This week marks National Nursing Week 2023, and from May 8-14th All Seniors Care is celebrating nurses.
According to the Government of Canada, National Nursing Week is a time to “recognize and celebrate the dedication and determination of nurses, nurse educators, and nursing students in Canada who provide essential care for us and our loved ones.”
The nurses at ASC retirement communities form a bond with residents, families, and fellow team members that creates trust and a sense of belonging. It also fosters independence and encourages a fulfilling age-in-place lifestyle.
What is National Nursing Week?
At the end of the 19th century, “The Lady with the Lamp” — or as she is more widely known, Florence Nightingale — founded modern nursing. Thanks to her strict handwashing and hygiene practices while caring for wounded soldiers in the Crimean War, Nightingale and her helpers reduced the death rate from 42% to 2% — ushering in nursing as we know it today.
National Nursing Week is an annual celebration of nurses that takes place from the Monday to Sunday of the same week as Florence Nightingale’s birthday on May 12th. It is a week dedicated to bringing attention to nurses and their importance in all our lives.
What is the Role of a Nurse at a Retirement Residence?
Nurses are leaders in assisted living communities. They are responsible for maintaining contact with residents and their families to ensure a high quality of care, every day.
Nurses and other staff focus on choice, dignity, and purposeful living to enhance the quality of life for older adults. This is why older adults living at ASC retirement homes in Canada can rest assured that they will be cared for in an exceptional community that embraces a resident-centered philosophy.
How Older Adults Can Celebrate Nursing Week
There are numerous ways to celebrate nurses during Nursing Week. Whether the professional caregiver in your life is a friend, family member, someone who provides care to you or your child, or someone who has done so in the past, there are simple ways you can honour Nurses Week.
Say Thank You!
A good old fashioned “thank you” can go a long way. Say it in person or send a personalized note or thank you card. Or put up signs that say thank you and show you value their commitment. A heartfelt thank you is easy it means a lot to the recipient.
Get Them a Treat
Organize a fun activity like setting up a Fondue Fountain or even a Donut and Coffee Station in your Activity Room. For example, the residents at College Park II in Regina, Sask., took the lead for their Nurse Appreciation Day. They put together a cupcake booth for the nurses and care staff!
Organize a Gardening Activity
Recruit seniors and loved ones to create an Appreciation Garden. Set up several tabletop potting areas and start planting herbs and flowers that will brighten everyone’s day. It will also help fill your planters for summer!
Acts of Kindness
Invite residents to display Acts of Kindness by completing a craft that can be given to others. For instance, paint rocks with inspirational sayings or images that can be left around your community.
Create Memories with Music
Invite the care team to a Music & Memory activity. Music brings people together, creating positive memories and building relationships. Whether you simply play a fun sing-along CD or invite in a band, everyone will enjoy an afternoon of song. Incorporate some dance and encourage reminiscing for added benefits.
Get Artsy
Organize an Art Class to show residents how to make a Butterfly Suncatcher Craft using vellum paper. Simply print your design and then colour to create the artwork. Use them to decorate a thank you display or give them as gifts.
Spa Day Appreciation Activity
Everyone loves a spa day. Offer manicures and hand massages. You can even use an aromatherapy diffuser filled with relaxing scent. Both residents and staff will love the feeling of being pampered!
Publicize Your Appreciation
Private messages and notes are important because they allow you to personalize your thoughts, but sharing your appreciation publicly can also go a long way. For many, the publicity of the recognition can add even more meaning to the message.
This year, a group of nursing associations from across Canada have launched the #HeyNurse social media campaign to honour the week. They’re asking that you use the hashtag to share personal thank you messages and memorable stories about nurses. You can share photos and video on social media.
If you’re not active on social media, just send your message in here.
National Nurse Week Message from All Seniors Care
A message from Jackie Dusome RN, VP of Operations – Ontario
“What comes to mind when you hear the word nurse? To me it is a caring professional who is kind, courageous, hardworking, and who puts the needs of others before their own. This is all of you…. our All Seniors Care nurses. At All Seniors Care where caring is our number one concern, we thank each and everyone of our nurses for your hard work and dedication. All Seniors Care and our residents are so lucky to have you on our team!!!”
ASC residences each have some special surprises in store for their nurses. Ask your activities team for details!
Writer – Julianna McLeod
Julianna is a health and wellness expert at All Seniors Care. Her mission is to create content that empowers seniors to form sustainable solutions for lasting health and happiness. She is an experienced writer, editor, and Recreational Therapist living in Toronto.