AFGE Honors the Commitment, Passion and Service of Federal Nurses with First Ever Federal Nurses Week

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Across America, 100,000 federal nurses are silently caring for our nation's veterans, active duty troops and families, and some of our most vulnerable populations. In light of their critical role to our nation's health and well-being and their shared commitment to public health care systems, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) resolved to honor these dedicated public servants with an annual week of recognition, called Federal Nurses Week. Beginning Sept. 22nd through 28th, this yearly event aims to introduce America to these nurses who work around the clock to keep our nation healthy and strong.

"In so many different ways government employees are working diligently to serve and protect us," says J. David Cox Sr., AFGE National President and sole nurse serving on the national executive council of the AFL-CIO. "Nurses in the federal sector are often overlooked and we're advocating to change that. As a nurse who spent more than 20 years serving veterans, I know first-hand the sacrifice and dedication federal nurses bring to their jobs. We proudly champion this important new annual celebration of these dedicated caregivers by establishing an annual week of recognition for their crucial role in government service."

Led by the union's Nurse Steering Committee and National Veterans Affairs Council (NVAC), AFGE is also working with members of Congress for the national recognition of Federal Nurses Week through legislation. This designated week encourages workers and agencies around the country to host celebratory events and tackle issues that directly impact federal nurses such as safe staffing, training and overtime limits.

"When we established the Nurse Steering Committee within AFGE we set out to fully represent the issues facing nurses at the federal level," said AFGE District 8 National Vice President Jane Nygaard. "Through that representation we have faced difficult issues and uphill battles. But we've also strengthened our appreciation for the work of our nurses. We want to uplift and celebrate those who are working in often very challenging circumstances."

Nurses fill the ranks of patient care staff in various other federal agencies as well. Federal nurses staff the Indian Health Service and the National Institutes of Health, caring for economically disadvantaged and uniquely-ill patients. They also deliver care in dangerous and demanding environments, like the Bureau of Prisons.

"Federal Nurses Week provides us an opportunity to expand our advocacy and celebration of dedicated public servants," added AFGE NVAC Council President Alma Lee. "Our pride in representing federal nurses at the worksite is only surpassed by their passion for caring for all patients with love, compassion and professionalism."

To learn more about AFGE's Federal Nurses Week campaign visit www.afge.org/federalnursesweek.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing 670,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.

For the latest AFGE news and information, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131120/MM21150LOGO

SOURCE American Federation of Government Employees

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED