Nurses Week Activities to Celebrate Nurses

Nurses spend long hours caring for patients, sacrificing their time, energy and sometimes even their emotions. Almost all of us have been cared for by a nurse - whether you were a patient, a family member, or a friend.

The credit given to nurses rarely meets the hard work and dedication they put into their jobs. They deserve recognition, appreciation and celebration for all they do, and that is what National Nurses Week is for!

Nurses should be celebrated every day, but Nurses Week is a special time to go above and beyond to show them how much they are valued. Here we dive into the fun activities we can do for nurses. They’re so special they have an entire week, not just a day!

What is Nurses Week?

National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6 to 12. This week-long celebration is meant to highlight the contributions nurses give to communities. National Nurses Day is celebrated on May 6, while Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, celebrates her birthday on May 12.

The history of National Nurses Week is a testament to the persistent efforts to recognize the invaluable contributions of nurses.

Dorothy Sutherland's 1953 proposal for Nurse Day didn't get White House recognition. In 1954, a week in October honored Florence Nightingale, but it wasn't regularly observed. In 1972, a National Registered Nurse Day proposal faced similar challenges.

Inspired by the International Council of Nurses, May 12 became International Nurse Day in 1974, leading to National Nurses Week. It took advocacy from 1978 to 1993 for May 6-12 to be permanently recognized.

Today, thanks to the American Nurses Association and pioneers, the celebration spans the entire month of May, acknowledging both personal and professional aspects of nurses' lives.

Nurses Week 2024: Nurses Make the Difference

The American Nurses Association encourages everyone to celebrate Nurses Week with this year's theme Nurses Make the Difference.

The theme celebrates the extraordinary nurses who embody the spirit of compassion and care in all health-care settings. This year, the American Nurses Association encourages everyone to celebrate National Nurses Week by lighting up landmarks across the country. Their "#NursesLightUpTheSky" campaign hopes to bring together people around the country in support of nurses!

To show your support, you can take a photo of a participating building in your community and share it on social media using the hashtag #NursesLightUpTheSky!

Nurses Week Activities to Celebrate Nurses in Your Organization

Host a kick-off breakfast

Kicking off Nurses Week with a bang – or better yet, with a breakfast – is the perfect way to fill the stomachs and warm the hearts of your nursing team! Imagine the excitement as everyone gathers, with freshly brewed coffee and laughter and chatter. It's not just any breakfast; it's a thank you feast for those who spend their nights and days caring for others.

Organize a Wellness Day

Celebrating National Nurses Week gives us the perfect excuse to focus on the well-being of your nursing staff, and what better way to do that than by organizing a Wellness Day? It's high time to encourage nurses in your company to take a step back and take care of themselves too!

Give them the choice of their personal wellness day, and claim a voucher for a spa or a hotel stay if they want nothing more for their wellness than a nice, long, uninterrupted sleep. 

Host an awards show

During National Nurse Week, why not shine a spotlight on the remarkable nurse leaders in your organization? Organize an award show and recognize exemplary nurses that gave it their all! You can give fun awards, e.g. Best Smile Award, Best Mood-maker Award, Kids’ Favorite Nurse, Leadership, etc. This gesture not only honors their dedication but also motivates the entire team to strive for excellence.

Share stories of impact

To celebrate nurses in another meaningful way, consider organizing an event where you collect and share impactful stories from patients or their colleagues. Imagine how meaningful it would be for nurses to hear directly from those whose lives they've touched. You could set up a “Story Corner” where these stories are read out loud or displayed on a board for everyone to see during Nurses Week. This creates a deeply personal and reflective moment, showing nurses the real difference they make in the healthcare industry.

Host professional development workshops

Professional development workshops are of great help to nurses and healthcare workers, a means to advance their careers. Try hosting these workshops during Nurses Week! It sends a powerful message to nurses and healthcare workers that their professional development is valued and essential.

Plus, it's a fantastic opportunity for them to bond, share experiences, and learn from each other, further enhancing the sense of community among our dedicated healthcare heroes.

Give them gifts!

Nothing cheers up the hard working nurses in your healthcare setting quite like a personalized gift box! It's a tangible way to show your appreciation and an excellent morale booster. Gift them with customized tote bags, mugs or water bottles, and other goodies like scented candles, chocolates, or spa gift cards. These small gestures will brighten their entire year - a memento of their recognized hard work.

Give them a day off

Perhaps the most cherished gift of all, especially after the work they do day in and day out, , is something as simple as an extra day off. Nurses play an invaluable role in our lives, often sacrificing their own comfort for the well-being of others, so imagine the smile on their faces when they realize they have an unexpected day to themselves - a day to unwind, relax, and indulge in their favorite activities, all without looking at a clock or worrying about their next shift!

Celebrate and Engage Nurses in Your Community

Non-healthcare businesses also have a vital role in celebrating and honoring nurses, showcasing community-wide appreciation for these healthcare heroes!

Special perks to nurses on Nurses Week

Businesses and restaurants can show their appreciation for the nursing community by offering special discounts, promotions or freebies to nurses during Nurses Week! This gesture not only brings a smile to nurses but also encourages them to unwind and enjoy some well-deserved downtime with their colleagues, friends, and family.

Support nurse-led projects or initiatives

Nurses are known for their dedication not only in healthcare settings but also in their communities. Support nurse-led projects or initiatives, such as free health clinics, fundraising events for medical missions, or mentorship programs for aspiring nurses. This helps promote the impact of nurses beyond the hospital walls and creates a sense of pride and support within the local community.

Host appreciation events

Organize special events, such as dinners or entertainment nights, exclusively for nurses. This creates a platform for nurses to gather, network, and celebrate their hard work together!

Create a “Thank a Nurse” campaign

Engage customers and the community in a "Thank a Nurse" campaign where they can leave thank you notes, messages, or videos that will be seen by nurses who stop by at your shop, or display it on your landing page for your online store. This campaign can create a bridge of gratitude and respect between the community and nurses.

Fundraising for nursing scholarships

You can also contribute to the nursing community's future by organizing fundraising events or making donations to support nursing scholarships. This shows a commitment to the nursing profession and helps support aspiring nurses in their educational journey.

Gift bundle giveaways or raffles

Gift boxes/bundles for nurses, thoughtfully assembled, is a unique and personal way to make them feel special on their day! Gift bundles can include items like spa gift cards, self-care goodies, or even essential nursing supplies. You can host a giveaway or a raffle event where nurses can win these gift bundles as a way to thank them for their hard work and dedication.

Celebrate Nurses Week with Shadow Breeze

Shadow Breeze stands out in celebrating Nurses Week with its range of personalized gift boxes, designed to convey heartfelt appreciation to our healthcare heroes. Each box is carefully curated with high-quality, unique items that nurses will love.

From luxurious spa essentials for unwinding after a long shift, to gourmet snacks for a quick energy boost, and even personalized items that add a special touch, Shadow Breeze ensures that every nurse feels acknowledged and valued. Choose from our pre-designed collections or customize your own to match the preferences of your nursing team!

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