Every day, nurses nationwide arrive at work, ready to meet the medical needs of all who come into their care throughout the day.

From hospitals to homeless shelters, these invaluable medical health professionals administer the care that helps us all to combat sickness.

They are there for us during both routine check-ups and life-threatening situations. Nurses in each of our communities play an integral role in keeping Ohioans healthy.

To pay tribute to all that our nurses do from day to day, each year Americans celebrate National Nurses Week from May 6 through May 12. Starting on RN Recognition Day and ending on Florence Nightingale’s birthday, this week is an opportunity to thank nurses across the United States for their dedication and professional commitment.

Here in the 89th House District, we can recognize the diverse roles that nurses play in our communities, from staff nurses to educators and researchers. Nurses are present at every step of the healthcare process, and their presence ensures that Ohioans receive the adequate attention and high-caliber care we have come to expect.

Through my background as a doctor and service in the National Guard, I know firsthand how indispensible nurses are to our medical system.

There are nearly 3.1 million registered nurses and over 240,000 advanced practice nurses in the United States today. To ensure that we directly honor the significance of all these medical professionals, State Representative Anne Gonzales and I are sponsoring legislation to formally recognize National Nurses Week in the state of Ohio.

I am pleased to report that this legislation has received bipartisan support in the House. All Ohioans can agree that nurses deserve commendation for their tireless work.

As you go about your day, take a few moments to reflect on how the care of nurses has directly benefited your family, friends and neighbors. So much is entrusted to nurses, and they perform their important work with patience, diligence and expertise.

We depend on nurses to keep our loved ones healthy, and their ubiquity in medical settings attests to the fundamental need for their health services.

Since the founding of modern nursing with Florence Nightingale’s revolutionary efforts up until the present, our nurses have been dedicated to providing us with the care necessary for us to lead healthy, happy lives. It is my hope that Ohioans will join in the recognition of National Nurses Week and offer our appreciation for their instrumental role in our well-being.

Rep. Terry Johnson may be reached by calling (614) 466-2124, e-mailing District89@ohr.state.oh.us, or writing to State Rep. Terry Johnson, 77 S. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215.