The first week of May is a special one—Nurse Appreciation Week and Teacher Appreciation Week fall at the same time. And as a teacher currently out of the classroom, I was feeling that absence hard. But this year, with our sweet Baby Jewels in the CICU, I decided to channel that energy into celebrating the people who’ve become our lifeline: her incredible nursing team!
A Teacher’s Love, Reimagined
Teaching is all about showing up for others in creative, meaningful ways—and that’s exactly what I wanted to do for the nurses who care for our girl like she’s their own. So I got to work creating a little joy, right there in the hospital.
The Treat Cart: Snacks & Sparkles for the Whole Team
For the broader team of nurses, techs, and RTs who care for Jewels around the clock, I repurposed something we call Jewels’s cuddle cart (more on that in a future post!) and turned it into a rolling snack + self-care station.
On the cart:
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Iced energy drinks (I feel bonus points are in order for the creative use of the hospital tubs!)
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Leftover motivational classroom stickers (because who doesn’t love a sticker?)
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Salty snacks and candy
- Donated mocha cakes from MGQ Food & Design
The cart was parked in our room but easily rolled out into the hallway whenever I could, making it accessible but still J-Co friendly—just in case food out in the open became an issue.
DIY Goodie Bags for Jewels’s Care Team
For her primary care team, I put together personalized goodie bags using canvas makeup bags and personalized Cricut-cut HTV (heat transfer vinyl)—because you know I had to get crafty. I filled each one with:
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Lip balm
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Pretty pens
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Hair clips
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Hand cream
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Electrolyte water enhancers (because hydration is everything in the CICU)
They were simple, useful, and fun—just like I’d give to my fellow teachers in a past life.
Tips for Doing It Your Way
I didn’t go super budget on this one (sometimes you just want to go big!), but I did snag great Target Circle deals and coupons to keep costs in check and take advantage of Target 360 delivery to the hospital. If you’re looking to save:
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Check clearance bins and back-to-school aisles
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Skip the HTV and use pre-printed pouches or simple kraft bags
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Keep your cart or drop-off gifts limited to one or two days instead of a full week
Planning Ahead
One little thing I did that I highly recommend: I offered a quick “favorites” questionnaire to Jewels’s core team so I’d have ideas for future holidays or hard days when I want to treat them again. (Nothing over the top—just fun info like their favorite snacks, drinks, pens, etc.)
A Final Word
Next year, I hope we’re not spending Nurses Week in the CICU—but if we are, I may scale it down to a day or two depending on time and finances. After all, I’m still a single, unemployed teacher. 
Honestly, though, the best part wasn’t the cart or the gifts—it was watching nurses and staff stop by, smile and pick up something that said “You’re seen. You matter.” That’s what appreciation is all about, Charlie Brown.
Free Printables
Want to create your own nurse appreciation cart or decorate your door? Don’t forget to slip them in a page protector or laminate them if you’re putting them up on your door.
