7 Ways to Show Gratitude Towards your Nursing Staff

February 02, 2022

After almost two years of hardships because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare professionals have suffered from high-stress levels and burnout. Millions of frontline workers put their health at risk for the sake of their patients. They have been viewed as heroes as they have dedicated their lives to helping those around them. Avant Healthcare Professionals believes it is important to share ways to show gratitude for your healthcare professionals as they continue to provide quality patient care and selflessly treat their patients during February.

Provide them with Tools for Self-Care

It is very common for nurses to be on their feet for long periods, which is physically straining on their bodies. They would appreciate tools to help alleviate their fatigue and loosen their sore or tight muscles. Hospital leaders can provide heat-and-cold therapy pillows and gel pads to ease neck or back pain. They can also leave foam rollers or massage balls in the break areas for nurses to use during their downtime. Appropriate gifts would be soothing bath salts, essential oils, and calming teas.

Say Thank You with a Snack

In times of high stress, food can be a great reliever, and it can delight nurses, especially when a break is needed. It can be something that nursing staff looks forward to monthly, whether it's fresh-baked cookies, banana bread, or even a healthy energy bar for a boost throughout their long shifts. Nurse leaders can leave notes of affirmation attached to these snacks to brighten and encourage staff throughout the day.

Create a Video of Gratitude

It would mean a lot to nursing staff if executive team members recorded short 30-60 second clips thanking staff for their time and patience. In this video, executive members can express their thanks and appreciation for specific nurses or their whole team. The video can be shared at a team-building luncheon or event and sent to nurses to watch if they feel discouraged.

Host Team-Building Events

Healthcare leaders should make sure their staff feels connected to their coworkers and executives. There are many fun team-building activities and events nurse leaders can put together to help their team feel more connected. Put together a staff luncheon or dinner to express gratitude for hospital staff. Nurses can use this time to bond and enjoy time with coworkers. Team-building events can reduce stress and bring a team closer together.

Send Thank you Cards and Flowers to your staff

Thank you cards are a great and easy way to put a smile on a nurse's face. Nurse leaders can make cards or buy one and add a special message inside. Handing a nurse a surprise card of gratitude out of the blue would brighten their day. Nurse leaders can also buy their staff members a flower bouquet to go with the card. Flowers or small potted plants are always a great way to express gratitude and encourage their staff with a sweet surprise.

Surprise them with a Personalized Gift

A gift to a nurse could be even more special if it were personalized. The best gifts are thoughtful and valuable, especially for a nurse. Healthcare leaders could gift their staff socks, coffee mugs, water tumblers, slippers, or other personalized items to remind them that they are valued. Custom gifts will make a world of difference during their long and stressful shifts.

Find a Way for your Whole Community to show gratitude

Many communities have come together during this time of COVID-19 to show their gratitude for healthcare professionals. Nurse leaders can work with other organizations to put together a card drive for their frontline workers, so they know their work is not going unnoticed. In February, remind nursing staff they are appreciated. Healthcare executives could organize hospital visits where students visit hospital staff and express their interest in learning more about the nursing profession.

Bottom Line

Even if the gesture is simple, any heartfelt or personal thank you to healthcare staff will be meaningful for the person receiving it. Most employees don't get the acknowledgment and recognition they deserve from their executive team. These tips will help nurse leaders find new ways to motivate their staff and boost their morale as nurses continue to put their well-being on the line for the sake of their patients, especially during COVID-19. Use these suggestions to find the best way to show gratitude and appreciation for hospital staff this month.