April showers bring May flowers and a time to celebrate the contributions of hospitals and healthcare professionals nationwide.
May marks the launch of National Hospital Week, a one-week celebration that coincides with Florence Nightingale's birthday. The week recognizes the dedication and resilience of over 5,000 hospitals and their healthcare teams across the United States.
Despite staffing shortages, burnout, and the healthcare field's generally demanding nature, hospital healthcare workers continue to provide quality care to patients. To kick off National Hospital Week, acute care leaders may want to get into the spirit by organizing a few activities to recognize healthcare professionals' commitment to creating healthier communities.
What Is Hospital Week? A Brief History
US President Warren G. Harding founded National Hospital Day in 1921 to boost public trust and confidence in hospitals following the Spanish Flu. Years later, in 1953, National Hospital Day was extended to a week to celebrate Florence Nightingale's birthday and her monumental contributions to healthcare. The American Hospital Association (AHA) sponsors Hospital Week each year, creating a unique theme to remind patients and the general population to show appreciation to hospitals and hardworking healthcare professionals.
Who Works in Hospitals?
Throughout hospitals in the US, you can find a range of skilled healthcare professionals working together to provide the best possible patient care. Some noteworthy professionals include doctors and registered nurses (RNs) within specific specialties. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are also integral to hospital teams and can work in various settings. Below are common specialties within acute care settings where you might find PRN jobs:
- Med-Surg RN
- Med-Surg CNA
- Telemetry RN
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) RN
- ICU CNA
- Emergency Room (ER) RN
- ER CNA
- Pediatric Nurse
- Oncology Nurse
- Radiology Nurse
Critical Hospital and Healthcare Facts
Hospitals benefit their communities by providing clinical care, promoting health, and stimulating the local economy through job creation and spending. As of 2024, there are 6,120 hospitals in the United States, according to the American Hospital Association. Below are some quick facts about healthcare in the US :
- According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), healthcare spending in the United States increased by 4.1 percent in 2022, reaching $4.5 trillion, or $13,493 per person.
- Heart disease accounted for 175.4 deaths per 100,000 people in 2022, making it the leading cause of death in the United States.
How to Celebrate National Hospital Week
It's a fact: People love free stuff.
Giving out freebies like t-shirts, gift certificates, and candies to healthcare staff can be a great way to celebrate hospital week. In addition to freebies, here are some inventive ways to commemorate National Hospital Week this year:
1. Post on Social Media
Creating social media posts about healthcare professionals and their commitment to patient care is a great way to celebrate hospitals and the staff members that allow operations to run smoothly. To celebrate National Hospital Week, hospital administration can use social media to leverage staff morale by posting milestones and accomplishments of the healthcare team. Similarly, a hospital may want to share articles or any media attention they received within the past year.
2. Host an Open Discussion to Encourage Feedback
The human resources team at a hospital can celebrate National Hospital Week by setting up their healthcare system for success. These initiatives may include hosting an event where the human resources team asks each staff member to offer feedback on daily procedures or interactions. One or various hosts may facilitate the discussion, including a hospital's human resources director or healthcare team manager. Either way, a host's primary objective should be bringing staff together to focus on what a hospital can do to improve daily operations by welcoming honest and transparent feedback from staff members.
3. Revisit Medical Technology Used in Healthcare Settings
Emerging and new technologies in healthcare enable health systems to be more efficient in their day-to-day operations. For example, healthcare apps and other technology may help reduce medical errors, provide more accurate diagnoses, and streamline communication between healthcare team members. To honor National Hospital Week, the administration could list the technologies already in place within a hospital setting. A hospital's information technology (IT) team can then revisit certain apps and tools to see which ones are working and which ones are not. Hospitals may want to update or replace certain systems to stay current with industry trends.
4. Prioritize Healthcare Staff
One of the most impactful ways to celebrate National Hospital Week is by prioritizing the wellbeing of nurses and other healthcare team members. This effort means providing a supportive work environment that fosters job satisfaction and retention. Programs that help put healthcare professionals and nurses first may include wellness incentives, bonuses, or hosting a staff appreciation dinner or lunch.
Supporting healthcare staff and improving nurse retention may also mean contracting per diem nurses so hospital floors always have sufficient clinicians on shift. Generally, a well-staffed hospital allows healthcare professionals more time to monitor patients, give prescriptions, and perform other vital tasks. Proper staffing can help reduce burnout and fatigue and, overall, improve the wellbeing of the hospital staff.
Commemorate Hospitals That Keep Communities Healthy
Hospitals are central to the healthcare system, ensuring communities stay healthy and empowered. Hence, celebrating Hospital Week can be an excellent way to commemorate a hospital's commitment to public health and show appreciation for healthcare workers.
It's time to come together to celebrate hospitals' invaluable contributions to promoting health and healing.
Are you looking for additional coverage for your facility? Are you a clinician or healthcare professional looking for a change? Download Nursa to find qualified nurses or high-paying hospital jobs in your local area.
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