Thanks

Nursing is a team sport — being part of a strong group that works well together and supports each other is all you really need most days. Just ask Anna Green, RN, BS. “Being able to work as a group and be a team is valuable...”

But the work, care, and attention nurses provide to their patients deserves special thanks and appreciation. In celebration of Nurses Week and this year’s theme of “You Make a Difference,” let’s go above and beyond in our appreciation, just as nurses do in their care every day. We asked some local nurses in various fields to share the best way to say thank you.

“The best thank you is a card addressed to the nurse,” says retired Registered Nurse Mary Goodman. “A card brings a satisfying smile that you made a difference in someone’s day and life.”

Goodman added that a card also is valuable because it can be shared with a nurse’s supervisors. “The nurse can then copy the card and give it to the department head who then acknowledges and files it in the nurse’s folder. When the next evaluation comes up, this will help with decision making regarding a raise or upgrading a position in the department.”

Some expressions of appreciation become treasures as they have for school nurse Barbara Carter, RN, of RSU 22.

“I have been a school nurse for over 20 years and have saved every note from students, parents, and staff.” In the workplace, she said she also appreciates “feeling supported by others in your department. [It] makes a big difference in getting through a rough day.”

· Recognize nurses at public events. Parades, high school sporting events, holiday tree lighting ceremonies, and other community-centric events draw large crowds. That makes these events the perfect time to honor local nurses and emphasize all the work they do to help their neighbors. Ask a local nurse or two to serve as grand marshal(s) in a holiday parade and/or let local nurses flip the switch at a tree lighting ceremony. Community dignitaries like a mayor or local police chief can explain who the honoree is once the crowd gathers.

· Support a nursing charity. A community-wide campaign to support a charity that benefits nurses or causes important to nurses can be a great way to thank them for all they do. Various domestic and international organizations are linked to the nursing profession. Prior to introducing a campaign, community leaders can speak with local nurses to see if there is any specific charity or cause important to them. Some charities may provide job training in communities where nursing shortages have made it hard for locals to access quality health care, while others may finance health care operations, including staffing of nurses, in underprivileged countries.

· Embrace public health efforts. One of the most effective ways to honor local nurses is to take a little off their professional plate. Community leaders can urge residents to get their annual flu shots and update other vaccinations in an effort to keep hospital admissions low, which in turn makes nurses’ jobs easier.

Nurses are worthy of praise. Communities can do much to show these invaluable health care professionals how much their efforts and sacrifices are appreciated.

Celebrating the compassion and commitment of our nurses and recipients of the DAISY Award for extraordinary nurses in 2023.

Caleb Gagnon, RN, came in on a day off to assist with transport home in an ambulance for a patient passing away. If Caleb hadn’t volunteered, the patient would likely not have been able to spend their final hours at home. Although this was something he’d never done, he walked into the situation with ease. He had cared for this patient prior to the transport, so it was very personal for him to assist with getting the patient home. Caleb creates a healing environment, which allows space for wholeness, beauty, comfort, dignity, and peace. He listens intently to patients and families and gives them what they need within reason and policy, and does not hesitate to bring up ethical issues when they arise. Caleb is open-minded, empathetic, and compassionate. Working with him is an honor.

Ashley Page, RN, was nominated by a provider who says, “Ashley treats her patients as her own family and takes great pride in caring for this community. She commutes quite a distance, bypassing other hospitals she could work at, but she enjoys the community environment in the ICU and the acute care she is able to provide. Ashley is innovative and always willing to learn. She shows an immense amount of compassion for her patients.”

Kurt Pike, RN, was nominated by a patient’s family member who says, “I immediately felt at ease when I met Kurt. He assured me that my dad was in good hands, and I could see how he professionally and compassionately cared for him. He followed through every aspect of caring for him while showing compassion for me as well. It’s hard to watch your parent in distress. So, thank you Kurt, I felt comforted knowing my dad was in your care.”