Norton Commends National Nurses Association and MedStar As She Celebrates National Nurses Week

Norton Commends National Nurses Association and MedStar As She Celebrates National Nurses Week

May 6, 2011

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) yesterday recognized and celebrated the contributions of nurses in the Washington region on the House floor for National Nurses Week. She said she was particularly pleased that this week the National Nurses Association and MedStar Health reached a tentative labor agreement. In March, the Congresswoman sent a letter to MedStar, urging the parties to reach an accord at the Washington Hospital Center, when negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement broke down, resulting in a one-day strike.

In her statement, she noted that the District of Columbia has the largest concentration of registered nurses in the country, and said, "Nurses are often patients' primary healthcare point of contact and often provide their only care. We need to celebrate nurses during National Nurses Week, and every week, for what they mean to Americans and their healthcare."

Norton's full floor remarks follow.

--

Remarks of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton on National Nurses Week

I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing nurses in the District of Columbia and the metropolitan region during the celebration of National Nurses Week, May 6-12, 2011.

Nurses make up the largest percentage of the healthcare workforce. Washington, DC has the largest concentration of registered nurses. In addition to registered nurses, there are clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, nurse-midwives, nurse practitioners, and other nurses, who serve patients in our hospitals, community health clinics, doctor's offices, nursing homes, private homes, public and private schools, local and federal government agencies, and private businesses.

Nurses are often patients' primary point of contact, giving nurses the opportunity to get to know patients and their families. Nurses gain patients' trust and are essential to providing high-quality healthcare. Each year, we rightfully celebrate nurses during National Nurses Week for their contributions to patients in particular and to the healthcare system in general.

As a cosponsor of H. Res. 83, a resolution recognizing National Nurses Weekon May 6 through May 12, 2011, I applaud the nursing professionals who serve the residents of the District of Columbia and the metropolitan region for their continued commitment to patient care. I ask the House to join me in applauding nurses in the District of Columbia, the metropolitan region, and the nation.