If you’re reading this post, then most likely you’re an advocate of employee recognition.  If you’re a recognition advocate, then I’m sure at some point you’ve felt like a lone wolf.  Even though the link between genuine expressions of appreciation and improved performance is intuitive to us, it seems like “fluff” to many managers, supervisors and informal leaders. 

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine you are in location surrounded by like-minded people—colleagues in the science, application and advancement of employee recognition practices. 

Last week I made the case for “why” to recognize nurses during National Nurses Week, so I thought this week it would be helpful to talk about “how.”

We know nurses are always on the go, on their feet, and on their game. So, why not give them the gift of:

Convenience. Travel mugs, tote bags, and key chains are all gifts that busy professionals can use every day. Plus, they give a constant reminder of your appreciation.

Comfort. Being run ragged all day can take its toll. Our Recognition Moments Tin has as assortment of 25 soothing gifts to give your nurses a little breather. This tin has enough to recognize your entire staff, and the variety of items means you’ll find something for everyone.

Encouragement. Remember what I said about thankless? Sometimes people just want to know that they’re appreciated. A simple thank you card with a personalized, handwritten note can go a long way.

Opportunity. Breaks don’t come often in the nursing profession. A little time off—or something just as valuable like a free lunch, snack, or coffee—could be all your nurses need to recharge. Our On-the-Go Appreciation Kit has fill-in notes and coupons that let you choose what you want to give.  

Admiration. Show them some respect by giving a gift they will wear with pride. Themed badge reels and lapel pins attach perfectly to scrubs and carry inspiring messages that your nurses will be thrilled to show off.

So, there you go! You have the who (nurses), what & how (see above), where (in their natural habitat, of course), when (May 6-12) and why. Now, go out there and celebrate National Nurses Week!

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Thanks to everyone who attended our live video webisode this morning! If you weren’t able to attend, you can view the recorded version in the Recognition TV section of our website or on our Facebook page. 

Today, I shared three steps to starting a recognition program and hopefully showed you that a recognition program isn’t hard to start or maintain. It just takes a little bit of planning up front. 

Teacher Appreciation Week starts May 3, one week from today, and if you haven’t planned anything for your teachers yet, don’t worry. You still have plenty of time! I recently received lots of good ideas in my inbox from to Dr. Diane Hodges, a recognition champion and experienced educator. Diane has really creative ideas that are perfect for appreciating educators, and I wanted to share some of her ideas with you. For more of Dr. Hodge’s ideas for teacher and staff appreciation, visit her website or register for her newsletter. The ideas listed below are from Dr. Hodge's new book, Season it with Fun.  

Working Together is Paradise!
Set a festive, tropical theme for the week. Encourage staff members to wear tropical clothing that reflects the theme-flowered shirts and dresses, straw hats, etc. Decorate the staff lounge with palm trees, parrots, tiki lights, etc. Have daily drawings and award the winners with tropical items such as a pineapple, flamingo items, and other fun, inexpensive prizes. 

Almost a year ago to this day, I woke up at 5:00 in the morning in more pain than I’ve ever felt in my life. As I writhed and cursed the black bean burrito I’d eaten the night before, it became evident that I was headed to the emergency room.

A few hours later, I was basking in the bright, sterile glow that comes after three IV injections of painkiller and the peace of mind that there was nothing serious wrong with me.

It was in this lucid state, with nurses, doctors, and technicians all bustling around me that I had the foresight to ask someone what the hospital was planning to do for National Nurses Week. I wished for pen and paper and braced myself for the onslaught of useful information I would receive that I could share with my coworkers when I returned to work. Instead, what I heard was, “nothing, really.”

What?!

I couldn’t have been more shocked. Had it not been for the expert and attentive care of these professionals, I would…well, I don’t know what I would have done. I was in remarkable pain. And they took care of me with concern, immediacy, and total effectiveness. At the time it seemed like a miracle. And, therefore, a travesty that these individuals would not receive recognition during a week dedicated solely to them.   

Every day, people like me (and those much worse off) rely on nurses and healthcare professionals to make it all better. And very often they do, or certainly do everything in their power to. And the most amazing part is that they often do so after a double shift or while doing five other things at once—all while employing the educated and critical mind required to deal with life or death situations.

Nursing is often called a thankless profession. I can’t think of a better time than National Nurses Week—coming up May 6-12—to turn that around!

Just in time, we’ve designed an all new theme that makes it easy (and affordable!) to thank these compassionate and dedicated individuals.

On-the-go medical professionals will appreciate these useful gifts that give them a constant reminder of your gratitude! Check out the entire collection here.

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Allison is Baudville’s one (and only) Copywriter. She’s been writing for a variety of media for more than nine years, so if she tells you she has been there and done that, she probably has. Before embarking on a career in writing, Allison worked as a department manager where she used Baudville products to motivate her team. She’s what we call a true believer!