Today, in recognition of Nurses Appreciation Week, the White House hosted a roundtable with nurses to thank them for their efforts on the frontlines of the pandemic, providing essential health care and ensuring patients receive the care they deserve.  The roundtable, which was convened by White House Gender Policy Council Director Jennifer Klein, brought together nurses from across the country who work in various specialties – including maternal health and mental health – and with populations including youth, pregnant and postpartum women, military service members and their families, as well as veterans.
 
Participants discussed the devastating impact the pandemic has had on nurses and other health care workers, as well as patients, families, and communities.  They underscored the importance of addressing the pandemic-related burnout, advancing gender equity in health care, including through supporting women’s health care, and tackling the national mental health crisis.  Participants also highlighted the need to sustainably grow and support the nursing workforce.  Administration officials reaffirmed the White House’s commitment to recognizing, supporting, and strengthening America’s nurses and underscored President Biden’s support for emergency COVID-19 funds to ensure we continue to have the vaccines, tests, and treatments we need to protect the American people, keep America moving forward safely and prepare for potential surges to come.  
 
External participants included:

  • Dr. Lucinda Canty, CN.M. Assistant Professor of Nursing and certified nurse-midwife 
  • Joshua Holt, ICU Registered Nurse, American Federation of Teachers
  • Catherine Kennedy, Registered Nurse, Vice President, National Nurses United 
  • Dr. Adrianna Nava, Chief Nurse of Quality and Systems Improvement (QSI) at the Edward Hines Medical Center, President of National Association of Hispanic Nurses. 
  • Colonel Dr. Kathy Spangler DNP, RN, Director of Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, DOD
  • Dr. Jennifer Strawn, Acting Deputy Chief Nursing Officer Nursing Services, Department of Veterans Affairs 
  • Yvette Zebaze, RN, Registered Nurse, SEIU Member Local 512 

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