HOUSE MEMORIAL 3

56th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2023

INTRODUCED BY

Eleanor Chávez

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING JANUARY 27, 2023 "NEW MEXICO NURSES DAY" IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

     WHEREAS, nurses play a critical role in health care delivery; and

     WHEREAS, with an aging United States population, health care demand is growing at an unprecedented pace; and

     WHEREAS, for the twentieth consecutive year, nurses have ranked as the most honest and ethical profession, according to a Gallup poll; and

     WHEREAS, the compassion, resolve and positive impact of nurses over the past few years cannot be overstated; and

     WHEREAS, from risking their lives as frontline health care professionals during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic to working longer shifts to meet patient demand, nurses have more than earned their reputation as the most trusted profession; and

     WHEREAS, there will be a nationwide nursing shortage due to nurse retirements and an increase in demand for services, and New Mexico has one of the lowest nurse-to-population ratios in the country, with approximately seventeen thousand registered nurses; and

     WHEREAS, to address the shortfall, New Mexico institutions of higher education are focusing on the expansion of accelerated nursing programs and the retention of nurses in the workforce; and

     WHEREAS, the nursing workforce is considered the top occupation in job growth, with New Mexico's nursing workforce expected to increase over the next four years by approximately eleven percent; and

     WHEREAS, the majority of nurses are employed by hospitals, where they face increased complexities of patients' medical issues; and

     WHEREAS, a variety of roles have emerged within nursing, such as nurse consultant, nurse informatics specialist, researcher, executive, facility nurse, home health care provider and case manager for chronic illnesses; and

     WHEREAS, nurses work in a variety of settings, including long-term care facilities, homes, correctional facilities, schools, occupational settings, insurance companies and regulatory entities; and

     WHEREAS, advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse-midwives and certified registered nurse anesthetists, fill the gap in access to health care and provide quality, safe and effective care throughout New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the nursing community is appreciative of the legislative support it has received to promote adequate staffing of the nursing workforce and for various nursing loan-for-service opportunities that help alleviate the nursing shortage; and

     WHEREAS, "New Mexico Nurses Day" recognizes nurses for their tremendous effort and compassion as they work collectively to improve the health of individuals, families and communities nationwide;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that January 27, 2023 be designated as "New Mexico Nurses Day" in the house of representatives.

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