Thought we’d take some time today to give a shout out to Administrative Professionals’ Day (next Wednesday!), National Nurses Week (May 6–12), and Teacher Appreciation Week (May 7–11).

Between responding in high-pressure emergency situations and caring for people with illness and injury, healthcare workers undergo seriously high stress levels in their day-to-day duties. Pair the demands of the job with a lack of appreciation and recognition in the workplace and healthcare employee turnover will surely ensue. Events like National Doctor's Day, National Nurse's Week and National Nursing Home Week provide the perfect opportunities to kick off a refreshed culture of appreciation. Here are 3 tips to get your started!

My sister is a nurse – and boy oh boy do I admire her.  She’s sharp as a tack and caring as all get-out.  Phone conversations with her after she’s pulled a 12-hour shift leave me in awe of her courage and perseverance.   Many of us I’m sure would agree that it takes a very special person to be a nurse.  That’s why we should all take the time next week to send a little extra love to those who keep us calm and healthy during National Nurses Week! 

Today is National Nursing Assistant's Day! A day set aside to celebrate and recognize those who have made it their career to care for the well-being of others. I believe it takes a special person to look outside of themselves and care for others on a daily basis. Nursing Assistants play a large role in their patients' lives, as they often provide as much as 80-90% of the direct care received by residents and clients in long term care facilities.

May 18-24, 2014 is National EMS Week. Many of us hope that we will never have the chance to interact with an EMS professional. These first responders bear witness to many, many dangerous and downright scary situations day after day. It's their job to bring the calm to the storm with efficiency, intelligence, kindness, and grace. Talk about tough!