RECOGNIZING NEW MEXICO'S NURSES FOR THEIR TIRELESS EFFORTS AND DEDICATION TO THE PEOPLE OF NEW MEXICO.

WHEREAS, the vacancy rate for nurses in New Mexico hospitals, nursing homes and other health facilities is twenty-one percent; and

WHEREAS, a nationwide shortage of nurses exists; and

WHEREAS, the average age of a registered nurse in New Mexico is over forty-six; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico's thirteen thousand five hundred nurses are essential to the delivery of quality health care in hospitals, nursing homes, health clinics and other facilities; and

WHEREAS, nurses are working long hours under difficult working conditions;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that all of New Mexico's nurses be recognized for their tireless efforts and dedication to the people of New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the board of nursing and the New Mexico nurses' association.