Have you thanked a nurse lately? Nurses are essential to caregiving: they are the ones who act as liaison between patients and doctors, making every step of medical processes more personable, easy, and ultimately effective. They provide education about treating and preventing illness, assist in caregiving, and give emotional and physical support for their patients.
In fact, we love our nurses so much that, according to a Gallup poll, we rated them as the most honest and ethical professionals for 15 years in a row. They are with us from the moment we are born through our last days, cheering us through our joys and helping us through our sorrows.
Nurses Week 2017 Theme
We may not thank our nurses for all of their hard work as often as we should, but take advantage of the opportunity to show the special health care providers in your life that you care from May 6-12 week during National Nurses Week 2017. The theme for this year’s annual appreciation week is “Nursing: The Balance of Mind, Body, and Spirit,” in recognition of this year’s American Nursing Association theme of the “Year of the Healthy Nurse.”
These themes recognize a common irony among nurses: Although they spend most of their time caring for others, nurses often have a hard time caring for themselves. Studies have shown that nurses suffer from musculoskeletal disorders, are at a greater risk of acquiring tuberculosis and blood-borne pathogen infections, and have more occupational allergies than the general public. In addition, one study found that they have an 8% higher rate of depression than at the general population. In A Daybook for Nurses, author and doctor Sharon Hudacek sums up this irony, saying, “Bound by paperwork, short on hands, sleep and energy… nurses are rarely short on caring.”
How can we help our nurses?
Luckily, many hospitals, doctors offices, and other healthcare outlets are starting to recognize the importance of providing stress-relief and holistic health practices for nurses at work, like Tai-Chi and yoga classes during lunch breaks, on-site farmers markets, and professional support groups. These benefits aim to not only improve the health and well-being of individual nurses, but the quality of care they are able to provide their patients.
National Nurses Week is one more way that nurses’ hard work is gaining recognition. If you have a special nurse or caregiver in your life, help them achieve balance of mind, body, and spirit by providing them some caregiving of their own. Pamper them with a gift card for a massage, offer to bring a home cooked meal or meal-prep (like a jar of various beans and spices for a healthy just-add-water soup), or sit down and have an open conversation with them about what their needs are and if there’s anything you can do to help meet them.
It’s never too early or too late to tell your caregivers how much you appreciate them!
If your loved one needs a regular caregiver, including live in care Orlando nursing services, consider bringing a qualified care provider into your home. American In-Home Care always refers qualified, screened, care providers, included Registered Nurses, who are compassionate and ready to help. Contact us at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss which care options are right for you and your family.
