Rep. Schakowsky introduces resolution for national recognition of Federal Nurses Week
Federal Nurses Week Gains Traction in House of Representatives
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) lauds Rep. Jan Schakowsky's introduction of H. Res. 438 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. It also recognizes the integral part they play in supporting the federal government's mission to provide quality, accessible and affordable health care, the need to maintain an adequate number of nurses, and the importance of providing the support needed to deliver the highest quality patient care. The resolution is supported by Reps. Keith Ellison, Bill Foster, Mark Pocan, Kyrsten Sinema, and Chris Van Hollen.
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 such as safe staffing, training and overtime limits that directly impact federal employees in nursing positions.
"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."
"When we established the Nurse Steering Committee within AFGE we set out to fully represent the issues facing registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, licensed vocational nurses and nursing assistants in the federal sector," 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."
Registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, licensed vocational nurses, nursing assistants and other nursing professionals 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 high risk 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.
Learn more about Federal Nurses Week and see President Obama's official proclamation by visiting 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.
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SOURCE American Federation of Government Employees
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