House Resolution No. [insert number] declares May 6-12, 2025, as National Nurses Week in Michigan, recognizing the essential role that nurses play in the health and well-being of individuals and communities. This week is celebrated annually, culminating on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. With over 175,000 registered nurses in Michigan, the resolution highlights the challenges faced by the nursing workforce, including exhaustion, staffing shortages, and workplace safety concerns, which have led to high rates of burnout and a concerning number of nurses leaving the profession.

The resolution emphasizes the importance of supporting and uplifting the nursing profession to ensure that nurses have the necessary tools and support to provide high-quality care. It also acknowledges the struggles of healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas, to recruit and retain qualified nurses, which threatens access to safe care for residents. National Nurses Week serves as an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of nurses and to reaffirm the commitment to advancing the health of all Michiganders through a robust nursing workforce.