Nursing home staff are the rarely recognized angels that care for our loved ones. To show your appreciation to a special worker, consider writing a nursing home appreciation poem. Whether you write the poem inside a card or have it engraved on a plaque, the recipient is sure to be honored by your thoughtfulness.
Occasions to Give Gifts and Poems
When is it appropriate to give a nursing home gift or poem? Any time you feel like it! There are, of course, certain days that definitely call for a gift, but you may give one anytime you feel the need. Here are a few suggestions for gift- or poem-worthy occasions:
- Birthdays
- Nursing Home Appreciation Week
- National Nurses Week (May 6-12)
- Christmas
- Thanksgiving
- Other holidays
- Thank You for special effort
- Just Because
Uses for Nursing Home Poems
There are many ways to present your poem. The method you choose will likely depend on the length of the poem, the occasion, and the money you wish to send. Here are a few ideas for presenting your chosen sentiment:
- Have it written in calligraphy on a scroll
- Engrave it on a silver picture frame
- Stitch it in needlework on a canvas
- Have it etched onto a scrapbook, journal, or photo album
- Include the poem with a gift during National Nurses Week
- Recite the poem onto a CD or cassette
- Have it printed on a shirt, jacket, cap, tote, or apron (short poems only)
Nurse Tributes
Poems directed specifically to nursing homes are hard to find, but nursing tributes are plentiful. Since it is often the nurses providing day-to-day care and direct contact, many of these tributes are completely appropriate as nursing home appreciation poems.
Tribute to a Hospice Nurse
In Tribute to a Hospice Nurse, found on Nursewing.com, E.V. Stankowski, R.N., offers a touching tribute to the very special individuals actively involved in end-of-life care. This poem may be printed directly from your computer or bought on a poster.
Tribute to a Director of Nursing
Another Nursewing.com offering by E.V. Stankowski, R.N., this poem, called theTribute to a Director of Nursing, honors the hardworking nurses responsible for organizing the nursing staff. Although the DON doesn't always have face-to-face contact with patients and families, she is actively involved in coordinating care and services.
Angel of Mercy
Angel of Mercy honors nurses of all types for their kindness of spirit and loving hearts. These traits are never more needed than in a nursing home.
The Proverbs 31 Nurse
Written by a high school student, The Proverbs 31 Nurse discusses the "ideal" nurse. Among other things, this perfect nurse:
- Works well with others
- Seeks medical knowledge
- Is giving
- Is dedicated
- Offers comfort
- Has a warm smile
- Is patient
If you know of a nurse like this, honor him or her with a special gift and this beautiful poem.
Christian Nurse Acrostic
In this Christian Nurse Acrostic by Linda C. Smith at Carenurse.com, a nurse is described as being a nearly Christ-like example. Give this to a nurse who feels she's answering God's special calling.
Nursing Home Appreciation Poems and Gifts
While nursing home appreciation poems are hard to come by, any of the above nursing tribute poems may be used as is or adapted to suit the recipient and occasion. Add one of them to a nursing come appreciation gift for a complete (and completely thoughtful) gift.
