Never a "thank you"...

Specialties Private Duty

Published

Specializes in Pediatric Private Duty; Camp Nursing.

I suppose I should be grateful that 95% of my job is really great, because the stuff I end up venting about here on AN really ain't so bad. But I have to say to somebody who understands (you guys, I hope) that it really bothers me when I don't get a thank you for anything from certain clients' parents. I mean, I know they have a lot on their mind. I know I cannot fathom how it feels to be faced w seeing their child with medical conditions. But for the life of me, I really think if I were faced with their situations myself, I could still choke up a "thank you" once in a while. Especially if my nurse is driving in snow and ice, risking life and automobile all so I can get a good night's sleep.

Ok, I'm done here. Thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I understand completely! I once spend 5 HOURS (not exaggerating - the drive normally would have been an hour) on the road during a snow storm. I was late getting there, obviously. HOWEVER, I was filling in last minute. No "thanks" just "What took so long?". That made me want to get back in my car and spend another 5 hours getting back home. The parents were safe and warm in their home perfectly capable of taking care of the child for a night - they just didn't want to lose sleep I'm guessing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds, developmental disability.
I understand completely! I once spend 5 HOURS (not exaggerating - the drive normally would have been an hour) on the road during a snow storm. I was late getting there, obviously. HOWEVER, I was filling in last minute. No "thanks" just "What took so long?". That made me want to get back in my car and spend another 5 hours getting back home. The parents were safe and warm in their home perfectly capable of taking care of the child for a night - they just didn't want to lose sleep I'm guessing.

Wow, I am impressed. I stayed home yesterday due to icy conditions. You are dedicated!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in pediatrics; PICU; NICU.

I work with the most awesome family in the world. Not only do they thank me every morning as I leave but whenI had my knee replacement in October, they had the agency order a cookie bouquet sent to me (which the family paid for).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

That whole 'no thank you' thing would have me asking for another case. I've always had grateful families- it's what makes me keep my part-time home care job when I could just work full-time in the PICU (for a LOT more $$).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Private Duty; Camp Nursing.

Thanks for the empathy, people! This case is only once a week so I can deal. Most of the parents I work for are very liberal with the Thank You's, so its not like I work deprived of gratitude.

But the other thing (besides traveling in inclement weather) is that I'd like to be thanked for is WORKING A HOLIDAY. If I'm up all night beside your child's bed while my kids are dreaming of sugarplums at home on Christmas Eve, please show some gratitude. I'm giving up being w my family so I can help yours, so just say those two little words, please!

Nice anecdote- several years ago on Easter Eve, my A&O teen client was so enthusiastic for my kids' Easter morning and felt so bad they would have to wait for me to come home (10am finish time) that she called the agency beforehand and absolutely insisted I leave at 8a so I could spend time w my family. I tried to tell her it was ok, I chose to work, but she was insistent. Plus she wrote letters to my kids as the "Easter Bunny" for me to give to them. She used cutsie handwriting, the kids totally bought it! ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I WAS that dedicated. I no longer do things like this. The families don't appreciate it and neither does the agency. I work every shift I agree to, but no longer fill in. If the driving conditions are questionable, I stay home. Why should I put myself in danger when the parents are very capable of caring for their own child on occasion.

I also no longer work holidays. While my children are small, I will be at home with them where I need to be. Period. That's one of the reasons I stay in PDN - the hours are so flexible.

(I'm sure I'll be on the receiving end of some unkind words because of my refusal to work holidays. However, as much as I love nursing, I work to live - not live to work. My kids will only be little once.)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

As a nurse, you shouldn't "expect" a thank you. Yes, it's frustrating not to get one, but nursing can be a thankless job. You are there to provide care, not be thanked for everything you do. Put yourself in their shoes, they probably don't think about thanking you, they're stressed. I've lost count of the times I'm not thanked, but I don't take it personal. I don't do it for thanks, and I don't need one to know I do a good job. I

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

I get that this is a vent not an expectation of thanks for doing your job.

I'm fortunate that the majority of families are very thankful.

(On a side note most of my cases the family involves the child in all appropriate activities. I know this is not always the case. I had a mom vent that a new to the case nurse complained that the family was "too active" and did too many things....uh yeah I'd rather sit home alone with a spitfire child who is always left behind (not!!))

I have one family upset that I'm leaving early on my regular shift next week as I have my son's band concert to attend. She decided to take the family to a local venue that I suggested and is disappointed that I won't be going along!!!

I don't do the work I do for thank yous I do it because I can and I have the appropriate skills. & knowledge. However it is nice when I get a "we are so glad you made it in!" Like Monday when the roads were bad & my son had a delayed school start and I was 15 minutes behind because of bad roads but made it in one piece before mom had to leave for work.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
As a nurse, you shouldn't "expect" a thank you. Yes, it's frustrating not to get one, but nursing can be a thankless job. You are there to provide care, not be thanked for everything you do. Put yourself in their shoes, they probably don't think about thanking you, they're stressed. I've lost count of the times I'm not thanked, but I don't take it personal. I don't do it for thanks, and I don't need one to know I do a good job. I

You're correct. Nursing is a normally thankless job. In my opinion, no job should be thankless. I understand families are stressed. And I certainly don't expect a "thank you" for everything I do. BUT...a little show of appreciation would be much appreciated for out of the ordinary happenings. That simple "thank you" would go a long way with me. I always try my best to show appreciation for anyone who helps me out...even the drive thru attendant.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.
As a nurse, you shouldn't "expect" a thank you. Yes, it's frustrating not to get one, but nursing can be a thankless job. You are there to provide care, not be thanked for everything you do. Put yourself in their shoes, they probably don't think about thanking you, they're stressed. I've lost count of the times I'm not thanked, but I don't take it personal. I don't do it for thanks, and I don't need one to know I do a good job. I

ah well, not everyone can be as good as you

so give us less professional ones some grace

and don't should us too bad

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric.

I recently left a case because of treatment like this from the parents. (Also some abusive treatment as well)

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment