Federal Nurses Week Gains Traction in House of Representatives

Rep. Schakowsky introduces resolution for national recognition of Federal Nurses Week

News provided by

American Federation of Government Employees

Dec 15, 2014, 10:09 ET

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) lauds Rep. Jan Schakowsky's introduction of H. Res. 778 supporting the designation of National Federal Nurse Recognition Week. The resolution outlines the dedication of federal nurses in providing care to active duty personnel and their families, veterans and civilians; the integral part they play in supporting the federal government's mission to provide quality, accessible and affordable health care; and the need to maintain an adequate number of nurses and provide the support needed to deliver the highest quality patient care. The resolution is supported by Reps. Jim Cooper, Tammy Duckworth and David Roe.

Led by the union's Nurse Steering Committee and National Veterans Affairs Council (NVAC), AFGE proudly worked with lawmakers in advancing this resolution. 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.

"Rep. Schakowsky continues to be a champion for working families," said AFGE National President J. David Cox Sr. "Her leadership exemplifies the importance of recognizing the contributions of federal employees working in the nursing profession. 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 spearheaded this important annual celebration of these dedicated caregivers by establishing an annual week of recognition for their crucial role in government service."

"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 agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. They also staff the Indian Health Service and the National Institutes of Health, caring for economically disadvantaged and uniquely-ill patients. In addition, they 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."

The resolution introduced by Rep. Schakowsky can be found here.

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.
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SOURCE American Federation of Government Employees