It’s already starting: The Thanksgiving-Christmas-New Year’s crunch and all the planning that goes into making the season bright.
My calendar is already pretty full, between some year-end projects here at work, one more trip to round out 2022, and a few surprises to make family memories that will (hopefully!) burn bright amid all the stress.
No doubt, you’re starting to feel the pressure, too. But please don’t ignore one important to-do: This week, McKnight’s opened nominations for our 2023 Women of Distinction class.
Talk about a fantastic gift this holiday season. These awards honor some of the best, brightest and most spirited stars in the skilled nursing, senior living and home care sectors. They are a great way to thank a colleague who has inspired, led or informed you, to reflect on their influence and share it with the long-term care world.
And best yet, this is no one-size-fits all program. We offer categories for Rising Stars, or early-career professionals starting to make their mark; Veteran VIPs, who have more than 15 years in the industry; and the Hall of Honor, for those senior-level C-suite pros who have made a significant impact on their organization or the field — but may be extra tough to shop for.
We’re also continuing in 2023 our Spirit Awards, which recognize women at any point of their careers who inspire others with their stellar dedication, resourcefulness, bravery or commitment to their residents and patients.
But you can’t get these gifts just anywhere. We’ve given away fewer than 200 since the Women of Distinction Program started in 2019. This is a distinctive and distinguished crowd, one many professionals would consider it a gift to join.
Sure, the “unveil” won’t come until after New Year’s (OK, a few weeks after), but the joy on our winners’ faces will be the ultimate payoff for your effort in this busy season.
Nominations will be accepted through Jan. 5 for the early birds. You late shoppers get an extra week, but the early bird discount will be gone for Jan. 6 through 10.
All honorees, including a Lifetime Achievement Award winner, will be celebrated at an in-person event in Chicago in the spring that also will recognize winners from previous years who are present. If you need some inspiration as to who makes a great candidate, we’ve gifted you this terrific collection of past winners’ stories.
Now, hurry to mcknightswomenofdistinction.com or round up some elves to do the work for you. Just be sure not to let it slip your mind. Unlike when you forget the cranberry sauce, there’s no last-minute grocery store trip that will save you from this oversight.
Kimberly Marselas is senior editor of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News.
Opinions expressed in McKnight’s Long-Term Care News are not necessarily those of McKnight’s.
