5 Ways to Celebrate National Nurses Week

Here are some ways that Rhode Island businesses, restaurants, hospitals and individuals will honor nurses May 6−12 for National Nurses Appreciation Week.

There's always a nurse who stands out from the rest, one who takes the time to put a patient at ease and bring forth a smile. Now it’s time to thank nurses who've made a difference with National Nurses Appreciation Week, May 6−12. Here are some ways that Rhode Island businesses, restaurants, hospitals and individuals will be honoring nurses this week:

1. Shopping for a Cause

Insider’s Tip: Find a thank you gift for a nurse who has impacted your life at one of the below businesses.

In Providence, Hope Street is inviting all shopaholics to join local businesses in celebrating Nurses Week. The stores will assist Miriam Hospital nurses as they raise money for the American Heart Association (AHA). Local shops, including Rhody Craft, Kreatelier, Blooming Blossoms, the Camera Werks, Seven Stars Bakery, Stock Culinary Goods, Luli Boutique, Evolve Apothecary and Harkins Wealth Management will donate five percent of sales, during all or part of the week, to the AHA in the name of the nurses.

2. Dining Out for a Cause

Insider’s Tip: Take the nurses in your life out for a bite to eat to show them you care.

The Melting Pot in Providence is serving up some hearty fondue in appreciation of our nurses. From May 9−12, the restaurant will offer all nurses 20 percent savings on checks. All that is required is a valid ID, which will be presented when dining. Nurses will be able to sit back and relax while enjoying cheesy indulgence. 199 Providence Pl., Providence, 401-865-6670, meltingpot.com

3. Racing on Your Own Time

Insider’s Tip: Partake in the race listed here and not only support a great cause, but start your own healthy lifestyle, too.

Hit the pavement to help out a great cause while showing appreciation for our nurses and fitting in a workout. A virtual race on May 8 at 1 p.m., the Grateful for Nurses 5K is set to launch in different cities and Providence is one of them. The best part is you get to complete the race on your own time as you select the day and hour. Walkers and runners are all welcomed and a portion of the proceeds raised will be donated to Doctors Without Borders, an organization that delivers emergency medical aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters or exclusion from healthcare. To top it all off, an additional 20 percent of every registration will be donated directly to the organization. The guidelines are simple and easy to follow, all you have to do is pay the registration fee of $20 per person and choose a course to race on, record the time and submit it. Included in the ticket price, racers will receive a medal and bib in the mail. You can sign up here through EventBrite. 

4. A Night Out for the Nurses

Insider’s Tip: Nurses will love taking a break with a night out especially for them.

Nurses are invited to join Coast 93.3 and Laboure College for Nurses Appreciation Night. On May 12 from 6−10 p.m. at Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel, nurses will kick back and enjoy comedy, prizes, food, dancing and more. The event itself is hosted by Bill Simas of Funny 4 Funds, with live music courtesy of FastTime. Admission is free and tickets will be presented at the door. Make sure to sign up soon as space is limited. 79 Washington St., Providence, 401-331-5876, lupos.com

5. Guest Speaker Opportunity

Insider’s Tip: Guest speakers inspire others to take on the world, which is perfect for nurses who give back to the community.

In celebration of Nurses Week, Rhode Island Hospital will host Tim Porter-O’Grady, RN, Ed.D., Ph.D., a nationally and internationally known guest speaker, to meet with nurses throughout the hospital. He will be speaking on behalf of the shared governance model and outcomes. To add to the occasion, special rounds will be made to show appreciation for nurses, along with several receptions to be held on the units. To check out more ongoing events, click here. 593 Eddy St., Providence, 401-444-4000, rhodeislandhospital.org

 

And don't forget to check out Rhode Island Monthly's 2015 Excellence in Nursing Awards, which recognizes the best in healthcare in Rhode Island.