WHEREAS, the nursing profession is dedicated to meeting the emerging healthcare needs of the Commonwealth by saving lives and improving the outcome of medical care in a wide range of settings; and

WHEREAS, there are more than 118,000 dedicated registered nurses (RNs) and more than 27,000 licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who are indispensable in the Commonwealth of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, nurses show unwavering dedication to their patients by providing the highest level of individual care and attention by meeting healthcare needs and preserving the dignity of each patient; and

WHEREAS, in addition to addressing vital healthcare needs, nurses are concerned with their patient’s overall well-being and encourage healthy living and preventative practices; and

WHEREAS, proper training and education is imperative to providing specialized care, safely administering treatments, and performing and improving lifesaving procedures; and

WHEREAS, nurses maintain a high standard of principles, professionalism, skills, knowledge, and accountability by maintaining and enhancing skills through professional development, research, seminars, and in-service educational opportunities; and

WHEREAS, nurses have worked steadfast despite a nursing shortage with nearly 6,000 nursing positions remaining open in Virginia; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Board of Nursing is working to reduce regulatory burdens and increase opportunities for nurses that accelerate the work-readiness of graduates while recruiting and retaining nurses in Virginia; and

WHEREAS, in 1982, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation recognizing May 6 as “National Recognition Day for Nurses” and every year, National Nurses Week begins on National Nurses Day – May 6 – and ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday; and

WHEREAS, nurses throughout Virginia are recognized for their outstanding commitment to serving the health and welfare needs of the citizens of our Commonwealth and, in turn, helping to make Virginia the best place to live, work, and raise a family;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize May 6-12, 2023, as VIRGINIA NURSES WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.