When most people think of a financially stable future, nurses typically aren’t anywhere near the top of the list. Luckily, Nurses Appreciation Week, or National Nurses Day 2024 as it's also knwon, reminds everyone of nurse practitioners' vital role in our economy.
Nurses Day 2024 Theme: The Economic Power of Care
In January 2024, the World Economic Forum (WEF) highlighted the importance of the Care Economy as a foundation of a rapidly growing global population. Moreover, global leaders have been vocal about how investing in the care economy can “trigger a virtuous cycle of prosperity” for the future. To spread the message, this Nurse Appreciation Day will highlight how nurses play a vital role in upholding a standard of social well-being necessary for a thriving economy across all sectors.
When is National Nurses Day 2024?
This year, Nurse Appreciation Day falls on Monday, May 6th, but Nurse Appreciation Week will last through May 12th, so don’t worry—you’ll have plenty of time to show gratitude to the nurses in your life!
Why do we Nurses Appreciation Week?
Contrary to popular belief, nurses do more than draw blood, assess symptoms, and administer medication; they advocate health equity or ensure that everyone has equal and fair access to health services.
Their job may include a plethora of invisible labor, such as:
- Screening for social needs
- Making referrals to social services
- Promoting health and well-being for families
- Offering community and health department input on policies and programs.
As such, nurses are increasingly in demand each year as an integral part of our social and healthcare systems. McKinsey estimates that the U.S. will experience a nursing shortage of up to 20% by 2025, translating to a gap of 200,000 to 450,000 nurses. Recent data suggests that nurse appreciation plays a significant role.
Nearly 30% of U.S. nurses surveyed by McKinsey in 2022 reported they were likely to leave their direct-patient-care role, with the majority citing a lack of recognition, being overworked, and understaffed as the primary drivers for their decision. However, this doesn’t mean that nurses are quitting healthcare—many are simply looking to pivot toward more educational nursing roles.
But one thing is sure: many nurses calling it quits say it’s because they don’t feel valued by their organization. By raising awareness about their vital role in our collective future with Nurses Day 2024, we reinforce the importance of the nursing workforce while contributing to the greater social good.
5 Nurse Appreciation Week ideas
Nourish or pamper a nurse
According to a 2023 study, over a quarter (26.5%) of primary care nurses reported experiencing burnout, affecting their overall well-being and the care they can offer their patients. Show your appreciation with a thoughtful self-care gift that will help your favorite nurse unwind and recharge after a day spent caring for others:
- Relaxing massage
- Spa day
- Yin Yoga class
- Foot/neck massager
- Heating pad
- Sensory deprivation tank session
- Offer to help out with household chores
Advocate for a safe healthcare environment
A recent survey showed that 42% of nurses perceived safety as one of the most significant factors determining whether they would leave their position. By advocating for your healthcare facility to establish a patient and visitor code of conduct, you can help nurses everywhere feel more secure at work, giving them more time and energy to focus on providing care.
Organize a fun, celebratory Nurses Day 2024 outing
If you work in a healthcare setting, get your coworkers together to plan something special for the nurses in your facility. Organize a nurses' night out, which can be anything from dinner and drinks to a karaoke night or even something more creative, like a pottery class or a paint and sip.
Show your appreciation
Around the world, “doing meaningful work” is one of the main reasons nurses stay committed to their roles. One of the best ways to remind the nurses in our community how meaningful their work is for our collective future is to show heartfelt appreciation. Whether through a direct message, written note, or a bouquet with a loving message, a little personal touch goes a long way.
Share on social media
If you won’t have the chance to show in-person appreciation, share about National Nurses Day 2024 on social media, tagging all the nurses in your life for whom you are grateful. Here are some ideas for Nurses Appreciation Day posts:
- Share a story about a nurse who helped you or a loved one during a difficult time.
- Give a shout-out to the nurses at your local healthcare facility.
- Share educational information about how nurses are an integral part of our economy.
Let’s make Nurses Day 2024 count
We want to extend a wholehearted thank you from everyone at IQVIA to all the nurses and healthcare professionals without whom our mission wouldn’t be possible.
We connect the most innovative healthcare opportunities with those ready for a meaningful career. If you’re a nurse practitioner ready to shift your role in the care economy, consider preparing for a clinical nurse educator interview. Your contribution to collective well-being starts here!
