5 ways to Honor Nurses well beyond Nurses Week

It’s a huge understatement, but there’s no way we would have made it through this past year without Healthcare Heroes. They’ve been on the front lines all throughout COVID-19, keeping us safe and healthy and ensuring we stay that way. Nurses received well-deserved recognition during Nurses Week – "an annual celebration of all that nurses around the world do for their communities" that ran from May 6-12. The truth is we owe a huge debt of gratitude to nurses, given all they do for us. Here are 5 ways we can honor nurses (while keeping ourselves safe and healthy) well beyond Nurses Week.

1. Say "Thank You"

Sometimes the smallest gestures make the biggest impact. The next time you see a nurse, whether it’s to get vaccinated (more on that later) or even someone in your neighborhood who you know is a member of the profession, make sure you stop and thank them. Nurses work long hours, nights and weekends, and regularly deal with people who are scared and frustrated. They don’t get the appreciation they deserve so make sure to say "Thank you".

2. Make a Donation

Many of us have felt frustrated and powerless during the past year, so an antidote to that (and to continue honoring nurses) is making a donation to your local hospital. If a financial donation isn’t feasible, not to worry; there are all kinds of ways you can make a difference. Donating blood is another crucial way that you can honor healthcare professionals (and one that will be greatly appreciated by nurses).

3. Continue Wearing Masks and Practicing Social Distancing

One of the best ways you can honor nurses is by stopping the further spread of COVID-19. If you haven’t received a COVID-19 vaccine you should continue wearing a mask. Remember, too, that wearing a mask is NOT a substitute for social distancing. Masks should be worn in addition to staying at least 6 feet apart, especially when indoors. Visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for more information.

4. Get a COVID-19 Vaccination

Nurses took the brunt of the pandemic. They worked tirelessly to save lives and treat the growing number of patients with COVID-19. Give nurses a break and help protect yourself and others by getting vaccinated. There are plenty of vaccines available all throughout the United States, so do yourself (and nurses) a favor and make sure you get one if you haven’t already. If you’re hesitant about the vaccine or unsure how it will affect you, there are plenty of resources that can help put your mind at ease. You can also consult with a healthcare professional that you know and trust to discuss the safety of the vaccine.

5. Stop the Spread of COVID-19 Misinformation

Misinformation can have deadly consequences. Recent research suggests that in the first three months of 2020, nearly 6,000 people globally were hospitalized because of coronavirus misinformation, and at least 800 people may have died. You can make nurses’ lives (not to mention your own) a whole lot easier by doing what you can to stop the spread of COVID-19 misinformation. View social media critically; consider reporting false or misleading information and, when in doubt, verify. Contact US and Let’s Get to Work