Working as a nurse in critical care requires an extra sense of dedication, empathy, and understanding. These nurses typically provide comfort to critically ill patients and their families. In many cases, these patients have a life-threatening condition, which requires nursing talent with specialized skill and compassion.
Considering the importance of this nursing niche, it makes sense May is National Critical Care Awareness and Recognition Month. The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) uses this month to salute these dedicated nursing professionals. It serves to highlight the important nature of the services provided by critical care nurses. Let’s take a closer look.
The Society of Critical Care Medicine Raises NCCARM Awareness
In tandem with the AACN, the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) also wants to honor this nursing niche. Their page for National Critical Care Awareness and Recognition Month (NCCARM) includes information on activities to celebrate throughout May. Part of this effort includes focusing on the color blue, recognizing the work performed in ICUs across the globe.
They want nurses to bring blue-colored snacks and even wear their blue scrubs during NCCARM events. Expect blue balloons to also be commonplace at any celebrations of ICU care. The SCCM also suggests using the hashtag #CritCareMonth when posting on Twitter and other social media networks. Notably, while NCCARM lasts the entire month of May, the Society specifically highlights Friday May 19th for hosting events.
Other Medical Societies Celebrate NCCARM
In addition to the AACN and SCCM, a variety of other medical societies are recognizing NCCARM in May. These include the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), American Thoracic Society (ATS), and the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). All of these groups use May to draw attention to the critical work performed by these medical professionals.
Other SCCM Suggestions For Recognizing NCCARM
In addition to wearing blue and hosting celebratory events, the SCCM offers a few other suggestions for NCCARM. Simply thanking fellow critical care nursing colleagues remains an easy way to recognize their work. They also suggest thanking a mentor that helped you develop a successful career in this nursing niche. Additionally, they encourage nurses to share their pride in working in critical care. Be sure to use the #CritCareMonth hashtag, as noted earlier.
If you are interested in moving into critical care nursing, reach out to the experienced recruiters at CHN Health Care Group. As one of the top medical staffing agencies in New England, leverage our advice to build your career. Connect with us at your earliest convenience.