Touch Of Tinseltown

Temporarily transport your respiratory care staff to Hollywood. Recreate the Walk Of Fame by taping large paper stars featuring the names of celebrities on the floor. Use scrap cardboard and white paper to make a Hollywood sign. Ask other department managers to dress up as movie stars. Have them welcome your employees at the start of their shifts. Give out “Caring Is Always In Season” Planners, after placing one or two movie passes in each so your team of talented professionals can go watch the real actors and actresses.

Using Their Senses

By spending an extra few minutes preparing for your event, you can increase the enjoyment. Gather two or three dozen small items from around your facility (paper clip, sticky note, highlighter, etc.). Place them on a tray and cover with a cloth. Give each guest some paper and a pencil. Uncover the tray for 60 seconds, allowing everyone a chance to study the items. Then, with the tray covered, ask participants to write down as many items as they can remember. To the winner of the activity, award a “Great Staff, Great Team” Portfolio or a 3-Section Plate.

Fresh Air

During this year’s National Respiratory Care Week, bring awareness to the problem of air pollution while also helping the environment. Ask your employees to make a special effort to cut down on carbon dioxide emissions by carpooling, riding a bike or walking to work. Give all of those who carpool “Respiratory Care: Making A Difference One Breath At A Time” Auto Travel Kits and those who walk or ride bikes “Respiratory Care: Making A Difference One Breath At A Time” Deluxe Backpacks. Encourage workers to continue these earth-friendly practices year round.

Take A Deep Breath

Celebrate Lung Health Day (October 28, 2009) by offering free lung function and breathing tests at your facility. Advertise for the event at local businesses and on radio stations. Have all respiratory therapists helping with the tests wear “Respiratory Care: Making A Difference One Breath At A Time” Long Sleeve T-Shirts. Give everyone who shows up for free testing a “We ™ Our Respiratory Therapists” Recognition Button.

Special Recognition

Use National Respiratory Care Week 2009 to kick-off your new Respiratory Therapist of the Year program. At least a month in advance, have employees vote for a co-worker who went the extra mile in 2009. Compile the votes and plan a special catered luncheon during Respiratory Care Week. At the meal, give a brief speech and present the Respiratory Therapist of the Year with a “Respiratory Care: Making A Difference One Breath At A Time” Deluxe Laser-Engraved Pen With Case and a “Respiratory Care: Making A Difference One Breath At A Time” Microfleece Blanket.

Happy Halloween!

Halloween falls on the last day of National Respiratory Care Week so encourage your respiratory care workers to dress up for a costume contest. Come up with several costume categories such as “Scariest Costume” and “Cutest Costume,” and let employees vote for the outfits they like best. Present costume contest winners with “Respiratory Care: Making A Difference One Breath At A Time” Embroidered Hooded Zipper Sweatshirts. Pass out Respiratory Care Message Tumblers to all participants.

Daily Surprise

If you don’t have much time to recognize employees, hold quick and easy daily drawings for prizes. At the beginning of the week, put all of your employees’ names in a hat. Draw a winner each day and present him or her with a “Respiratory Care: Making A Difference One Breath At A Time” USB Flash Drive Key Chain. At the end of the week, give everyone who didn’t have his or her name drawn a “Respiratory Care: Making A Difference One Breath At A Time” Lanyard.