STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
Proclamation

---

Whereas, the Empire State places the highest priority on quality health care for all of our citizens and appreciates those dedicated professionals who contribute to our State and Nation's overall system of medical care, including the nearly 2.9 million registered nurses in the United States who hold many levels of expertise and proficiency; and

Whereas, today, nurses represent the largest component of the health care community and an indispensable group of professionals as they provide care in a variety of settings – including large medical centers, local hospitals, outpatient clinics, community facilities, nursing homes, schools, and private offices; and

Whereas, as leading advocates of overall public health, nurses work in more than 75 specialized areas ranging from neonatal care to gerontology; and

Whereas, a key part of our medical delivery system, nurses fulfill some of the most challenging roles in hospital emergency rooms, operating rooms, and critical care units; and

Whereas, the annual observance of National Nurses Week coincides with May 12th – the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale – founder of modern nursing who pioneered methods of treatment for the ill, tended to wounded soldiers during the Crimean War, and developed a training school in London for the education of nurses; and

Whereas, this year’s observance of National Nurses Week celebrates the theme “Nursing: Making a Difference Everyday,” reflecting the high degree of devotion that exists among professional nurses and the significant impact nurses have on our lives as advocates of safe and quality patient care; and

Whereas, during this weeklong observance, it is fitting to recognize the more than 200,000 registered nurses and 75,000 licensed practical nurses in New York State who strive to ensure positive outcomes for patients;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim May 6-12, 2008 as NURSES WEEK in the Empire State.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twenty-fifth day of April in the year two thousand eight.