Happy Medical-Surgical Nurses Month!

Usually, we celebrate Medical-Surgical Nurses for only a week in November (1-7), but this year we decided to commemorate the whole month.

After all, this is AMSN’s 30th Anniversary, so we might as well take the month to celebrate!

During the month, stay tuned to our social media channels and use the hashtag #MSNW21 when you post your own updates and celebrations to mark the month.

Throughout the month, we will be offering our members many free perks, including continuing education, yoga via Zoom, webinars, and opportunities to win free membership on “Free Membership Mondays” and a wine or snack basket on “Wine Down Wednesdays” when you engage with AMSN’s social media.

In addition to these giveaways, AMSN members will receive 30% off in the AMSN store for all 30 days in November. For the pet lovers out there, we have “Fur Baby Fridays,” where you could win some AMSN swag for your furry pals.

We are also collecting your recipes and stories—share your favorite comfort foods, healthy snacks, and dessert indulgences for a place in the AMSN 30th Anniversary cookbook.  And share your 30-second stories via video to tell us about your “spark”—tell us what keeps you going and why you love medical-surgical nursing. 

Finally, on November 29th, we will have an AMSN PRISM Award Roundtable so you can learn all about the AMSN PRISM Award and how to become a recipient.

Speaking of the AMSN PRISM Award, so far in 2021, we have recognized 17 PRISM Award recipients. We are so excited to have recognized each of these units during our 30th Anniversary year.

Speaking of the AMSN PRISM Award, so far in 2021, we have recognized 17 PRISM Award recipients. We are so excited to have recognized each of these units during our 30th Anniversary year.

The nurses that have received these awards worked hard with their leadership teams to complete the application and provided examples of how they actualize the attributes needed in each of the PRISM Award categories: effective leadership, recruitment and retention, evidence-based practice, positive patient outcomes, healthy practice environment, and lifelong learning of unit staff members. 

I am one of the lucky ones who get to notify the units that they achieved the score needed to become a PRISM Award unit. These calls are such wonderful moments and a time when the staff caring for the patients can take a few minutes to reflect and to be proud of this accomplishment. 

Often, senior nursing leaders and other executives attend the calls and provide further recognition and accolades to the unit. Are you and your unit working on a PRISM Award application? If not, it is time to get started—maybe 2022 is the year you and your team will be recognized!

However, you decide to celebrate our medical-surgical specialty this year, don’t forget to take time for yourself. Find some time this month to do something just for you. 

It may be partaking in AMSN’s activities throughout the month, or it could be going for a walk, watching a sunset, or taking a vacation. Take time to reflect on the year and remember the good times you’ve shared with others, such as the inside jokes with your coworkers, the patient that recovered when no one thought they would make it, or laughing with friends or family members during a game night. 

Thank you for everything you do, and do not be hesitant to put yourself first this month—you deserve it! 

Enjoy Medical-Surgical Nurses Month!