Nurses Week is always a special time of year to focus on the appreciation of this honorable profession.

Since choosing to become a nurse is perhaps more of a calling than other professions, take a look at these inspiring ways you’ll love celebrating Nurses Week.

1. Take action!

There is definitely something to be said for taking action when possible. Whether you want to enroll in a certification course or contribute to a trade publication, give yourself that little push to reach new heights.

2. Stay confident!

No matter what your profession is, confidence is always a top-quality sought out by employers.

In a nurse’s line of work, there can seemingly be many opportunities to doubt the day’s performance – but turn a negative situation into an opportunity to become a better nurse can maintain and grow your confidence!

3. Be in charge of your time!

Many nurses receive their scheduled shifts for the week or month. However, they wind up working additional hours, pick up extra shifts, and basically work themselves ragged.

Although there’s nothing wrong with working hard, it is important to understand that your mind and body both need rest and relaxation in order for you to perform at your best.

Use this as your cue to take care of yourself and be in charge of your time – and that involves saving at least one day a week completely to yourself.

4. Celebrate yourself!

When celebrating Nurses Week, take a moment to think about the people you’ve helped during your years as a nurse.

How many:

• People have you comforted when they were scared and in pain?
• Family members did you console?
• Patients did you help nurse back to health so they could go back to their lives?
• Colleagues did you support during difficult times?

Do something special to commemorate your own hard work and accomplishments. Treat yourself to a massage, lose yourself in a good book, or buy that item you’ve been eyeing.

Recognize your accomplishments and be proud of what you’ve done.

5. Celebrate your colleagues!

We depend on our coworkers not just to fulfill their specific responsibilities, but also to support us, teach us, and even stand up for us on occasion – and we should do the same for them.

Nurses Week is an excellent opportunity to reach out to former colleagues with a message of gratitude.

Consider doing something special for everyone, such as organizing a dinner or bringing in delicious cupcakes.

No matter what you do, find a way to express your appreciation of those around you.

6. Sign up for a conference!

Attending conferences and spending time with peers and colleagues provide unmatched opportunity for learning. Not only is it the perfect way to acquire a lot of knowledge in a short amount of time, you can also network with others.

7. Make a career plan!

Making a plan that outlines where you want to be a year, five years, 10 and even 20 years down the line is a critical aspect of furthering your career.

By researching your options, you’ll learn more about what you want and don’t want. Plus, by familiarizing yourself with your career plan, you’ll become less intimidated and more resolute.

It Only Comes Once a Year

These are just a few of the many inspirational ways for celebrating Nurses Week, but what’s most important is taking the time to be proud of yourself and recognize what you’ve accomplished in this humble profession.