Nurses work long hours and juggle countless tasks. And yet they still manage to bring comfort and care with every shift. Nurses Week is our chance to say, “Hey, we see you. And we’re so grateful for you.”

Here are seven easy and meaningful ways to thank a nurse this week:

1. Say the magic words.
   A simple, heartfelt thank you goes a long way. If you’ve seen a nurse go the extra mile (which, let’s be real, is basically daily), take a moment to tell them you noticed. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just genuine.
2. Write a note they’ll actually keep.
   It could be a card, a sticky note, or a scribble on a coffee cup sleeve… A personal message can mean the world. Mention a time where their care made a difference. Even the small stuff counts!
3. Fuel their shift.
   Snacks. Donuts. Did we mention coffee? Dropping off a little treat for the unit is always a win. Add a funny or sweet note to really make it special, like “Donut ever forget how awesome you are.”
4. Shout them out!
   Did you know we give the DAISY Award every quarter to a well-deserving nurse based on nominations submitted by… you guessed it… you?! Taking the time to nominate a nurse and honor their work in a lasting way is a powerful way to say thank you.
5. Spread the love online.
   Post a thank-you message on social media during Nurses Week. Tag NMC Health and use hashtags like #ThankANurse or #NursesWeek. A little public appreciation can brighten a lot of days.
6. Check in.
   Nurses are amazing at taking care of others, but they’re human, too. Ask how they’re doing. Share a laugh! Listen. Nurses carry heavy emotional loads. Sometimes, the best way to say thank you is by not saying anything at all and allowing them to talk and process what’s been happening and how they’re feeling.
7. Celebrate with something small but thoughtful.
   You don’t need a big budget to make a big impact. Perhaps you’re a poet and you jot down a few lines, or you bring in a bouquet of flowers, or you create a playlist for their commute. Little personalized gifts can show nurses you’re thinking of them as people, not just a profession. They all say, “You matter.”

Nurses show up with heart, hustle, and humor every single day. So during Nurses Week (and honestly, anytime), let’s make sure they feel seen, celebrated, and appreciated.

Happy Nurses Week. And thank you, nurses, for everything.

Stephanie joined the orchestra board of directors because she loves trying new things. “I enjoy getting involved with any new projects that come my way,” she said. “I’m really thankful for this one. I appreciate the board for taking a chance on me and Val Gleason, NMC Health chief executive officer, for believing in me.”