Give appreciation to nurses by celebrating National Nurses Week.
Nurses are vital to the health care process, helping to save lives every day. Recognize the commitments nurses make by celebrating National Nurses Week. One of the nation's largest health-care events, National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6 and ends May 12. It is promoted by the American Nurses Association. Ideas for activities during National Nurses Week include recognition dinners, health fairs and other community events.
Recognition Dinner
Host a recognition dinner honoring a select group of nurses for extraordinary professional achievement, exemplary service to the community or outstanding contributions in the medical field. Similarly, solicit nominations from local medical staff for a special nursing recognition award. Present the nominee with a plaque or certificate during the dinner. Pre-sell tickets to the dinner, with all proceeds benefiting a local charity or nursing scholarship endowment find.
Health Fair
Pay tribute to nurses' multiple functions with a health fair. Nurses could be on hand to give out information on mental illness, nutrition, breast and heart health, diabetes, cancer, AIDS, family planning and domestic violence. They could also provide free health screenings for blood pressure, blood glucose, total cholesterol and body mass index. Make the health fair interactive with guest speakers, healthy cooking demonstrations, basic yoga, reflexology and aromatherapy.
Publicity
Generate publicity for National Nurses Week by hosting a press conference to discuss an important health-care issue or findings of a medical survey. Conclude the press conference with a presentation of an honorary nursing title to a civic leader. Attract further interest from the media with a press release announcing all local health-care events. Ask the local newspaper to solicit stories from pediatric, military or mental health nurses recounting their personal experiences.
Political Activities
Protect the interests of professional nursing through political activities on the local and state levels. For example, invite lawmakers to shadow a nurse for a day, providing a first-hand look at the nursing profession, or hold an event at the state capitol recognizing all registered nurses in legislation. Use the opportunity to educate state legislators about the value of nurses in the health care system. Constituents can also write a letter requesting a proclamation from the mayor or governor recognizing May 6-12 as National Nurses Week.
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