Nurse’s Week (May 6-12) and Oncology Nursing Month (May) are quickly approaching. It seems like the social media/blogosphere buzz begins every year around this time: “Do we really need Nurse’s Week,” “Don’t give me an appreciative key chain,” and “Puh-leeease [eye-roll implied in print].”

I enjoy Nurse’s Week and Oncology Nursing Month…when it’s done right – with sincerity – and especially when it’s the culmination of a year of appreciation, not just a single occurrence. Since I’m an oncology nurse, I celebrate with my colleagues all month long. Why not?! I have several nurses on my team, many nurse colleagues around me, and several nurse leaders I’d like to do some special things for in May. Low-cost, clever, cute, inspiring – hopefully I can find something with all these characteristics to show appreciation to the great nurses in my life.

What are you planning (or hoping) for Nurse’s Week or Oncology Nursing Month?