PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island chapter of the American Nurses Association honored House Speaker Nicholas A. Mattiello as a “Legislator of the Year” at the organization’s annual legislative dinner on May 12. State Sen. Cynthia Coyne was also honored.
“I have deep respect for the caring, tireless work our nurses do and it is an honor to receive this award,” Mattiello said in a statement. “Our 18,000 registered nurses deserve our gratitude and praise, and I am especially mindful of that during National Nurses Week. Our nurses face difficult challenges every day but remain steadfast in their professionalism and attention to patients.”
“ANA-RI applauds the positive relationship that we have had with the speaker,” said ANA-RI Executive Director Donna Policastro. “The speaker is always accessible and willing to have a policy-driven discussion centered on the issues affecting our workforce. We especially appreciated his support when he spearheaded passage of the APRN Consensus Model Legislation as majority leader of the House of Representatives.”
ANA-RI is the Rhode Island chapter of the American Nurses Association. With more than 18,000 registered nurses as members, the organization serves as the authority on matters concerning the nursing profession and nursing practice in Rhode Island.
“ANA-RI has been an excellent resource when I confront complicated issues that may affect the nursing profession or the level of care offered to patients,” said Mattiello. “Our state will face a nursing shortage in the coming years, and I believe a strong working relationship with ANA-RI will be critical to ensuring more nurses are trained right here in Rhode Island. I am confident that, by working together, we can continue to support our state’s nurses, address the projected nurse shortage and maintain the high level of care our patients have come to expect from our outstanding nurses.”
