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Proclamation thanking nurses across the country, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and here at Allegheny County for bringing an unwavering commitment to excellence, compassion and care to their practice and to the profession of nursing.
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WHEREAS, on September 14, 2015, panelists on ABC’s The View sparked a national backlash and the trending topics #NursesUnite, #NursesShareYourStethoscopes and #NursesMatter, after poking fun at the talent portion of the 2016 Miss America Pageant, in which Miss Colorado Kelley Johnson performed a monologue about her experience as a registered nurse. The commentators dismissive remarks have led to a strong show of support for nurses and the nursing profession, and the movement has garnered support from the American Nurses Association and other national organizations; and
WHEREAS, in appreciation of Ms. Johnson and the 3.4 million registered nurses in the United States, this Council recognizes professional nursing as an indispensable component in the safety and quality of care for patients, and acknowledges nurses as full and essential partners on interdisciplinary health care teams; and
WHEREAS, in 1847, Mother Frances Warde led six other Sisters of Mercy to the United States from Ireland, where the pioneering “Seven Sisters” of Mercy opened the first hospital in Pittsburgh and the world’s first Mercy Hospital. Since the founding of Mercy Hospital, Allegheny County has experienced tremendous growth in the number of health care facilities serving our community. There are 29 hospitals, 31 ambulatory surgery centers, 65 nursing homes, and more than 40 home health agencies. In Allegheny County, the more than 18,500 dedicated nurses that work in these world-renowned facilities have contributed towards our international recognition as a leading health care community; and
WHEREAS, the demand for nursing services will be greater than ever because of the aging of the American population, the continuing expansion of life-sustaining technology, and the explosive growth of home health care services. Allegheny County is poised to meet this workforce demand as evidenced by its current nursing student population of nearly 2,000 attending one of 12 excellent, accredited nursing schools preparing nurses to become health care leaders; and
WHEREAS, Allegheny County values and appreciates nurses and we respect the critical role they play in our healthcare system;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Allegheny County Council does hereby celebrate and recognize the contributions that nurses make to our health care system, to our communities, and to public health overall. We thank nurses across the country, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and here at Allegheny County for bringing an unwavering commitment to excellence, compassion and care to their practice and to the profession of nursing.