SENATE MEMORIAL 87

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2014

INTRODUCED BY

George K. Munoz

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING FEBRUARY 13, 2014 "NEW MEXICO STUDENT NURSES DAY" AT THE SENATE.

     WHEREAS, a report to the legislative finance committee on the adequacy of New Mexico's health systems work force estimates that there will be a national nursing shortage of three hundred thousand to one million registered nurses by 2020; and

     WHEREAS, between 2007 and 2011, New Mexico educated over four thousand seven hundred registered nurses; and

     WHEREAS, between fiscal year 2010 and fiscal year 2013, twelve million two hundred thousand dollars ($12,200,000) in supplemental funding was appropriated to New Mexico's educational institutions to supply and enhance nursing programs; and

     WHEREAS, nursing is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States and serves as the backbone of the health care delivery system; and

     WHEREAS, only three out of five nurses work in hospitals, and registered nurses also conduct research and work in home health care, schools, correctional facilities, nursing facilities, public health agencies and social assistance agencies; and

     WHEREAS, the growing number of seriously ill patients creates a demand for more complex and specialized care; and

     WHEREAS, in-demand specialties include traveling nurses, nursing information specialists, acute care nurse practitioners, geriatric nurses, hospice nurses and home care nurses; and

     WHEREAS, today over two hundred twenty student nurses from all parts of New Mexico are visiting the state capitol;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 13, 2014 be declared "New Mexico Student Nurses Day" at the senate in honor of all New Mexico student nurses.

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