Seasoned nurses AKA C.O.B members How do you to be celebrated ?

I'm part of a group at work that plans a celebration for seasoned nurses every year. Last year we had party of the seasoned nurses at work that included drinks (alcohol included), great food, and a photo booth. The year before last was at a restaurant venue. This year we are in the process of deciding how we want to celebrate these nurses this year. The problem is, the seasoned nurses are not showing up to these events. This waste time, money and effort on our part. We love our senior nurses and want to celebrate them. So my question is, how would you want to be celebrated? Would you prefer for the event to be on or off hospital campus? Do you even care to attend? Please give me some feedback!!!! Thanks
What is a "seasoned nurse"?Googled "COB" and got Cystitis and Overactive Bladder.

That's wonderful, and I would have totally attended something like that. Perhaps having a pot-luck style dinner in the breakroom might work better; that way people don't have to go somewhere after work.I really admire your unit's appreciation of its experienced nurses. That doesn't happen much anymore.

Quote from JWG223What is a "seasoned nurse"?Googled "COB" and got Cystitis and Overactive Bladder.

Why not send out an email survey to the nurses in question? While I can tell you my preferences, that doesn't mean mine match theirs. Personally, I'd prefer the gift card because it's not a time obligation on my part and keeps my rule of not mixing business with pleasure intact.

Rose we did just that , results are pending .

My preference would be nice sit down catered breakfast buffet, with linen tablecloths, flowers, placecards and nursing administrators as your waitstaff. A program with acknowledgement from the C suite for years of service would be appropriate. A video of pictures of the nurses with longevity is fun and professional, especially if you can scan the school of nursing graduation photos.Another nice thing to do is to arrange for door prizes donated by individuals and businesses using raffle tickets so that each honoree receives a gift.Party planning is one of my favorite things to do. It is a very nice idea though I am curious as to how your unit or facility decides which nurses are the veterans, is it anyone over a certain age or a certain number of years as a nurse? Is this for Nurses week?

Can't go wrong with a free meal.

Quote from ThePrincessBrideCan't go wrong with a free meal.

No big event, no applause; just throw money (preferably in my direction!)

Quote from icuRNmaggieMy preference would be nice sit down catered breakfast buffet, with linen tablecloths, flowers, placecards and nursing administrators as your waitstaff. A program with acknowledgement from the C suite for years of service would be appropriate. A video of pictures of the nurses with longevity is fun and professional, especially if you can scan the school of nursing graduation photos.Another nice thing to do is to arrange for door prizes donated by individuals and businesses using raffle tickets so that each honoree receives a gift.Party planning is one of my favorite things to do. It is a very nice idea though I am curious as to how your unit or facility decides which nurses are the veterans, is it anyone over a certain age or a certain number of years as a nurse? Is this for Nurses week?