From holding a patient’s hand while they undergo bloodwork to sharing a laugh in a waiting room, nurses keep patients and families afloat during the worst of times.
May 6 is National Nurses Day, a day dedicated to acknowledging, honoring, and cheering on nurses for their compassion and courage.
Nurses were even named “Guardians of the Year” by Time in 2020, but these healthcare workers are heroes all year, every year. So read on for five ways you can celebrate nurses today and every day.
1. Send a Piñatagram
Instead of just sending something sweet, send a treat that’s experiential and also supports a good cause. Send a mini-piñata filled with candy from Piñatagrams with a short note to a nurse in your life.
Best of all, $1 of this Piñatagram purchase will go to Direct Relief. Direct Relief works as a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies — without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay.
2. Give a gift card with a note
Nurses are on their feet all day, and sometimes the best reward they can receive is a chance to decide what to do with their time off. From sipping on coffee to online shopping, each nurse has a different way of relaxing.
That’s why Miriam Rezine, an ICU nurse in Central California, suggests showing nurses appreciation by giving a gift card.
“It’s been a hectic year — just going out and having a beer and nachos with some friends outside for the first time in a year was such a fun break,” says Miriam. “A year ago I would have taken that experience for granted.”
A small gesture like a gift card to use on nachos with friends is a great way to recognize nurses for their work.
3. Celebrate on social media
Posts displaying completed vaccination cards. Pictures of patients being released from the hospital. Images of gowned up new parents holding their baby for the first time. Behind all of these social media posts are the nurses who helped make them happen.
Beyond following and liking photos, use your platform of choice to spread awareness about your favorite nurses.
Looking for some inspiration?
Tag your hero nurse, repost to your accounts, and share why you're grateful for them. Use the hashtags: #thankanurse #Deputylovesnurses" for the opportunity to be featured on Deputy's Instagram.
4. Deliver flowers to the nursing staff
Studies show that flowers have a positive effect on people’s moods. Flowers bring happiness and brightness to any room, especially when placed in areas that are high traffic like a reception or a break room. They’re one of the earth’s natural lift-me-ups and are a great way to boost someone’s day.
5. Provide a healthy snack
While cookies, donuts, or candy give nurses an extra sugar rush to get through their day, a healthy basket of fruits or healthy snacks can do the same. Pack a basket of granola bars, popcorn, veggie straws, fruit snacks, and fig bars as an alternative to the traditional box of sweets.
Thank you goes a long way
Above all else, just remember to say thank you to the nurses and nursing staff who help keep things running, all day every day.
