Registered nurses form the backbone of an advanced health care system. They spend notoriously long shifts at hard labor, under great risk of work-related injury or disease, while maintaining professional and technical standards as a matter of life and death. Even under these conditions, nurses are also the heart and soul of our hospitals and clinics, providing a human touch and support for the emotional needs of the patients. It's most fitting that we honor their enormous efforts and vital contributions to our collective well-being.

National Nurses Week falls in early May to honor Florence Nightingale, the founder of the modern nursing profession, who was born on May 12, 1820. Nightingale's advances in statistics, sanitation, and professional training helped transform the role of the nurse from a doctor's helper to a true health care provider. This week, we honor not only her memory but the skills, labor, and love for the profession of millions that have followed in her wake.

On behalf of the people of California, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the over 400,000 registered nurses who work hard every day to make our state a healthier, happier place.

Sincerely,

Jerry Brown

EDMUND G. BROWN JR.

View Governor Brown's Letter honoring nurses