More than 50 years ago, the nation’s first Nurse Practitioners set out to begin training at the University of Colorado. Today, there are more than 270,000 NPs providing exceptional care in the United States, across all settings and specialties. This is the week—National Nurse Practitioner Week—that they are recognized.

National Nurse Practitioner Week, as it was proclaimed by the U.S. Congress back in 1994, is celebrated annually during the second week of November. It is a time for gratitude, advocacy, and celebration. Here are four ways to mark the occasion as an NP.

Thank Your Fellow NPs

Even the smallest act of kindness—a simple “thank you”—can go a long way in an oftentimes grueling profession. Celebrate this week by thanking those who work alongside you with a simple note, words of gratitude, or a small gesture, such a picking up coffee or lunch.

Spread the Word

Raise awareness for the NP profession by using the hashtags #NPWeek and #WeChooseNPs on social media while you celebrate your profession and peers. Use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more to give the public an idea of all being an NP entails by doing a day-in-the-life series of posts, or hold a public forum of sorts to answer questions about the profession.

Advocate for Your Profession

Participate in grassroots outreach to your state and local authorities and legislators to make them more aware of the significance of your profession and how your work impacts the community by inviting them to meet with you and tour your practice. Or visit the AANP’s Advocacy Center to learn more about advocating for NPs on a local and national level.

Treat Yourself

If you do nothing else this week, celebrate yourself. Set aside some time for a little extra self-care, and indulge in a good meal, a hot bath, a fulfilling workout, or a treat you’ve been eyeing. After all, you’ve earned it.

No matter how you celebrate this NP Week, know that all of us at HealthJobsNationwide.com are celebrating with you and we are so thankful for all you do to improve the health of our nation, not only this week, but throughout the year.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.