5 Ways to Recognize Your Staff During National Nurses and Hospital Week 2023

National Nurses Week (May 6-12, 2023) and National Hospital Week (May 7-13, 2023) is the perfect time to give your healthcare employee an extra dose of appreciation.

Both events fall during the week of Florence Nightingale’s birthday, May 12, serving as a celebratory salute. But it’s important to have your employees’ backs year-round in the form of a tangible rewards system that engenders mutual respect and appreciation. What are some of the best ways you can recognize your staff during this important month for healthcare workers? And how can you keep that spirit up throughout the year? 

5 Ideas to Celebrate National Nurses Week & Hospital Week 

1. Host a Company Luncheon or Cookout

A great way to create a supportive atmosphere is by hosting a company-wide lunch or other type of luncheon activity. Everyone needs nourishment, especially those on their feet for most of the day. Since nurses, emergency medical technicians, and other hospital staff are at an increased risk for burnout compared to other industries, it’s important to show them their work is being appreciated.

2. Give It That Personal Touch

A personal note of thanks can go a long way in making an employee feel welcome and recognized. When you notice a healthcare worker going above and beyond in their service to others, think about sending them a letter or email to show them how much you appreciate their hard work. Employees want to know they’re being led by a company that takes a personal stake in their success.

How else can this be accomplished? In a more public manner that still shows personal appreciation, you can hold an awards ceremony for your team. Identifying each worker’s strengths in their roles shows that you notice their commendable actions and appreciate their efforts.

Example of a Nurses Appreciation Letter

If you need some help creating an appreciation letter or thank you note, you can use the following: 

• Thank you for being an unbelievable nurse. Happy Nurses Week -- our team and patients appreciate all that you do! 
• [First Name], you are a valued member of our team! Thank you will never be enough for all you do. Happy Hospital Week! 
• Your kindness and compassion do not go unnoticed. Thank you -- Happy Nurses Week! 

3. Support Employees’ Own Expressions

Employees feel more involved when they’re recognized for their creativity at work. Have your staff decorate a hall or floor of your institution in conjunction with your organization’s theme for that season . This can build bonds between staff members while allowing them to express themselves in a different manner.

4. Take the Accolades Public

Employees feel recognized when others can see the fruits of their labor on display. Does your organization encourage the use of  comment or suggestion cards? Post some of the best ones on a bulletin board or in an internal newsletter to publicly praise that nurse’s special touch. Not only does this recognize the nurses and workers who get rewarded, it also sets a standard for others to follow.

5. Reward Them in Ways They Want to Be Rewarded

Are you incentivizing the goals of your employees? If so, have your efforts been effective?

It’s important to give employees a reward of choice when arranging commendations for successful actions. You can let each employee select the reward they want by offering value-based incentive points in the form of rewards. The importance of recognizing your employees can’t be overstated, and values-based recognition programs offer a forward path to better employee engagement.

Instant award points are an outstanding way to show your gratefulness throughout the year. Consider providing them when employees exceed their goals at work. Going the extra mile for a patient, showing flexibility in supporting others’ shifts, and contributing  to the caring outlook of your organization are all admirable attributes to be recognized. 

About C.A. Short Company 

C.A. Short Company partners with companies to manage, drive and facilitate increased employee engagement to increase financial performance, productivity, quality, and core performance outcomes. Our process and research-based platform enables executives and managers to engage their teams to increase the bottom line, motivate staff, and incentivize positive behavior. To request a complimentary consultation, click here.

Editor's note: This blog was originally published in 2019 and has been recently updated.