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In honor of National Nurses Week, Wambi recognizes six nurses across the country who embody the values of compassion, joy, imagination, gratitude and fearlessness.
PHILADELPHIA, PA — May 12, 2022 | Recognition platform Wambi, a leader in healthcare culture transformation, announces the winners of their annual “Nurse of the Year” award.
In 2021, Wambi launched the Nurse of the Year Award to shine a light on the outstanding nurses serving clients nationwide. The purpose of this annual initiative is to promote nurse recognition, inspire feelings of teamwork and camaraderie, and boost appreciation and optimism among nurses. As more than one-third of nurses plan to leave their current role by the end of the year, it is vital for organizations to provide opportunities for nurses to feel valued and a sense of belonging.
During April 2022, users from participating clients were encouraged to nominate a nurse who they believe embodies one of Wambi’s core values of compassion, joy, imagination, gratitude and fearlessness. In total, more than 900 nominations were received through the Wambi platform.
The winner of the 2022 Wambi Nurse of the Year Award is Jodi Linzmeier.
Congratulations to Jodi Linzmeier, RN, BSN, CACP, Assistant Manager, Anticoagulation Services at Marshfield Clinic Health System in Wisconsin for being selected as the 2022 Wambi Nurse of the Year! Linzmeier was nominated by her teammate Melissa Smazal, who said, “Jodi is an incredible nurse and an amazing assistant manager. She is extremely knowledgeable, patient, and caring. She demonstrates this through her interactions with both her patients and her staff. Jodi has had to take on many challenges through her time with ACS and has done so with great poise, understanding, and a smile. She is a phenomenal, compassionate person who shares her concern of her patients beyond the doctor’s office and her concern of her staff beyond the workplace. Jodi would be the perfect candidate for this recognition, very well-deserved.”
The impact that Linzmeier makes on both patients and team members is evident as she received 21 nominations, the most of any nominee. The Wambi platform reinforces the importance of both sharing and receiving gratitude and recognition, and so both Jodi Linzmeier and Melissa Smazal will receive a free pair of premium nursing shoes thanks to Wambi’s generous partner BALA.
Congratulations to five honorable mentions who were also selected, each aligning with one of the Wambi core values.
As burnout and retention challenges continue to impact this vital workforce, the Wambi Nurse of the Year Award serves to unite nurses and promote gratitude during these demanding times. Wambi CEO and Co-founder Rebecca Coren Metter adds, “Nurses are the heartbeat of the healthcare industry. It is critical that they feel seen and valued for the care they give every day so that they know they are living their purpose. These nominations are powerful because they help remind these incredible nurses that they make a difference to their patients and colleagues. It is a privilege for us at Wambi to be part of recognizing exceptional nurses.”
About Wambi
Wambi’s holistic real-time recognition and culture transformation solution improves the healthcare experience for patients and staff through the power of gratitude. Its gamified technology delivers real-time feedback from patients and other team members that recognizes, rewards, and motivates optimal care. With the proven ability to increase workforce engagement, reduce clinician burnout, and drive higher patient satisfaction, Wambi improves human connection for all. Learn more at Wambi.org.
For more ways to celebrate National Nurses Week and recognize nurses all year long, visit the Nurse Resources page.
National Nurses Week is celebrated each year from May 6th until Florence Nightingale’s birthday on May 12th. The week-long celebration recognizes the essential contributions that nurses across the country make each day. Like Wambi, there are many companies that want to support and show gratitude for these vital healthcare workers. Check out which restaurants and retailers are showering nurses with discounts, free gifts, and other goodies that you and your team can take advantage of during National Nurses Week!
The deals included have been collected during previous Nurses Week celebrations and is updated as companies and organizations release their promotions.
You may need to show your badge or enter your ID number to take advantage of some of these benefits.
“For the sick it is important to have the best.” – Florence Nightingale
Chipotle | What’s better than 1 free burrito? A year of free burritos! Chipotle is giving 2,000 healthcare workers free chipotle for a year in celebration of Nurses Week. Visit their website for official rules and to submit your nomination before May 6th.
Chick-fil-A | The establishment known for its legendary chicken sandwich wants you to “eat more chicken” and offers a 15% discount. Treat yourself to delicious waffle fries, indescribable milkshakes, and unforgettable customer service.
IHOP | Hop on over to the International House of Pancakes and get a 25% discount so you can enjoy a stack of fluffy pancakes. Panda Express | Treat yourself to delicious comfort food after a long shift! Panda Express is offering a 10% discount.
Outback Steakhouse | Is your heart set on a Bloomin’ Onion? You’re in luck, because Outback provides discounts to all healthcare workers!
Costco | Enjoy gratitude in bulk! Any healthcare worker who purchases a Costco membership will also receive a complimentary $20 gift card.
Blue Apron & Home Chef | Are you an aspiring home cook? Blue Apron and Home Chef are here to support you, just as you care for others, by offering incredible discounts on your subscriptions!
Thrive Market | You should be THRIVING! And you can with a free membership!
Mrs. Fields | Cookies are medicine for the soul. Mrs. Fields is offering a 55% discount on their famous desserts. Be sure to check out their Heroes Collection of thank you tins and baskets full of cookies and brownies.
Dunkin’ | Nurses deserve shots [of espresso], too! Enjoy free coffee from Dunkin’. Insomnia Cookies | When cookie cravings come in full force during your overnight shift, Insomnia Cookies comes to the rescue! All healthcare workers are entitled to a free cookie during Nurses Week!
Krispy Kreme | Glazed and hot and ready, Krispy Kreme is offering free doughnuts during Nurses Week! How sweet!
KIND | Be KIND to yourself and pack a nutritious snack for your shift!
Olipop | The perfect bev to quench your thirst amidst a busy shift!
BALA, proud official partner of Wambi! | Designed specifically for the rigors of nursing, BALA Twelves are your go-to footwear for a 12-hour shift. While both the 2023 Wambi Nurse of the Year and the individual who sends the winning nomination will be awarded prizes from BALA, everyone can get a discount during their spring sale!
Looking to fill your closet with more shoes? Crocs and Clarks also provide discounts for healthcare workers.
Northface | After a long day, swap out your scrubs for something cozy from the Northface. Join their XPLR Pass and get 10% off your first online purchase.
Madewell | Planning a night out? Madewell has you covered! Enjoy 15% off online and in stores and treat yourself to a new pair of jeans, accessories, and more.
Adidas | Training, fitness, sports, and activities, you can get it all at Adidas, who offers an exclusive discount of 30% online and in-store and 20% at factory outlets.
Nike | Activewear or lounge wear? Either way, Nike is the perfect spot to stock up with a 10% discount.
Carhart | Your clothes should be as tough as you are, and with Carhart, they can be. Enjoy a 15% discount to use on apparel and accessories.
Brooklyn Bedding | After a busy shift, there’s nothing like snuggling in your own bed. Brooklyn Bedding agrees and is offering 25% off plus free shipping
Verizon | Can you hear a good deal now? Good! Verizon has you covered with discounted phone plans to celebrate Nurses Week!
Yeti | This industrial strength cooler company builds only the strongest for the strongest; and at the right price with you in mind!
Ring Doorbell | Ring understands that your hospital schedule can be long and sometimes unpredictable. While you’re caring for your patients, Ring is there to keep an eye out on your home. Although you can’t put a price tag on peace of mind, you can get a 20% discount.
BP | When you sign up for BP rewards, you can keep your tank and wallet happy with BP discounts for all healthcare workers!
The Franklin Institute | In the Philly area? Enjoy a free visit to this Philadelphian museum, along with three guests of your choosing!
While tasty treats and stylish apparel are always appreciated, it is important to recognize nurses with genuine and authentic appreciation for their work and gratitude for their effort. With Wambi, peers, leaders, and patients have the opportunity to share gratitude and recognition. Living a life of gratitude gives you hope, strength, energy, wisdom, and the serenity to meet life’s many challenges of grief, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and fear. The more emphasis the healthcare industry places on emotional health and well-being, the more you’ll see a thriving, inspired workplace with strong organizational performance and team effectiveness.
Ready to discover how Wambi’s healthcare experience solution can help your team truly thrive? Request a demo and see how Wambi supports your employee engagement strategy, not just during Nurses Week, but all year long!
For more ways to celebrate National Nurses Week, be sure to visit the resource page to download thank you cards, social media images, and festive video call backgrounds.
Every day, nurses across the country go above and beyond the call of duty, providing compassionate, exceptional care in the face of adversity and uncertainty. While we at Wambi celebrate the nursing workforce 365 days of the year, we are also taking this time to intentionally pause and recognize the necessity and impact of nurses in honor of National Nurses Week.
The 2022 National Nurses Week theme is “You Make a Difference.” At Wambi, we are proud to shine a light on meaningful moments and show nurses every day that they make a difference in the lives of so many individuals. The beautiful and inspiring collection of gratitude shared each day on the Wambi recognition platform shines a light on the impact nurses make on patients, team members, and hospital systems.
Throughout the month of April, Wambi users were encouraged to nominate nurses who they believe embody one of Wambi’s core values: compassion, joy, gratitude, fearlessness, and imagination for the Wambi Nurse of the Year Award. Over 500 inspiring stories were shared from across the country—the winning nomination will be announced during Nurses Week.
With over 20 years of experience in executive nursing roles, Wambi’s Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Bonnie Clipper DNP, MBA, MA, RN, CENP, FACHE, FAAN understands the importance of nurses and the challenges these individuals face each day. As a recognized expert in the future of nursing and nursing innovation, she is sought out as a speaker and advisor including being named one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Healthcare. She shares her valuable insight in honor of this year’s National Nurses Week celebration.
Can you tell us how burnout and retention challenges continue to impact the nursing industry?
“We have seen through the past two years the toll that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on nursing. The turnover rate in 2021 hit nearly 19% and survey after survey indicates that almost 30% of nurses say that they may leave at the end of the year. And certainly, the recent criminal indictment of a nurse who made a fatal medication error has shaken all of us to the core.
We need a pause from the extremely high-stress times and a chance to reflect on why we became nurses. Nursing is such an important profession in terms of the impact that we make. We need to be supported by a positive ecosystem and a culture that we want to be a part of.
We know from survey data over the past two years that the top few reasons that nurses leave or are considering leaving are often consistent. These reasons are generally workload/staffing, pay, and feeling undervalued and unappreciated. We have to find ways to provide positive work environments that nurses want to be a part of, and just cultures that support them.”
How can we celebrate nurses, particularly during this challenging time?
“While we know that we have much work to do around workload, staffing, and pay, we don’t often talk about how we might improve the way that we demonstrate appreciation and recognition to not only nurses but all employees. This doesn’t come in the form of free pizza or donuts, but rather through genuine and authentic appreciation of the work or gratitude for the effort. The work of nurses and essentially all healthcare professions and support staff is undervalued. These roles are physically demanding and emotionally exhausting on a continual basis. Thus, finding ways to support these teams is critically important to not only the wellbeing of the team, but also patient safety and excellent patient care.
As I visit different organizations around the country, clearly some are doing this better than others. I have seen everything from handwritten thank you notes on a large scale to emailing videos from leaders to staff. These are great ideas and, if sincere, are appreciated by the receiver as it does demonstrate a sense of being appreciated, which in turn provides a sense of feeling valued.”
While the methods that Dr. Clipper mentions are worthwhile, they often take time and require commitment for the desired effect. What if there was a faster and easier way to do this? With Wambi, there is.
Simple to deploy and fun to use, Wambi makes it easy to share thank you’s regularly and transforms the healthcare experience through the power of gratitude. By celebrating meaningful moments, the recognition and culture transformation platform increases workforce engagement and helps improve retention and patient experience. Wambi provides patients and families the opportunity to share meaningful gratitude for individual caregivers, creating actionable real-time insight into the patient experience. Team members feel uplifted and inspired by gratitude and recognition, which helps create an authentic sense of belonging. And leaders recognize and encourage their teams, building a culture of gratitude where team members are valued and stay.
In honor of all nurses, we’d like to invite you to join our celebration of uplifting and recognizing the essential contributions of nurses nationwide. Be sure to visit the National Nurses Week resource page to download printable cards, discover partners and retailers who are showering nurses with freebies and discounts, and celebrate virtually with festive video call backgrounds.
If you are a Wambi client, be sure to incorporate Wambi into your Nurses Week celebrations by utilizing the interactive Newsfeed and sending values–based Wambis. If you are not a Wambi client yet, let us show you how you can shine a light on your entire healthcare workforce by requesting a demo today.
At Wambi, we’re proud to recognize and celebrate the healthcare staff who impact the patient experience all year long. In honor of Patient Experience Week, we want to share our gratitude and appreciation for their hard work and continued impact!
PX Week is a great time to applaud your team and encourage camaraderie, while also spreading the word about efforts to improve the patient experience that are being made throughout your facility. If you are searching for ways to recognize this impactful week, check out these five easy recommendations:
The great thing about Wambi is the ability to share so many different forms of gratitude on your organization’s platform. Encourage leaders to record videos or take photos on their phones that can be posted on your Wambi Newsfeed. Words are powerful and posting a video or photo to show your thanks will truly leave an impact. Using the prompt “We are ALL the Patient Experience,” helps to build connection between your staff and celebrate all the ways your team collectively impacts patient experience. Videos and photos can be posted throughout the week and can even be scheduled in advance. Consider starting each day throughout the week with an inspiring post!
At a loss for words? Read aloud a patient Wambi that highlights the PX Team at your facility!
Keep things simple with genuine words of gratitude–focused on the patient! In addition to sending Wambis celebrating values, teamwork, gratitude, birthdays, and holidays, Wambi users also have access to a Service Excellence category. These Wambi designs were created for peers and leaders to recognize each other for going above and beyond to support patients and their families. Whether you want to celebrate a team member who was a great advocate or listener, who showed empathy and kindness, or simply provided a great patient experience, there are a variety of designs that can be used to help team members connect back to their purpose.
Be sure to send your PX Team a celebratory Service Excellence Wambi to let them know how appreciated they are at your organization! There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being seen for the hard work that you do every day.
Need some help getting started? Here are a few message ideas:
Not only do Wambi users receive recognition and gratitude from one another, Wambi’s unique recognition software allows patients and families to share real-time feedback with those who are involved in their care experience. By collecting these positive stories and gratitude in the moment, Wambi helps recognize team members for their outstanding work to ultimately improve the patient experience. By hearing directly from the individuals that they have cared for, team members are connected back to their ‘why’, helping them combat burnout and fatigue.
In celebration of PX Week, collect some of your favorite patient Wambis and share them on your facility’s social media channels. This is a great way to not only highlight the inspiring work that your team is doing, but also encourages other patients and families to share feedback and send Wambis. Remember, it doesn’t matter if they were a patient a day, a month, or even a year ago – they can still send a note of gratitude! Download our Patient Experience Week social media images to encourage patients to submit a Wambi.
The Beryl Institute is committed to transforming the human experience in healthcare. The organization leads the charge in improving patient experience while providing proven tactics and development opportunities to healthcare professionals. In honor of PX Week, they have everything you need to make your celebrations as easy as possible. Check out their free resources including celebration ideas, activities, and resources like customized staff recognition templates, a coloring page, and social media posts.
A tried-and-true way to show your appreciation: sweet treats! At Wambi, we love supporting local businesses; It’s a great way to show you care about your team and your community. Pick up a cookie tray from a local bakery or order a platter from nationally known bakeries like Delicious Orchards that can be delivered. Include a handwritten message of thanks to make this already yummy treat even more meaningful.
What do you have planned for PX Week? We’d love to hear how you are incorporating Wambi into your celebrations. If you are a client, be sure to visit the Community Forum and share how you are recognizing this week.
If you’re not already a Wambi client, now is the time to discover how Wambi transforms the healthcare experience for patients and staff through the power of gratitude! Request a personalized demo of the platform today.