting the nursing workforce. It celebrates the role nurses (https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/members-of-congress-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-resolution-celebrating-national-nurses-week) play in delivering safe, high-quality care every day—and particularly when treating injured and sick patients during wartime, natural disasters, and public health emergencies.
“As one of three nurses in Congress, I’m thrilled to help introduce this resolution and recognize nurses for all they do to care for their communities and protect public health,” Underwood, vice chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus, said (https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/members-of-congress-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-resolution-celebrating-national-nurses-week). “Every day, nurses are providing high-quality clinical care, engaging in policy advocacy, and leading in their communities. National Nurses Week is an opportunity to show our thanks and recognition. I look forward to continuing my work to support nurses at every stage of their education, training, and careers.”
“As the husband of a nurse, I’ve seen close-up how difficult nurses’ jobs are and how important they are to patients,” Merkley, who is co-chair of the Senate Nursing Caucus, said (https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/members-of-congress-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-resolution-celebrating-national-nurses-week). “Nurses in every corner of Oregon and all across the country provide crucial care, support, and advocacy for their patients and families during some of their most difficult moments. Let’s all take a moment to appreciate and celebrate the nurses in our communities for their dedication and care and recommit ourselves to doing all we can to provide them with the support they need to keep saving lives.”