A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, to be observed from May 6 through May 12, 2025.
This is a non-binding Senate Resolution (S. Res. 206) introduced in the 119th Congress to publicly recognize National Nurses Week, observed May 6–12, 2025. The resolution, introduced by Senator Merkley and several cosponsors and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, affirms the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week and urges Americans to observe it with appropriate recognition and programs. While it highlights the vital role of nurses in providing safe, high-quality care and their leadership in a evolving health system, the measure does not authorize funding or create new requirements; its effect is primarily to symbolize support and to call attention to nursing workforce development, education, and research needs.
Key Points
- 1The bill designates National Nurses Week (May 6–12, 2025) as a time to recognize and reflect on the contributions of nurses to the U.S. health care system.
- 2It emphasizes nurses as front-line caregivers, patient advocates, and a large component of the health care workforce (over 4.9 million registered nurses in the United States).
- 3It highlights the importance of nurses in leadership, team-based care, and public health, and references the Future of Nursing reports (Institute of Medicine/National Academy of Medicine) calling for expanded leadership and workforce development.
- 4It notes that higher nurse staffing levels are associated with fewer patient complications and shorter hospital stays, implying potential cost savings and better outcomes.
- 5It encourages public recognition, ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate the importance of nurses to patients’ everyday lives and to support education and research in nursing (including advancing doctorally prepared faculty and nurse scientists).