I heard a story on NPR over the weekend about kindness. The reporter shared an experience that changed his life. One day, he was in the men’s room at an airport, and a fellow traveler was washing his hands. When the traveler left, he said to the attendant standing in the corner, “Thanks for keeping it clean.” He said that phrase was so powerful to him that he has repeated it whenever he left a restroom where an attendant was present.

In a world that often feels loud and divided, that simple phrase—“Thanks for keeping it clean”—is a reminder that kindness doesn’t require grand gestures. It lives in the small acknowledgments, the moments when we see the people who make our lives easier and choose to honor their work.

I learned early in my nursing career to thank the housekeepers, the dietary staff, the people who quietly keep everything running. Decades later, I still do it, because those few words can brighten a day, lift a spirit, and remind someone that what they do matters. Kindness costs nothing, yet it changes everything.

Case managers are uniquely positioned to amplify that spirit because their work touches so many lives, often at moments of vulnerability, stress, or transition. Here are a few ways  nurse case managers can help spread kindness:

1. Acknowledge the unseen contributors.
   Just as “Thanks for keeping it clean” honors the quiet work of others, case managers can extend gratitude to schedulers, transport staff, home health aides, receptionists, and anyone who supports the care journey. A simple “I appreciate what you do” can shift someone’s entire day.
2. Model kindness in every interaction.
   Patients and families often mirror the tone set by the care team. When case managers speak with warmth, patience, and respect—even during difficult conversations—it creates a ripple effect that calms and reassures everyone involved.
3. Celebrate small wins with patients and caregivers.
   Acknowledge progress: “You handled that appointment beautifully,” or “You’ve been doing so much for your loved one—don’t forget that it matters.” These moments validate effort and restore confidence.
4. Offer grace when systems fall short.
   Healthcare is messy. When referrals get delayed or communication breaks down, case managers can choose empathy over frustration. Saying, “Let’s figure this out together,” turns a barrier into a shared problem-solving moment.
5. Practice kindness behind the scenes.
   A quick note to a provider thanking them for a timely callback, or a message to a colleague recognizing their extra effort, strengthens relationships and builds a culture where kindness is the norm, not the exception.
6. Use language that lifts people up.
   Words matter. Case managers can intentionally use language that honors dignity—avoiding labels, centering the person, and reinforcing strengths rather than deficits.
7. Teach kindness by example.
   Whether mentoring new case managers or guiding families through complex decisions, kindness becomes a form of leadership. It shows others how to navigate hard moments with humanity.
8. Extend kindness to yourself.
   This one is often forgotten. Case managers carry emotional weight every day. Offering yourself the same compassion you give others—pausing, breathing, acknowledging your own effort—is an essential part of sustaining kindness outwardly.

I hope this post resonates with you!

Thank you for all you do in the name of Case Management!

Have a good week.