Ways to Show Appreciation to Nursing Assistants

Ways to Show Appreciation to Nursing AssistantsNursing Assistants work very hard to offer acontribution to the medical field. They work hardto help patients meet their basic needs. They alsooffer comfort and support. They work one on onewith patients, getting to know them better thanthe other medical staff. They use this knowledgeto make things easier for the patient as well asto help the other staff do what is best for thepatient. In addition, they work with Nursingstaff, often assisting with anything that comesup at a moments notice.

While most Nursing Assistants are happy in theirrole, they often do feel like they are taken forgranted. The do so much behind the scenes thatoften the patients and the employer don 抰realize all that they contribute to the overallgoals of the medical facility and the medicalprofession as a whole. There are several thingspatients, staff, and employers can do torecognize the efforts of Nursing Assistants.Many patients and their family choose to send asimply thank you note or letter to the NursingAssistant. Often, this heartfelt thank you ismore than sufficient. It can often help a NursingAssistant stay motivated, knowing what they doreally does make a difference for many people. Asimple gift of candy, flowers, or a gift card canalso be a great token of appreciation for someonewho offered so much during your time of need.Many Nursing Assistants do not feel appreciatedby other medical staff, especially the Nursing

staff they work directly under. Too often Nursingstaff only point of what a Nursing Assistant didn抰 do. This needs to be addressed, and verbalappreciation needs to be expressed towards theefforts of Nursing Assistants. Another great wayto show appreciation is to ask Nursing Assistantsfor their input regarding patient care andinclude them in discussions about how to handleparticular patient issues. This will definitelymake them feel appreciated and valued.Employers need to work hard to make NursingAssistants feel appreciated as well. With thembeing is such high demand, they need to work hardto keep those quality workers they already have.In addition, their attitude towards the issuewill often set the tone for other medical staff.Employers can extend appreciation to individualNursing Assistants or the profession as a wholein employment newsletters. These are often wellread materials that pertain to the medical

facility and can be distributed monthly or everypay day along with your check. If your facilityparticipates in Medical Appreciate Week, then itis imperative that the Nursing Assistants feelhonored during that time as well. Some employersoffer raises to Nursing Assistants based on theirperformance as a bonus to recognize theirefforts.It is important to understand that NursingAssistants don 抰 enter the profession lookingfor recognition. They sincerely want to helpothers the best way they can. However, being overworked and under appreciated it a mix that leadsto stress, burnout, and often leaving theprofession. Medical facilities need to take theopportunity to inform other staff of all theduties Nursing Assistants perform. Other staffand the facility need to work hard to make themfeel as important as any other staff member. Toooften, the mentality is that they are entry levelworkers with less education. This misconception