Hospitals that hold celebrations during National Critical Care Awareness and Recognition Month see tremendous payout in terms of camaraderie and pride. No matter how much or how little preparation went into the project, critical care team members who have planned events agree that it is worth the effort.
SCCM provides several tips that can help facilities implement a successful National Critical Care Awareness and Recognition Month campaign. These tips include:
- Encourage those who have profound critical care stories to share them with others
- Promote profound critical care stories in institution newsletters
- Invite speakers to discuss cutting-edge, vital critical care topics
- Plan a recognition lunch or presentation to give public praise for those with exceptional contributions to critical care
- Focus on helping patients and families understand critical care through holding seminars and distributing important information
- Advertise that all critical care professionals should wear blue on Friday, May 21, 2010
SCCM applauds the efforts of one hospital that celebrated National Critical Care Awareness and Recognition Month with a unique dinner event for its intensive care unit staff. Both critical care staff and the patients they had previously treated were invited. The event further proved the dedication of critical care staff and allowed patients to thank staff members who helped them when they were in true need of a caring healthcare professional. The event was truly inspirational to staff and gave them the opportunity to be thanked by the very patients they treated.
Many ICUs start small in their initial efforts, some by wearing blue for a day or by observing a week’s worth of activities. However, these efforts generally grow over the years, realizing greater results each year.
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