By Bernard Freeman
Thank a Nurse
If you or a loved one has ever faced a life-threatening situation or a tense moment under medical watch, a licensed nurse likely assisted. Their compassion and knowledge are effective in overcoming emergencies and making patients feel comfortable as they recover.
If someone in the nursing field impacted your life, take the time to thank them for their service. Thanking a nurse doesn’t have to cost a fortune. A small token of appreciation can be significant and encourage a professional to excel when working in a high-stress environment.
If you’re struggling to show a medical expert how their presence changed your life for the better, consider thanking them with these ideas.
Handwritten Note
A personalized, handwritten note is an excellent way to show your gratitude for a nurse. In your letter, document the situation you faced and how the nurse’s assistance made you feel comforted.
You should consider using high-quality paper or a durable card so the nurse can look back on the note when they face challenges throughout their career.
A Healthy Gift Basket
While nurses dedicate their lives to improving the health of others, sometimes their own wellbeing gets overlooked. You can provide them with high-protein snacks like beef jerky or nuts and beneficial fruits to boost their energy.
Many nurses also rely on small levels of caffeine to get through rigorous shifts. Consider gifting them with a gift card to a local coffee shop or a bag of freshly grounded beans.
Comfortable Clothing
Nurses are on their feet for an extended portion of their workday. Check the hospital gift shop or your local outlet store for a pair of universal compression socks. Pressure from these stockings promotes blood flow by enhancing the efficiency of blood vessels.
If you know the nurse’s approximate shoe size, you can also consider gifting them with a pair that uses memory-foam padding or a comfortable insert. You may also find unique scrubs at a uniform shop that showcases their personality.
Whether you buy a gift for your nurse or draft a compassionate letter to show your appreciation, your gratitude will be appreciated.
The Importance of Nurses
Nurses play a monumental role in the health care setting.
They use their knowledge to assist in life-threatening situations and act as advocates toward patient safety and trust. Their presence is varied and valuable and should be respected and applauded throughout your community.
A nursing professional isn’t limited to practicing in a clinic or hospital. In fact, many with RN or LPN qualifications accept jobs that place them in unique settings across the globe.
Experts hold positions for schools and summer camps, as traveling aides and hospice nurses who help patients find comfort in their final days. Find out why nurses are so significant in health care, as suggested by the Roseman University of Health Sciences.
Garner Trust with Patients
Nurses are not only responsible for monitoring progress and administering medications during their daily duties, but they also become trusted advocates for patients. Because those under care rely on having someone to talk to regarding their symptoms and concerns, nursing professionals quickly become supporters.
Doctors generally make their rounds once a day. Nurses, however, deliver hour-to-hour care throughout their workday. This often leads to a wholesome relationship between patient and provider, which results in better communication for those who are in care.
Improve Outcomes
Nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN) are shown to have a vital presence in health care settings. A report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation shows that hospitals with more BSN-prepared nursing professionals have lower patient mortality rates, shorter average patient stays and reduced health care costs.
Other studies report that their role also leads to lower instances of:
- Incidence of pressure ulcers.
- Postoperative deep vein thrombosis.
- Hospital-acquired infections.
Education
Nurses are also excellent at educating both patients and their caregivers about how to make healthier decisions. While most information is given during a hospital stay, once a patient is released, they are armed with more knowledge for living better at home.
Nursing professionals are also advocates of informing their communities about lifestyle risks. They often provide advice about the importance of regular checkups and being adamant about screenings and regular exercise.
