National Nurses Day is on May 6th, and it kicks off a week-long celebration of nurses and all they do for the medical community. If you’re looking for some great ways to show your appreciation to your nursing staff, here are a few ideas to consider:
Throw A Party
Actually, given most nursing schedules, you’ll probably need to throw a few, and if you opt for this route, make it a good one. The unfortunate truth is that most office parties aren’t all that great because managers try to micromanage the party. Don’t do that.
First, throw it somewhere other than the hospital breakroom. Your nurses spend enough time at the office and it’s not a party. There are just too many distractions. Go somewhere else, and throw enough parties that your entire staff can join in the fun after hours when they’re off the clock. Also, don’t make it mandatory. It doesn’t feel like a party if you’re forced to attend. Just let it happen. If you throw a good party, people will come.
A Relaxing Treat
Hire a masseuse for the day and let him or her set up shop in a quiet corner, off the beaten path to allow your nurses to enjoy some genuine stress relief during what downtime they’ve got. Even better, spring for a spa day at an actual spa for the nurses on your staff. It’s a stressful job. They’ll appreciate it, and giving them a chance to unwind will help improve productivity and performance, making it a win for everyone.
The Spirit Of Giving
Have your nursing staff get together and pick a charity that’s important to all of them. Then throw a no-holds-barred fundraiser and donate the proceeds to the charity they pick. Nurses give so much of themselves that this kind of recognition is sure to be appreciated.
Coffee!
It’s no secret, nurses work long hours and usually at a brutal pace. Coffee keeps the wheels turning.
Rightly or wrongly, hospital coffee has a reputation for being spectacularly bad. Change that. Spring for a quality coffee maker and some real coffee. Let your nurses enjoy it. Alternatively, if there’s a Starbucks or other coffee shop near your location, buy generously sized gift cards and let your nursing staff enjoy some true coffee decadence.
A Thoughtful, Meaningful Gift
If none of the ideas above work for you, then buy each member of your nursing staff a meaningful gift. The trick here though, is to make it both meaningful and personal. You’ve got to know your staff and their likes and preferences. A generic gift with no thought put into it is destined to fall flat and feel tone-deaf, so avoid that at all costs. Here are a few ideas to get your mind turning on the subject:
The “Thank A Nurse” Scrubs Cooler
What a fun, fabulous gift! This handy cooler is designed to look like scrubs, and is insulated to keep drinks cool for hours on end. The nylon carrying strap is removable, and it features a mesh pocked on one side for holding water bottles or other sundries. A great way to show your appreciation, while giving a practical gift that’s sure to be used often.
“Thanks For Being A Nurse” Tech Pouch
Life is always a little better and easier with music, and this handy pouch serves as convenient storage for ear buds (which are included in the gift). Music transports us and can make those long, grinding days a bit easier to get through, making this a thoughtful gift indeed.
“Thanks For Being A Nurse” Folding Phone and Tablet Stand
PC’s are so yesteryear. These days, almost everyone accesses the ‘net (either your company network or the internet in general) via smartphone or tablet. The problem is that often, nurses need their hands free.
That’s where this handy phone/tablet stand comes into play. Not only does it have a printed message that expresses your gratitude and appreciation, but it’s handy and practical as well. A superb gift idea.
“Thanks For Being A Nurse 28oz Curvilinear Stainless Bottle
This is another awesome gift idea, and what makes it so great is that it actually holds enough liquid to make it useful. With a capacity of 28 ounces, your staff will stay well hydrated throughout the day, and its stainless steel construction will ensure that hot drinks stay hot and cold drinks stay cold for hours on end. Even better, it’s offered in a variety of colors including:
- Red
- Blue
- Orange
- Green
- And silver
So you can cater to your staff’s color preferences, member by member. Emblazoned with a message of thanks, with room to add your own brand, logo, or the recipient’s name, this one is sure to be appreciated.
“Thanks For Being A Nurse” Candy Cube
Nothing gives you a little pick-me-up in the middle of a long shift like a sweet treat, and this acrylic candy cube has that well covered. You have two options here. You can either opt for the default “Thanks for being a Nurse” message, or you can create your own customized message. Then it’s just a matter of picking the recipient’s favorite candy and you’ll have a gift that is sure to bring a smile. This one’s proof that sometimes good things do come in small packages.
The “Thanks For Being A Nurse” Auto Safety Kit
Most people don’t think about having a safety kit in their car until they need one, and of course, by that point it’s too late. This is a handy gift that’s enormously practical, and includes:
- Jumper cables
- Gloves
- A tire gauge
- An ice scraper
- Both a flat-head and Philips screwdriver
- A first aid kit
- A poncho
- An SOS banner
- A flashlight
- And an emergency cone
It also comes with two AA batteries for the flashlight, so it’s ready to go from the moment you present it. If you’ve got an employee who really loves gifts with a solid practical value, then this one’s hard to top.
Didn’t find the perfect gift for your staff among the ideas presented here? Not to worry, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Just spend some time browsing the nursing gift ideas elsewhere on our site and you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for. The point, after all, is to make this year’s Nurse Appreciation Day an experience your staff won’t soon forget.