RECOGNIZING NATIONAL NURSE PRACTITIONER WEEK

RECOGNIZING NATIONAL NURSE PRACTITIONER WEEK

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 40 (Tuesday, March 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 40 (Tuesday, March 3, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E177] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING NATIONAL NURSE PRACTITIONER WEEK ______ HON. PABLO JOSE HERNANDEZ of puerto rico in the house of representatives Tuesday, March 3, 2026 Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Nurse Practitioner Week, which was observed from November 9 through November 15, 2025, and to honor the nurses and Nurse Practitioners who serve as essential workers within Puerto Rico's healthcare system. Our healthcare system is sustained by the work of nurses. Through long hours, overnight shifts, weekends and holidays, they provide care at the moments when it is most needed. In hospitals, clinics, and community-based settings across the island, nurses and nurse practitioners are often the first point of contact for patients and families. They offer not only medical expertise, but compassion and stability during moments of uncertainty. Nurses play a particularly important role in expanding access to care, especially in primary care and underserved communities. As Puerto Rico continues to face workforce shortages and barriers to access, supporting these professionals remains essential to strengthening our healthcare system and meeting the needs of our students and people. Institutions such as Universidad Ana G. Mendez create opportunities through their Doctor of Nursing Practice and Family Nurse Practitioner programs, which prepare students to meet these challenges with skills, professionalism, and a strong commitment to service. Their academic and clinical training reflects the importance of investing in our students and ensuring they are equipped with the tools, resources, and opportunities necessary to serve their communities effectively. As I reflect on National Nurse Practitioner Week, I reaffirm the importance of supporting our nursing students and healthcare professionals while continuing to strengthen pathways that allow them to positively contribute to Puerto Rico's healthcare system. ____________________