Happy Thanksgiving! Here at HealthTrust, we want to be among the first to show our love and gratitude to the many nurses and clinicians working hard during the holidays, and all throughout the year. And we invite you to join us with these 10 ways to thank nurses, clinicians, and, if you're a healthcare worker, yourself, too!
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10 Ways to Thank Nurses & Healthcare Workers this Thanksgiving Season
Nurses and clinicians, you inspire us. And because this is a season for giving thanks, let us return the favor by offering some gratitude for all your hard work. Today, and especially during this season of thanks, You are appreciated!
Here are some meaningful ways to thank the healthcare professionals in your life — and a few ideas you can use for yourself if you happen to be one..
#1: Give a small, thoughtful gift
Gifts can be tricky! You want to provide something useful yet heartfelt. But spending too much can be inappropriate, while spending too little seems like a poor show of gratitude. You also may want to avoid sweets or coffee, which some people try to avoid (especially during the holidays).
So what does that leave? Here are a few other thoughtful gifts:
- Gift cards in small amounts to a web retailer or popular local store
- A gift basket with skin care products like lotion, moisturizing soap, and lip balm
- A personalized badge reel or stethoscope (you can find them on Etsy)
- A self-care essential, like a journal or gift certificate for a spa day
Pro tip: Look for holiday discounts for nurses and healthcare professionals. It’s a great way to treat a loved one or yourself to something special this season!
#2: Provide a donation in their name
Especially if the person you want to thank is the modest type — or inclined to refuse gifts — consider making a donation in their name to a local charity, or a local nursing scholarship. It’s hard to turn down an effort to help others who are in genuine need. And for the same reason, it's a great gift to give yourself, too!
#3: Help fund education or event attendance
Another way to give a gift indirectly, or to treat yourself to something truly useful, is by contributing finds toward a trip to a conference, event, or workshop. Research what’s coming up in their specialty, or simply ask if there’s anything they want to attend and ask how you can help make it happen.
#4: Buy lunch
Another way to thank healthcare workers is by treating them to lunch — either in person, or via a gift certificate or pot luck meal. You can gift an individual nurse or clinician you know, or an entire unit or floor if you’re feeling generous!
#5: Hold a get-together
If you’re a fellow healthcare professional, a nice way to show thanks to those you work with is by holding a small get-together, either at your home, a local café or pub, or some other cheery space. You can even have it at work (if it’s okay with your employer), which gives patients an opportunity to show their love, too!
#6: Make a short video message
Are you active on TikTok, Facebook, or Instagram? Show some gratitude, and show off your creativity, by making a quick thank-you video and sharing it with the healthcare professionals in your life! Feel free to recruit friends or family to help out.
#7: Let their leaders know
Whether you’re a fellow healthcare worker, patient, family member, or anyone else in the community, you can show gratitude to a nurse or clinician by letting their boss know they do exceptional work. It could make a difference in their career prospects, and earn them some extra kudos that will truly make their day!
#8: Nominate them for an award
Another way to thank your fellow nurses and healthcare workers is by nominating them for employee of the month. And if you're a patient or a family member, consider nominating an exceptional nurse for a DAISY Award.
#9: Give (or send) a handwritten thank-you note
One of the best ways to thank nurses and other healthcare workers is with a handwritten thank-you note. You can give them in person, or leave them in a locker, desk, or nursing station.
Remember to be specific, sincere, and brief! And if you have trouble finding the right message, consider talking about:
- How much you appreciate them and the special touch they bring to their work
- The compassion, selflessness, dedication, or detailed attention you admire
- A time they helped you through a challenge or made a difference in someone’s life
#10: Refer them to a great new career opportunity!
Finally, if you're a healthcare professional and know someone else looking for a new career opportunity, consider referring them to a position with HealthTrust! Helping someone land a great new role is a perfect way to share a little gratitude this season — and you could earn a bonus, too! Get more details here.
Thanking Healthcare Workers All Year ‘Round!
Once again, happy Thanksgiving from HealthTrust! One of the ways we say thanks to nurses and clinicians is with great jobs that offer exceptional pay, amazing career development opportunities, flexible scheduling for a happy work/life balance, and more! If you’re looking for new opportunities, search open jobs now.
