SalineScrubs

These awards are for sure a popularity contest rather than rewarding those who are truly hardworking and go unnoticed in the background. I've bent over backwards at my previous hospital and never received a daisy award but watched a coworker get one and a nurse excellence award shortly afterwards, not to say she wasn't a good nurse, but having worked with her, I've seen her get frazzled very easily and miss things because of that. Even with my own excellence award (staff nominated), specialty certifications, and a "signed" letter from the CEO, none of it made a difference or even came up during my interview for my next job at a different hospital either. It definitely feels good to be acknowledged, even for a split second. If the patient or family ever asks how they can thank you, just casually say they could e-mail your manager or write a card to the unit, etc. At the end of the day, you know you work hard and still love what you do (I question my career choice on a daily basis). Your feelings are valid, and at least here, we understand and acknowledge you.