Senate approves resolution recognizing nurses, pledging to work on nurses' rights

House Concurrent Resolution 1, recognizing the importance of the nursing profession and supporting nurses’ rights in Delaware, passed the Senate after sponsors and members praised nurses’ contributions and urged the General Assembly to work with stakeholders on protections for the profession.

Senator Poore presented the resolution and stated that "the state of Delaware currently has 29,362 active licensed nurses," noting that figure does not include students currently in training. "The nursing profession is consistently rated as the most trusted profession," Senator Poore said, adding that the General Assembly seeks to work with stakeholders to identify and uphold nurses' rights.

Senator Sturgeon offered a personal account of recent hospitalization to underscore his appreciation for nurses. He named three nurses who cared for him — Alyssa Lehi, Anne Sharp and a nurse identified as "MK (Marie Chris)" — and described how their attention and communication aided his recovery. "I really, really cannot emphasize enough how much I learned about the nursing profession and about what it's like to be hospitalized," Sturgeon said.

After remarks, the assistant called the roll. The clerk announced the vote as 18 yes, 1 absent, and 2 seats vacant; the resolution was declared passed by the Senate and will be transmitted to the House. The resolution is a policy statement expressing the General Assembly's interest in working with stakeholders on measures to protect nurses’ rights; it does not enact statutory changes by itself.