PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Northern Light AR Gould Hospital is planning several special activities next for employees and nursing home residents in honor of both National Hospital Week and National Nursing Home Week on May 12-18.
“We certainly appreciate and value our employees and providers all year long for their dedication and hard work; but during this particular week, we are especially pleased to have the opportunity to put that appreciation into action,” says Dr. Jay Reynolds, president of AR Gould. “The last several years have been more challenging than ever for healthcare workers. COVID, staffing shortages, financial constraints – all have contributed to more stress on our team, both clinical and non-clinical alike. Given that, it’s particularly rewarding to put extra effort into making this week special for the entire team.”
Members of the hospital’s Employee Experience team, along with others from across Northern Light Health, have been working hard for months to make Hospital Week special for everyone.
AR Gould workforce members will be entered into daily drawings, with 75 people each day winning an opportunity to “shop” in a special Hospital Week “store” filled with a wide variety of different branded items. A total of 375 team members will be selected throughout the week. This has been a particular favorite of staff over the past few years.
Other favorites that are returning this year include snack carts of goodies being brought around the hospital and other AR Gould facilities by leaders; a special “fun day” where employees can stop as their schedule allows to play games, enjoy treats, and have fun with a photo booth; and tickets for employees and their families to go bowling at Northern Lanes in Presque Isle.
New activities are also being introduced, such as a cornhole tournament, a craft night, and a bake-off contest. There will also be simple activities like a coloring contest, M&M jar guessing contest, BINGO, crossword puzzle, and more. Mixed in with these fun activities and treats will be various virtual education and self-care sessions.
The hospital is also continuing its long-time tradition of holding a food drive during the week, with employees bringing in non-perishable food items in support of local community cupboards.
In addition to all these Hospital Week activities, Northern Light Continuing Care in Mars Hill also has daily special events planned to celebrate both their residents and their staff in honor of National Nursing Home Week. The week will include a mix of fun activities, like a Wii bowling challenge, a Carnival Day, paint ‘n sip, and cornhole. There will be tasty treats every day, including a baked potato bar, waffles, smash burgers, walking tacos, dough boys, and banana splits. Families of residents are invited to join in the festivities.
“This is always an incredibly fun week for residents and staff,” says Kelly Lundeen, administrator at the facility. “We are thrilled to celebrate together as the family that we are here at Continuing Care.”
AR Gould Hospital includes not just the hospital and nursing home, but a number of primary and specialty care practices as well. It is the most comprehensive provider of healthcare service in the region and is the largest employer in Aroostook County, with just over 1,100 total workforce members. AR Gould is committed to improving the health of the people and communities it serves.
