U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Jeff Merkley have introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution in recognition of National Nurses Week, observed from May 6 to May 12, 2025. U.S. Representatives Dave Joyce, Suzanne Bonamici, Lauren Underwood, and Jen Kiggans have introduced a companion resolution in the House of Representatives.
The resolution aims to honor the contributions of nurses across America who provide essential care during wartime, natural disasters, and public health emergencies. Senator Wicker emphasized the critical role nurses play in ensuring patients receive timely and quality care: “Nurses are essential to our nation’s health care system,” he stated. Senator Merkley highlighted the personal insight gained from his wife’s nursing career: “As the husband of a nurse, I’ve seen up-close how difficult nurses’ jobs are and how important they are to patients.”
Despite nearly 4.9 million registered nurses in the United States as of 2025, the sector faces challenges such as shortages, mental health issues, and unsafe working conditions. The 2024 National Nursing Workforce Study by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing revealed that over 138,000 nurses have left the workforce since 2022 due to stress and burnout.
The resolution acknowledges these challenges while encouraging Americans to celebrate National Nurses Week and support the nursing workforce continuously.
