Learn the best ways to celebrate the unsung heroes of healthcare during National Nurses Day and Week.
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Nurses have been on the frontlines, risking their own health and well-being to provide compassionate care to patients during these challenging times. They were heroes during Covid, and still are, so we want to always make sure we commend their care.
In 2024, National Nurses Day kicks off a week-long celebration of the field of nursing. It also serves as a reminder to express gratitude for the selfless work of nurses and to advocate for their well-being and professional growth.
Back in 1953, Dorothy Sutherland, an official with the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, proposed the idea of a "Nurse Day" to President Eisenhower. Her suggestion was to celebrate it in October of the following year, but unfortunately, the proclamation never came to fruition.
Fast forward to 1974, and the International Council of Nurses (ICN) stepped in. They declared that May 12, Florence Nightingale's birthday, would be "International Nurse Day." This date stuck, and in 1982, the American Nurses Association (ANA) formally acknowledged May 6 as "National Nurses Day."
The push for official recognition gained momentum when a resolution was initiated by nurses in New Mexico through their Congressman, Manuel Lujan. They wanted May 6, 1982, to be established as "National Recognition Day for Nurses." President Ronald Reagan made it official by signing a proclamation on March 25, 1982.
But why stop at just one day? In 1990, the ANA Board of Directors expanded the celebration to a week-long event, declaring May 6-12 as National Nurses Week.
What started as a simple idea has grown into a nationwide celebration of the incredible work that nurses do every single day.
Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system. But the truth is, being a nurse is not an easy job.
Nurses manage heavy workloads, deal with emotional stress, and risk their own health and safety to care for others.
Burnout is a real problem in the nursing profession, with many nurses feeling overworked, underappreciated, and unsupported.
That's why recognizing nurses is so important. It's not just about saying "thank you" (although that's certainly part of it). It's about acknowledging the incredible work that nurses do and the sacrifices they make. It's about showing them that we value their contributions and that we support them in their efforts to provide high-quality care.
When nurses feel appreciated and supported, it can make a real difference in their job satisfaction and overall well-being. It can help prevent burnout and reduce turnover rates, which is crucial in a profession that is already facing shortages. And when nurses are happy and fulfilled in their work, it translates into better patient care and outcomes.
So, how can we show our appreciation for nurses during National Nurses Day and Week? Here are some ideas:
Sometimes, the simplest gestures can be the most meaningful. Take a moment to thank each nurse on staff. To the best of your ability, make your message to them personalized, and always be sincere.
While individual thank yous are wonderful, it’s also nice to offer public appreciation. Consider a shout out in your healthcare organization’s internal newsletter. Or, brag about the great work your nurses do on the organization’s social media accounts.
Treat nurses to a delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s a good idea to offer several different meal times throughout the day and week so you can account for nurses on different shifts, including late nights.
Many restaurants offer discounts or freebies for nurses during this week, so keep an eye out for those deals and let your staff know about them.
Give nurses the flexibility to choose their own reward with digital gift cards. Platforms like Giftly make it easy to send personalized digital gift cards that can be spent at any retailer or restaurant.
Nurses can use them to treat themselves to a massage, buy a new pair of sneakers, or enjoy a nice dinner out.
Invest in your nurses' future by offering opportunities for continuing education, attending conferences, or pursuing advanced degrees.
Many organizations offer scholarships or tuition reimbursement programs for nurses.
Host a special event to honor nurses, such as an awards ceremony, a wellness fair, or a fun social gathering.
This is a great way to build camaraderie and show appreciation for the entire nursing team.
As we celebrate National Nurses Day and Week, it's important to remember that recognizing and supporting nurses should be a year-round commitment. One way healthcare organizations can make this easier is by partnering with Giftly, a digital gifting platform that simplifies the process of thanking, rewarding, and appreciating employees.
With Giftly, healthcare organizations can easily send personalized digital gift cards to nurses for any occasion, whether it's National Nurses Day, a birthday, a work anniversary, or simply to say "thank you" for a job well done. Nurses can then choose to spend their gift cards at any retailer or restaurant they prefer, giving them the flexibility to choose a reward that truly meets their needs and preferences.
Want to learn more about how Giftly fits into your employee recognition programs? Let’s talk.
Gifts & Rewards Perfectly Suited to Your Business. Easy to send. Awesome to receive.
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