Nurses make incredible sacrifices daily as they handle the bulk of bedside care and patient advocacy. Whether they work at a healthcare facility, public school or remote locations, one thing’s for sure: Their hard work and dedication shouldn’t go unnoticed!
That’s why we celebrate National Nurses Day on May 6 each year.
A brief history of National Nurses Day
National Nurses Day has a deep connection with Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Starting in 1954, National Nurses Week was celebrated in October to honor her nursing work in the Crimean War.
President Nixon then moved the week-long celebration to May in 1974, but it took until 1982 for National Nurses Day to be officially established on May 6. Now, the holiday marks the first day of National Nurses Week, which ends on Florence Nightingale’s birthday (May 12).
Food-related ideas to show nurses appreciation
No matter where they’re located (schools, hospitals or doctor offices), your nurses are constantly prioritizing patient care — often above their own well-being. Their job is so demanding that they might forget to eat or just simply not have the time.
So what better way to show your nursing team appreciation than with food? Here are some of the best food-related ideas to show gratitude and ensure your nurses are well cared for.
Catered lunch for the nursing unit
Show your nurses you care about them by organizing a catered lunch for the entire team. Better yet, make it a healthy meal that will give them energy for the rest of the day. Consider local restaurants that offer protein- and fiber-rich foods. Some options might include sandwiches, fresh salads or even Mediterranean food. You can even opt for personalized meals through services like Relish by ezCater. This way, there’s no need for everyone to eat lunch together — something that might be impractical on a hospital floor. Your nurses can eat their favorite meal once they have a few minutes of downtime.
Energizing snack packs
Sometimes, there just isn’t enough time to stop and eat a full lunch — but nurses still need to eat. A great alternative is to offer easy-to-eat snack packs that give a burst of energy. Look for energizing snack options that include nuts, fruit, whole grains and yogurt.
If you don’t want to physically go to the store and select dozens of snack options — and, honestly, who has time for that — consider snack catering. Yes, you can get catering snack packages. On ezCater, you can find snack providers in your local area with dozens of options for your hungry nursing team.
Coffee and tea bar
Another on-the-go food option is a coffee and tea bar. You can set up an area in the break room with plenty of refreshments, like fresh coffee, matcha tea and hot chocolate. Make sure to pair the beverages with some food. You could offer diverse bagel (and spread) options or maybe some sweet pastries.
Again, you can make this process easier for you and your team by getting a coffee and tea bar catered to your facility. Just look for a nearby vendor and place your order — that simple.
Sweet treats for the team
Speaking of pastries, who doesn’t love a cart full of mouthwatering cookies, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, cannolis and danishes? National Nurses Day is a time for celebration, and you can’t do a celebration without something sweet. Reach out to local bakeries and organize a pastry feast for your nurses. And make sure to ask your team if they have any special requests, like lemon tarts, macaroons or cheesecake. The good news is that with catering options, you can get desserts for everyone.
Other ways to celebrate Nurses Day
Food is essential to any celebration, but it doesn’t have to be the only way to show appreciation. Here are a few more ideas to celebrate and honor the heroes on your team.
Self-care gifts
Your nurses put other people before themselves every day — so why not treat them to some self-care gifts this National Nurses Day? Remind them to take some time for themselves with gifts like a bath bomb set, a pair of extra-comfy slippers or a calming candle.
You could also get them a gift they can use on the job, like an engraved tumbler, a stethoscope ID tag or stylish compression socks.
A moment of relaxation
Sticking with the theme of treating your nurses, consider bringing relaxation to them. Sometimes just a quick place to de-stress and relax is all they need to keep pushing through.
You can set up a relaxation center in the break room, complete with a masseuse and a calming diffuser, where your nurses can take a 10-minute break. It’s amazing what a quick shoulder massage and deep breathing can do during long work days.
Virtual or in-person appreciation event
Instead of quick meals and breaks here and there, you can organize an entire event for your nurses to celebrate together. You can make this a virtual event to accommodate your entire staff or host an in-person celebration — whatever works best for your team.
Consider saying a few words of appreciation and giving others a chance to honor any of their colleagues. Of course, what would make the event even better is food. Go beyond the cliche pizza party and organize catering from local restaurants to ensure your nurses’ hearts and stomachs are full.
Honor the heroes in your midst
Nurses fit every definition of the word hero. They’re selfless individuals dedicated to helping others with honor and responsibility. Your nurses have sacrificed a lot — sleep, comfort and personal time — to provide the best patient care possible. And those sacrifices deserved to be recognized.
This National Nurses Day, show the heroes on your team that you appreciate them and all they do. What better way than with a plate of food? With ezCater, you can find local lunch, snack, pastry and coffee options that’ll brighten your nurses’ day.