How should I say "thank you" to the nurse that has been beyond incredible?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi everyone,

I've been having electroshock therapy (not as barbaric as it sounds!), and there has been one nurse in particular that has been really wonderful (they actually all are).

I don't really know where to start when putting my appreciation into words. So, what sort of things would you most like to be thanked for? (I'm also going to write a letter to her supervisor and gush over her there, too) And also, what kind of gift would be suitable?

Would it be too creepy if I bought her something that she mentioned she liked (in passing) several weeks ago?

Thank you in advance!:)

(And sorry if this question is posted a lot)

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide

VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN

22 Articles; 9,987 Posts

Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Hello, and welcome to Allnurses!

I think your desire to let your nurse know she is appreciated is great. A letter to her supervisor is even better. Just one caution---nurses cannot accept gifts from patients. Candy and flowers that can be shared among the staff are wonderful, but personal gifts are a no-no. I'm sorry to say that because I know your heart is in the right place. Just your thanking her for her help at a really bad time in your life is reward enough. :)

throwaway94

3 Posts

Oh, I had no idea! Oops... Well, I guess I'll just have to go with the letters. Thank you very much for letting me know that. :)

TriciaJ, RN

4,328 Posts

Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

You can give her a card and write in it the things about her you appreciated most. The chocolates are a distant memory but I still have all the cards and letters I've received from patients. They are worth their weight in gold to most nurses.

And I hope you are well, too.

Specializes in Pediatric.

Yes, I would absolutely save a treasure a note from a patient.

Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

A hand-written thank you card would be perfect. I still have a card given to me 14 yrs ago by an ortho patient I cared for as a CNA. She happened to be a retired RN; she thanked me for my care and wrote that I was going to be a good nurse. I put it in my family photo album next to the pictures my husband took at my nursing school pinning ceremony.

Wishing you the best in your return to health!

SleeepyRN

1,076 Posts

One hand written card and maybe a good word to her manager. Just keep it un-creepy. Sorry, lol, I watch too many stalker reality shows and just finished watching one where the victim was a nurse of a patient who started sending her letters, calling for her at work....

Joking aside, a handwritten word of gratitude in a card goes a long way and can really make a nurse's week.

throwaway94

3 Posts

Thanks everyone! :)

elkpark

14,633 Posts

The best (in the practical sense) thing you can do for a nurse you want to thank is to write a note to her/his bosses (as you have already said you plan to do). Employers do keep track of that sort of thing.

RNNPICU, BSN, RN

1,266 Posts

Specializes in PICU.

If her place of employment has special recognition such as a Daisy award, you could nominate her for that. If there is a survey you can mention the nurse's name and what they have done ..

Libby1987

3,726 Posts

A written note means the most to me.

iluvivt, BSN, RN

2,774 Posts

Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

Some places do allow gifts for nurses or other caregivers. At one of my places of employment I can accept gifts if they are under 25 dollars. That is my home care job and they are some of my most treasured possessions since I think of them ever time I see the gift! I would call their Human Resources department and ask what their policy is and go from that point.

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