Nurses Week

WV_heart_RN · May 7, 2006

we had celebrations all week. shirts, gym bags as gifts. free dinners and such. it was nice.

belizeable · May 8, 2006

Nurses week has always been special for us. It should mark another year of hard work and achievement. This week is when we let others know we are here. Yesterday started with a special church service, every year we visit a different church. This was followed by motorcade through the streets led by police vehicle and fire service with different floats created by the nurses. A lucheon was provided at the end of this wonderful event.

Tuesday the hospital will host a special Dinner for all Nursing staff, including Nurses Aides. On Thursday the Nursing staff takes a special program to the elderly, providing music and something special for them. On Sunday a special trip only for Nurses, normally to different parts of the country or neighboring countries. We generally find staff for those days who do not normally work at our institution to cover so that all the regular staff can attend these outing. It's a time for us to bond and put differences aside. So we can start a new year afresh.

Sorry if this sounds too good, however I am the Head Nurse for a small hospital, in a small town. We have to let the community know we exist and work hard every single day.

scoke123 · May 6, 2008

Hi all,

I just found this and thought I would share. http://www.ProFlowers.com is doing a Nurses Week promotion.

Discount code "nurses08" gets you 20% off. Enjoy!

madmominavan · May 12, 2008

The reponse to nurse's week ecognition is interesting. I detect some negative feelings as you relate information. Some of the facilities or groups do plan recognition however mundane and insignificant.

As I metioned to someone else, I leraned not to rely on these tangible methods... it was moe improtant that peer recognized me in the unit or in a peer-evaluation, a patient or family/friend thanked me in some small way... a glance, a wink , a smile or some acknowledgement. That I personally did and knew that my values and judgements as a nurse were morally, ethically and legally right and ptients/children and whomever were well cvared for, respected as an individual even when they may have bee the worst, angriest or most hostile patient or family/friend. There were little hints in the daily relationship and my personal feelings were not the foremost ting in my delivering quality care. I know myself. I know for myself I do a good job and am empathetic, compassionate and dliver wuality care with what I have at hand under the guidleines, policies and procedures.

I suggested to a friend of mine who is never happy about how she is recognized in work or in her general life for that matter, to join the recognition committee or start a committee on her unit with the okay of her manager, ask for a budget and do what she and her team feel would make everyone happy and recognized. I also suggested she write in a journal her days as a nurse and find ways she is recognized through her writings. There are so many things we can do for ourselves first and just appreciate that someone somewhere cared enough out of duty to recognize thier work force. If they do for one then they have to do for others as well and so it is up to the marketing and human resource peopel and the administratiive dept. to determine the budgets, who and how they will recognize during recognition week or at another time. They canpt satisfy us all so they do what everyone else does, lunchl treats, corporate and products for manufacturers, drug companies, etc. At one time a drug company had " Friday Night Pub Nights" for nurses. It benefitted the day shifts and specialties. When the residnets and docs got involved things got a tad risky and ruined the chance of haviong down time, music, beer, treats, dinner, dancing and the whole nine yards, It moved to an off site location, and again, soome of the younger nurses and docs and other health care givers got into risky behaviors and business and it was shiut down after administration got wind. It wner back to the luncheons, free meals, a carnation lapel corsage, gift cards, t-shirts and other things from drug companies and corprate sponsors. I used alot of thos things, never had topurchase pens or id holders, stheoscopes which are expensive in themselves, glad to have book store gift cards and other things. But, ultimatedly, my wiritngs and recognizing myself and my peers was far more rewarding.

my mentor used to say to me as a new grad," be thankful for what you get... expect nothing and you will not be disappointed. You will know in your heart that you have done good for the right reasons and satisfaction.":flwrhrts::flwrhrts:

allnurses Guide · May 12, 2008

To me the best gift is a patient, family member, or co-workers saying, "Thank you."

madmominavan · May 12, 2008

Years of experience speaks volumes!