How messed up is this?

[jelly221,RN]

Last week, I noticed a poster advertising special activities all week long for "National Hospital Week" in 2 weeks. These activities are things like an ice cream social, a talent show, etc. All events that sound like fun and I would like to participate.

However, I heard no mention of Nurse's Week. One of the CNAs on my floor even argued with me that it couldn't be that week because she hadn't heard anything about it.

It's pretty insulting, honestly. Administration thinks so little of nurses that they don't even acknowledge a week nationally dedicated to thanking us for choosing our profession.

I've considered writing an (anonymous) note to my CEO or CNO or SOMEONE to let them know how saddened I was by the situation. Feedback?

[Patti_RN]

One of the problems with mandated appreciation weeks or days is just that: they're mandated. When one person feels forced or coerced into thanking another, it makes the honored person skeptical of the sincerity. And, rightly so. If a manager truly wants to show gratitude for a job well done it's much more effective to go to the employees and express appreciation at the time the employees deserved it--not wait 6 months to a year to give the whole staff a pizza party. Sincere accolades given to individuals go much further in motivating and inspiring employees than a contrived week of celebration. Maybe this is the reason so many nurses have nagging negative feelings about the whole ritual; they know the gestures were forced.