Showing Gratitude During Nurses Week

By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN

So far, 2020 is turning out to be a very different kind of year. Nurses Week, traditionally a high point of recognition is muted with many facilities postponing or modifying activities due to COVID-19. We all understand that it is not business as usual. Yet in many respects, staff have never needed to know more than now that they are appreciated for all they do.

The anxiety and fear of nursing staff have been high for the past two months. With no vaccine yet available, public health experts now think that the current wave could continue for quite a long time and a second more aggressive wave could come in the Fall. A nurse manager told me the other day that many of her staff are now saying, ” I didn’t sign up for this when I went into nursing.” They are right of course – what they are doing requires real courage. Many never expected to have to put their own personal safety and that of their families on the line. And yet nurses have shown themselves to be unstoppable in the face of chaos and suffering.

So while you may not be having your usual big recognition ceremonies, it is important for nurse leaders (especially the front line managers) to show gratitude for the work of their staff. You may say – I do this every day and you might but research indicates otherwise. Gallup tells us from their research that you almost can’t say thank you enough.

The gratitude you show to your team can take many forms such as the following:

A personalized handwritten note to each of your direct reports thanking them for their work and courage during this challenging time. Highlight at least one strength you have observed in them. In addition to the written message (a lost art in today’s world), the note itself shows an investment of your time. You would be surprised at how many staff have never received a written thank you note.
Take the time to do some professional and career coaching – it may seem like an odd time to do career coaching but it is during a crisis that many staff will rethink their goals.
Ask how their families are doing – if they are struggling, look for referral sources that might be helpful. A quick “how can I support you right now” shows you care and are grateful for their work.
Promote a spirit of appreciation where every staff member has an opportunity to recognize a teammate with something like a star award – You are a star because……..
Food is always appreciated but will be more meaningful if it is something unique and if possible – homemade like cupcakes.

While waiting to celebrate is the practical thing to do right now, the challenge is that we don’t know when this will be over and if it could get worse. Take the time to show appreciation and gratitude this week.

Read Rose Sherman’s book – The Nurse Leader Coach: Become the Boss No One Wants to Leave