National Nursing Care Week is a Morale Booster at University Center

This year May 9 to May 15, National Skilled Nursing Care Week, now a 55-year-old tradition, was observed at skilled nursing and assisted living facilities across the country in so many different ways. From carnivals, big thank-you luncheons, games with residents, and various costume dress-ups, it's a time for thanking the nurses at these facilities for the hard work they do over the past year. Thanking the nurses and having everyone enjoy time together became a natural morality booster for both residents and staff, especially following the tough times of the past two years with COVID-19.

At University Center, the cozy 46-bed skilled nursing facility on Grand Avenue in the Bronx, the entire staff had a great time, especially on "Wacky Wednesday" on May 11 when the staff, including the nurses, wore all kinds of crazy outfits and wraps. The next day was "Throwback Thursday", and the staff was dressed in outfits marking a different decade. Later that day the staff eased back and enjoyed a BBQ party with all kinds of games and prizes. Then on Friday, May 13, it was known as "Finally Friday" when a candy buffet took place

"Genuinely, fun times don’t even begin to describe how much Nurses Week impacted the morale of our staff," said Recreation Director Tyler Fier Kohlmier. "The energy in our building completely shifted when everyone started dressing up and we had our barbeque. The staff loved it so much, we’re actually doing one dress-up a week now, which is also making the residents laugh more!"

Established by the American Health Care Association in 1967, the week-long observance starts each year on Mother’s Day and is celebrated through the following Saturday.