Ways to Show Appreciation During National Nurses Week
Say Thank You to the Nurses in Your Community
The pandemic a few years ago shone a spotlight on healthcare professionals, especially nurses, and reminded everyone of how much they do for their communities – whether they work at a retirement home, hospital, school, or in patients’ homes. National Nurses Week (May 6-12) is their week! How can you show appreciation for all that they do? SignUp is sharing some sweet ideas to express the love and gratitude that nurses deserve more than ever.
Celebrate a Nurse in Your Life
1. A small token of appreciation has a way of making a big statement – attach a sweet (and punny) handwritten note to a small gift to show some love, like:
- Lifesavers: “Thank you for being a lifesaver!”
- Heart-Shaped Candy: “I appreciate you with all my heart!”
- Chocolate Gold Coins: “You are a real treasure – thank you for all you do!”
- Star-Shaped Cookies: “You are a bright star in my life – thank you!”
- Gift card: “You are a real gift in my life and I am so grateful!”
2. Write and hand-deliver a thank you note or send a free epraise card to their inbox to let them know you think they’re amazing.
3. Offer your time. Nurses are busy – ask what you can do to help alleviate some stress from the everyday juggle. Do they need help with walking their dog, grocery shopping or other weekly to-dos? (Pro Tip: Use SignUp to organize a ‘Nurse Appreciation Mutual Aid’ and get others involved in the efforts on an ongoing basis!).
4. Create a Personalized Care Package – Put together a small basket with self-care essentials like scented candles, herbal teas, hand cream, and cozy socks. Add a note: “You care for others – now it’s time for a little TLC for you!”
5. Surprise Them with a Coffee Run – Show up with their favorite coffee or tea during a shift or send a gift card for their next caffeine fix. A simple “Thanks a latte for all you do!” goes a long way.
6. Host a 'Thank You Parade' – Rally family, friends, and neighbors to line up outside a nurse’s home or workplace with signs, balloons, and cheers to show appreciation.
7. Share Their Story – Submit a heartfelt letter about your favorite nurse to a local newspaper, hospital newsletter, or community blog to publicly recognize their impact.
8. Gift a Subscription Box – Whether it’s a snack box, wellness kit, or book club membership, a monthly surprise can remind them they’re appreciated beyond just one week.
9. Create signs of thanks (get the whole family to participate!) and then hang them in your windows at home or at your business – you never know how many nurses live in your neighborhood. (And if you do know a nurse who lives in your neighborhood, post an uplifting sign in the nurse’s yard or on their door!)
10. Make a sweet treat or dinner for your favorite nurse or nursing staff, and drop it off at the hospital or clinic.
11. Post a heartfelt thank you message on Facebook or Twitter to a nurse that has made a difference in your life and be sure to tag them.
Celebrate National Nurses Week with Your Organization
1. Post a series of features on your social media channels, in your newsletter and/or on your website – in each one recognize an individual nurse for his or her hard work, caring nature, or whatever it is that makes them especially special in their role.
2. Hire a massage therapist to provide 15-minute chair massages.
3. Put an ad in your local newspaper celebrating your nurse heroes.
4. Order lunch in (but set up outside if the weather is nice!) – everyone loves free food and it’s especially nice for those who typically dine on cafeteria or vending machine food!
5. Bring in a few therapy dogs for de-stressing cuddle time.
6. Before National Nurses Week in May, pick up some thank you greeting cards and ask patients, doctors, and regular visitors to sign them. Then hand them out to your nursing staff with a special treat.
7. Choose a theme and decorate your hospital or clinic for National Nurses Week. For example, hang a banner that says “Our nurses are out of this world!”, then decorate with stars and planets – write a nurse’s name on each one before hanging.
8. Have fun with a game, like a “germ” hunt – hide paper germs (a great craft for any kiddos in your life!) around your facility and hand out prizes to nurses that find them.
9. Hand out matching t-shirts that say something like “I’m a Frontline Warrior” or “I’m a Nurse, What’s Your Superpower?” – take pictures to share on social media and your website.
10. Host a ‘Nurse of the Day’ Spotlight – Highlight different nurses each day of the week on social media, in emails, or with a special announcement in your facility.
11. Set Up a Snack & Hydration Station – Stock a break room with energy bars, fresh fruit, and flavored water to keep nurses fueled and refreshed throughout their shifts.
12. Create a Gratitude Wall – Hang a large board or poster in a common area where staff, patients, and visitors can write thank-you messages to nurses.
13. Offer a Flexible Schedule Perk – Arrange for an extra-long lunch break, a shorter shift, or a bonus day off as a way to say thanks.
14. Organize a ‘Relaxation Room’ – Transform an unused space into a quiet retreat with soft lighting, comfy chairs, and soothing music where nurses can take a few minutes to recharge.
