HOUSE MEMORIAL 28

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2012

INTRODUCED BY

Danice Picraux

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING NURSES FOR THEIR VITAL ROLE IN NEW MEXICO'S HEALTH CARE SYSTEM AND DECLARING JANUARY 26, 2012 "NURSES DAY" IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

     WHEREAS, the nursing profession is the largest segment of the nation's health care work force; and

     WHEREAS, the practice of nursing covers a broad continuum, from promoting wellness to disease prevention to coordination and delivery of care to all patient populations; and

     WHEREAS, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses and advanced practice nurses work in many settings, including hospitals, schools, homes, retail health clinics, long-term care facilities, colleges, prisons, battlefields and community and public health organizations; and

      WHEREAS, New Mexico recognizes the important role that advanced practice nurses such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists and certified nurse-midwives play in the delivery of health care; and

     WHEREAS, the institute of medicine report, "The Future Of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health", recommends that nurses be full partners, with physicians and other health care professionals, in redesigning health care in the United States; and

     WHEREAS, the report suggests that nurses can and should play a fundamental role in improving the nation's health care system through increased involvement at the local, state and national levels; and

     WHEREAS, the report suggests that nurses should achieve levels of education and training through an improved education system that promotes seamless academic progression; and  

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has enacted legislation that expands the scope of nursing practice, ensuring that nurses are able to practice to the full extent of their education, training and licensure; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico nurses association represents professional nurses across the state, encouraging lifelong learning and the provision of high-quality continuing education;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that January 26, 2012 be declared "Nurses Day" in the house of representatives; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico nurses association.

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