WHEREAS, nurses are a critical part of health care in Alaska, and the men and women who choose this field of work are devoted, professional, and expertly trained. They bring compassion, understanding, and comfort to patients while using their advanced medical knowledge and clinical skills to deliver high quality care; and
WHEREAS, these dedicated and responsible professionals make a difference in the quality of our lives and medical care every day in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, schools, nursing homes, mental health facilities, correctional institutions, military facilities, and medevac companies; and
WHEREAS, the field of nursing is very broad, from public health nurses, to neonatal nurses, to surgical nurses, to school nurses, all are cornerstones of health care, keeping our communities and families healthy; and
WHEREAS, nursing requires significant coursework, training, and preparation in order to advocate for and provide vital services and care to their patients. Nurses must perform a wide range of important duties, such as: caring for ill, injured, or disabled patients; assessing patients’ health; implementing care plans and providing case management; maintaining medical records; advising patients; and much more; and
WHEREAS, due to the vast size of Alaska and the isolation of many of our communities, nurses who work in rural areas provide a critical piece of the health care system for Alaskans in their communities; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 Pandemic this year has presented public health challenges unseen since the 1918 Influenza Pandemic, which devastated Alaska. Since then nurses have and continue to demonstrate their dedication to the citizens of the State, their communities and their profession, despite personal risk and, at times, limited access to resources; and
WHEREAS, Nurses Week serves as a valuable opportunity to recognize the tireless service of Alaska’s nurses and celebrates their many contributions to the health of our Great State, and celebrate the efforts of nurses in Alaska who embody the 2020 theme, “Compassion, Expertise and Trust.”
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim May 6-12, 2020 as:
Nurses Week
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to honor and recognize the value and importance of nurses, showing appreciation for them at every opportunity this week and throughout the year and to recognize the immeasurable time, expertise, and tireless efforts our nurses have sacrificed to our Great State in the fight against the COVID-19 Pandemic.
