Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated everywhere, but not everyone wants to go on a date with themselves or buy into the heart-shaped cards. That’s where Galentine’s Day comes in.
Galentine’s Day is always on February 13, the day before Valentine’s Day. It’s a way to escape the romance and acknowledge the friends in your life, even if you have (or don’t have) a romantic partner.
You can take advantage of the occasion by going out after work with your coworkers for a couple of drinks or giving them a gift to thank them for looking out for you during busy shifts.
For nurses tired of seeing red heart chocolates, it’s perfectly fine to celebrate the holiday in other ways. Read on to find ways to celebrate your fellow nurses and why nurse friendships are so meaningful.
Benefits of Having Work Friends
Unfortunately, nursing can have its challenges in the workplace, with issues like bullying, discrimination, and unfair treatment among coworkers. However, forming bonds with your nursing coworkers can foster community and advocacy in a space where support is needed and encouraged.
Nurse friendships can also reduce job stress, and later on, these coworkers can become trusting advocates for situations where you need personal advice or on-the-spot encouragement.
Companionship and teamwork make nurses feel better about themselves. They also provide better care because they know they have a nursing team they can rely on through mistakes and medical challenges.
How to Show Appreciation to Your Nursing Colleagues
If you want to celebrate Galentine’s Day with your nursing friends, consider the many ways to express your gratitude for their help and support.
Treat Them to a Spa Day
Consider going to a spa with your closest work friends to enjoy a massage, facial, or any treatment you prefer. This can help alleviate post-work anxiety and provide a relaxing day out with friends away from the office.
To save money, consider booking a package or Valentine’s Day deal and splitting the costs with friends. Who knows, you might even find a Galentine’s Day special!
Attend a Local Workshop Class
Look around your community and see if a crafting store or business is hosting a workshop where you and your work friends can learn a new skill or get creative. Some activities include painting canvas, making your pottery, or wrapping beads.
Bring Food to Share with Others
Who doesn’t like free food? Plenty of restaurants have catering meals that include heart-shaped entrees that you can bring to work for a free lunch. You can also go out and enjoy Valentine’s Day cocktail deals at local bars or reserve a table at a nice restaurant to enjoy other Valentine’s Day choices.
Or you can spend a casual afternoon at the Waffle House with your gals for chocolate chip waffles. There’s no right or wrong way to celebrate love, especially with waffles.
Give Them a Small (or Big) Gift They’ll Like
Celebrating Galentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean going out. You can surprise them with a couple of small gift bags they’ll appreciate. Ideas to include in a gift bag can be self-care items or things they enjoy, like candy, face masks, or even mini Valentine’s Day cards you can stick in with a note.
Some bigger items can be a blanket they can cuddle with at home, candles (ask them first what scents they like), or items they can use at work like ponytails, hydration packs, or a stress ball.
Even something as simple as saying “Happy Galentine’s Day” to your fellow nurses can be enough to share your appreciation for them.
- How Nurses Can Handle Bad Days at Work and Bounce Back Stronger - December 29, 2025
- How to Recognize When You Need to Take a Break - December 24, 2025
- Back by Popular Demand: How to Deal with Feelings of Inadequacy as a New Nurse - December 5, 2025