Now in its 14th year nationwide and its 22nd year in Ohio, the observance of Nursing Assistants' Week began with Career Nursing Assistants’ Day on Thursday, June 3 and continued through June 10, 1999. The United Nations has designed 1999 as the "Year of Older Persons." In keeping with this designation, National Nursing Assistants' Week will focus on "Individualized Care" with the theme of "Nursing Assistants: Caring for People Every Day." The "One to One Care" logo captures the spirit of National Nursing Assistants’ Week ‘99. It is the connection between these two people, the caregiver and the care recipient, that focuses our attention on the point at which "care happens" and the contribution of each to the well being of the other.

Nursing Assistants’ Week provides an opportunity to recognize and validate nursing assistants who provide consistent and predictable care for people in nursing homes and other long term care settings. Many interesting and rewarding events are planned each year to recognize and honor this important health care worker. In addition, this event provides a rich opportunity to promote a better community understanding of the important work performed daily by nursing assistants. Public recognition of nursing assistants provides a valuable service not only for making nursing assistants more visible, but also to alleviate the concern for family members when a loved one becomes ill. We recognize nursing assistants so that people can see the caliber of these committed workers who provide hands-on care and learn about what nursing assistants actually do when providing care.

Proclamations

A copy of a Proclamation suitable for signing by Mayor (or Governor) can be obtained from CNAP (go to response form). Perhaps your Mayor will participate in your awards event or publicity photos. A first step is to contact the Mayor's office to determine the correct procedure for requesting a Proclamation.

The National Classroom Project 1999 "Individualized Care"

The National Classroom Project happens in your facility or organization when you conduct dialogues or other special projects relating to the theme of " Individualized Care."

Dialogue sessions can include discussion, exercises or events that help the nursing assistant to talk constructively about the issues that affect them and the people in their care. The Dialogue topics for 1999 focus on various aspects designed to enhance the well being of both resident and worker in areas such as: professionalism, values, comfort, mobility, respect, nutrition, and work habits.

"Fifty Ways to say Thank You to Nursing Assistants" Excerpts from Public Relations Kit ‘99 (go to response form)

The annual observance of Nursing Assistants’ Week and Career Nursing Assistants’ Day is a special time to celebrate and recognize the efforts of the Nursing Assistant in long-term care services. Here are some ways to say thank you to this important worker:

• Host a National Classroom Project for your area
• Praise her/him for good work in front of family members, supervisors or administrative personnel of the facility
• Provide service pins and other commemorative items as special memorabilia of the week
• Create a poster consisting of "thank you" notes from family members and staff. Include pictures of your nursing assistants. When complete, enlarge your poster to 5X8 feet, post it in a prominent place
• Provide computer training and access to computers and the internet in off-hours
• Enroll eligible Career Nursing Assistants in the Nursing Assistants National Twenty Year Club

Helps for planning for National Nursing
Assistants' Week '99
(go to response form)

Catalogue of Commemorative Ideas and Educational Materials (go to catalog page)

The most frequent form of recognition is the presentation of commemorative gifts such as certificates, pins, T-shirts and other tangible items. A number of commemorative items are provided to you each year at low cost for the purpose of recognition. This year, we also are offering discounts for large orders and a Sampler Pack of selected printed materials. The proceeds from sale of these items support programs for nursing assistants.

"Planning Guide: Caring for People Every Day" - Ideas and program plans for your Nursing Assistants' Week Celebration. Includes sample news release, planning guide for conducting events, proclamation form, and more. 8 1/2 X 11 in, 40 pages. $10.99

PR Kit - Sample memos for families; resolution forms; sample news release; Ten Steps for Planning; the National Classroom Dialogue Project Work Sheet, sample activities, Fifty Ways to Say "Thank You’ to Your Nursing Assistants, and a Proclamation suitable for signing by your Mayor or Governor. PR Folder and 16 + pages. $ 8.99

"Info Pack" – Includes Mayor’s Proclamation form, Resolution Form, National Classroom InfoSheet, SIQ InfoSheet, Twenty Year Club InfoSheet NA Week Catalogue, and Tips 6 InfoSheet, - $5.00

Tips 1 - "Wisdom and Humor of the Career Nursing Assistant"
Tips 2 - "Working with the New Nursing Assistant"
Tips 3 - "Daily Dialogue-What do you say? "
Tips 4 - "TEAMWORKS"

$ 3.99 single copy. Additional discount for large orders.