Corporate "doesn't believe in" Nurses Week

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I know Nurses Week is officially over but I recently heard about a LTC facility who doesn't celebrate or even acknowledge nurses week (FYI, one of the owners of said facility is an MD). I have worked at multiple facilities, both LTC/ALF and acute care. All of those places celebrated nurses week and at least gave a small gift.

This seems very degrading and I could definitely see this contributing to low morale.

Has anyone else heard of this?

I don't like how I am expected to bow down for an ice cream cone ( i dont want or need!) or a cheap pen or cup with hospital logo. really it is such a sham

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Specializes in Acute Care, CM, School Nursing.
Aw, wouldnt everyone just like a nice pat on the back...

Well, yes. I think everyone could use a pat on the back once in a while.

For example, when a server at a restaurant is exceptionally good, I usually make it a point to let them know (verbally and via a nice tip). Even though they are technically just "doing their job".

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Well, yes. I think everyone could use a pat on the back once in a while.

For example, when a server at a restaurant is exceptionally good, I usually make it a point to let them know (verbally and via a nice tip). Even though they are technically just "doing their job".

If you get good service you should leave a good tip, telling them they did a good job is not important. That's right, they are doing their job and should get paid accordingly.

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Specializes in Acute Care, CM, School Nursing.
If you get good service you should leave a good tip, telling them they did a good job is not important. That's right, they are doing their job and should get paid accordingly.

Well, IMO, telling the person is important. I'm not talking about tapping my wine glass, standing, and making a heartfelt speech to the whole restaurant. LOL I'm referring to saying something simple like, "Thanks, you've been very helpful. Good night!" If someone goes above and beyond, why not?

When I was a floor nurse, it was always nice to receive a compliment regarding my care from a patient/family/coworker. I never once caught myself thinking, after such a compliment, "Whatever, as long as I can collect my paycheck on Friday, I don't care what you say". Instead, I was always pleased. Especially since most people these days are focused on making complaints instead.

Back to the original topic: I don't need recognition from anyone in order to know that I'm a good nurse and that I do my best at work. But, once a year on Nurse's Day, I would graciously accept the recognition if it was offered.

I wonder, do you oppose Mother's Day and Father's Day as well? I mean, parents know what they are getting themselves into by having children. Why show them any appreciation?? ;) heehee

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.
I think my original post wasn't clear enough. I didn't mean they SHOULD get their employees the crappy gifts, but at least to say "hey it's nurses week. Thanks for all you do". This facility doesn't (and from what I hear -- never -- does that). I've also heard there are issues with employee paychecks, especially holiday time.

Didn't mean To get so many people angry at me and think I am shallow.

I am certainly not angry about it. However, for me, part of the issue was putting "doesn't believe" in quotes in the title of the thread. It made it sound like the issued an official memo on the subject (did they?). Now, maybe they don't believe in it. However, just because they don't give out gifts during the week (and even if they have SNAFUs with the paychecks) that does not mean they don't believe in the week or what it means.

Now this facility might be an all around horrible place for nurses, but a least judge them over a 52-week period, not just these seven days.

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Specializes in Acute Care.
I am certainly not angry about it. However, for me, part of the issue was putting "doesn't believe" in quotes in the title of the thread. It made it sound like the issued an official memo on the subject (did they?). Now, maybe they don't believe in it. However, just because they don't give out gifts during the week (and even if they have SNAFUs with the paychecks) that does not mean they don't believe in the week or what it means.

Now this facility might be an all around horrible place for nurses, but a least judge them over a 52-week period, not just these seven days.

I put "doesn't believe" in quotes because that is what someone who works there said verbatim

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Degrading? No. Offering grown adults an ice cream social or a pizza party is degrading. Maybe appropriate for the sophmore cheerleading squad, but not so much for trained, hardworking professionals.

What is nursing week anyway? Who made it up?

I just want to feel appreciated by our employers. I've never once feltbappreciated . Ice cream party? No. A nice sign hanging up with all the nurses names and signatures of administration with short phrases like "thank you for all you do" I would appreciate that VERY much, and it WOYLD boost my morale. Don't get me wrong, I get my own satisfaction by knowing I make a difference in people's lives, but it helps to know others recognize it too.

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Specializes in PICU.

The intensivists in my ICU got together and bought the nurses food (from good restaurants) for both day shift and night shift two different days during nurses week (to try and get everyone). They also had goofy cartoons and cards and thanked us extra during that week. That does impact morale and clearly I don't go to work every week just for Nurses Week (and it sure doesn't make up for even one tough week at work) but it is nice to get some acknowledgement especially from colleagues. Stuff like that means more than a generic, stamped card from my CEO. With all the surveys and patient satisfaction scores and extra hoops that have to be jumped along with our everyday challenges, it would be pretty crappy for employers to not acknowledge the people that make that happen and nurses are a big part of a hospitals success. It only makes good business sense that in order to have happy "customers" (retch at that word), a company needs happy employees whether during Nurses Week or throughout the year (which, let's face it, how many places are going to take the time to always appreciate employees year round...if anything a designated week makes it easy for them).

A friend of mine worked at another local hospital. My chain of hospitals bought out where she worked. Immediately after they bought them out, all the hospitals went on financial cutbacks and a lot of their managers were let go or changed out for the buying company's managers. Her and I emailed about it off an on. It was a tough transition and morale was kind of low. The final kick in the ass for her was when Nurses week came about and it was a pen and notepad and a generic message from managers she didn't know. The previous company had always made a big deal about Nurses week. Banners, gift bags, etc. She didn't feel appreciated, she felt left in the dirt, and she wasn't the only one. It wasn't about the gift or Nurses Week. It was an opportunity for the company to appreciate the employees for all the changes and for sticking it out with them. It soured her experience and she left the company a few months later.

I also don't think it's wrong for a nurse to want a little acknowledgement. It doesn't make you selfish or shallow. It makes you human. Sometimes this profession can suck us dry and a little appreciation is like...well, an IV bolus for a dehydrated patient. ;)

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Nurses Week is just used by the hospital big wigs to make the facility look good on paper. You're not missing out on anything. We got free t-shirts (with the hospital's name) that we can wear once weekly. They ran out of sizes and I ended up with a XXL (and I'm a S-M).

You're not appreciated no matter what time of the year it is. Just accept it.

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I don’t understand why the places you work, don’t acknowledge the people who MAKE it run, yet they acknowledge the Docs, and I’m sure CEO and other high position jobs. Maybe it’s because I have been on the other end many times, and at a young age knew how important a nurse is to health care and have always been treated good by them, but I don’t think your profession gets the credit it deserves. You give so much and many times don’t even get a thank you from anyone patients, family members, doctors, bosses and it is sad that people rarely show appreciation.

YOU help keep people alive, monitor for changes in conditions, notify MD’s, give meds, talk to insurance companies, advocate, wound care, teach patients, and let’s not forget charting just to name a FEW things you do. I would say if anyone deserves recognition it is a nurse. I would always make a point to thank my nurse when she would come in at the end of her shift to see if I needed anything before she left. I would also offer a hug if she wanted one. I figure they have done so much for me in 8-12 hours, why can’t I take a minute to thank and hug them. I wish people would realize the importance of your profession.

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I wish people would realize the importance of your profession.

You're very sweet.

It's people like you who realize the importance of my chosen profession - you're the patients I care for, and really - you're what matters to me.

I don't need a week to celebrate what I do. I get patients that remind me I'm doing a good job or that I do a particular aspect of that job just a smidgen better than someone else.

I don't need another corporate holiday. We've smeared enough good ones already.

All I need is 'thanks for everything' when I get you home - either a bit better than you were when you came in, or at least on your way to spend your final days in some sort of peace (I'm an oncology RN).

But I do appreciate your saying so.

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