BAINBRIDGE – This week, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) and Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30) introduced a resolution to annually recognize May 6th – 12th as National Nurses Week.

 

“Each year, National Nurses Week gives us the opportunity to honor our nation’s greatest unsung heroes,” said Joyce. “This year, however, has brought a new meaning to National Nurses Week. That’s why I am proud to join Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson in introducing this bipartisan resolution to not only recognize the important work nurses do, but also highlight how they willingly put themselves in harm’s way to care for their patients during pandemics like the one we are experiencing now with COVID-19. As the husband of a hardworking nurse and as a Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus, I am constantly reminded of the vital role nurses play in communities across the country. Their dedication to the health of our great nation is unmatched. To all the nurses who are working day-in and day-out amid this crisis, we thank you, we salute you, not only this week, but each and every day.”

 

“During this coronavirus pandemic, our nurses have proven time and time again their dedication, compassion, and expertise when delivering lifesaving medical care that our communities desperately need,” said Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. “As the first registered nurse elected to Congress, I am honored to lead this resolution with my colleague Representative Dave Joyce to recognize National Nurses Week for all the nurses serving throughout our nation in these challenging and unprecedented times.”

 

Specifically, the bipartisan resolution recognizes that National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6, also known as National Recognition Day for Nurses, through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. It establishes that the House of Representatives:

• supports the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week;
• recognizes the significant contributions of nurses to the health care system in the United States; and
• encourages the people of the United States to observe National Nurses Week with appropriate recognition, ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate the importance of nurses to the everyday lives of patients.

You can read the text of the resolution here.

To learn more about Joyce’s support for nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, click here.

To learn about Joyce’s efforts to strengthen nursing workforce programs to combat our nation’s nursing shortage, click here.
 
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