Nurses and nursing staff members are hard working professionals who often work in trying environments on less than desirable shifts. While nurses are usually thought of as hospital employees, they are also vital to patients and residents of nursing homes, assisted living centers, clincis, health facilities, physicians' officesand even schools and colleges.

Here are some great celebration ideas to let your nurses know how much you appreciate all they do to brighten their patients' days.

1. Start the first day of Nurse Appreciation Week with a kickoff breakfast. Serve bagels, muffins and coffee in mugs with a message of appreciation imprinted on them. Serve fruit, bagels, donuts and juice.

2. Have a "spa-themed" event and give out foot care kits. Nurses will enjoy this item when they get off of their feet.

3. Distribute nurse bear stress reliever toys to promote reducing stress on and off the job.

4. Hold a luncheon and decorate your tables with nurse appreciation chocolate bars to make your event even sweeter.

5. Decorate work stations with balloons and banners to make your event even more festive.

For a week, day or even an hour, you can make your nurses and nursing staff feel appreciated, proud and loyal to their profession.

Choose from dozens of unique nurses gifts for Nurse Appreciation Week.