Christmas Gift for your unit from docs

[fetch33]

Ok, what is the most silly Christmas gift a doctor has gotten your unit? I remember back in the 80's there were always lots of food gifts. We'd be stuffed with candy, popcorn, cookies... heck we even had a doc bring in Olive Garden salads for everyone. Times have really changed. Today was the kicker. One of our top docs had a huge shopping bag and was giving out boxes of truffles to people like the charge nurses, PT and the unit pharmacists. Then he hands me a box and a card addressed to all unit nursing staff and asks me to be in charge of it. When he left, I opened the box and there were 4 large truffles in it........ we have at least 50 staff that work all three shifts. How in the heck am I supposed to divide that out? With a razor blade?

[lamazeteacher]

This is "pie in the sky" thinking, I know, but I think the true gift of appreciation would be to come to the unit (possibly on their day off) to perform their order for one patient, such as completing a form that isn't computer generated or actually starting the IV or changing a dressing (with directions about where the supplies are located and how they are charged to the patient, and a sticky note in the chart for observations made - another sample may be needed, of charting technique)... . Patients would be impressed knowing that MDs appreciate Nurses.

If 5 Christmas stickers (provided from a Christmas fund in a "piggy bank" kept on the unit year 'round) were attached to each chart on the order form, one could be placed, with the MD's initials to indicate that the chore was done. If the MD doesn't know where the forms are, they could be placed near their work space in plain view, with a sample indicating how to complete them. This would increase team spirit and mutual appreciation, and costs very little. A Christmas campaign for legible writing would also help save Nurses' time. That may be so difficult an effort, that MDs just might agree to place their orders in the computer.......

The gift of time from a busy person is more appreciated than tea bags or chocolates. Be sure to acknowledge the gift with a "Thank You!" stamp or sticker from the Chjristmas fund, and if there's still a fair amount left over, it could pay for something the Nurses really need on the unit. That may encourage more frequent gifts of this type, but don't expect enemas or colostomy bag changes to be administered by MDs...... though one can always hope........

[muffie, RN]

one surgeon gives us a $100.00 cheque for our nursing ed fund q year

[Batman24]

Another group of doctors gave a gift of cash. Did our lovely HN buy a small gift for everybody, or some food, or something we could all use, like a new coffeepot? Nope. She bought three or four very nice items and drew names. Those folks got something nice, the rest of us zilch.

God forgive me, but that is idiotic. I hope the doc gives the money next year to someone with some good ole common sense. :rotfl:

[anne74]

I work in the recovery room, and we work with dozens of surgeons and anesthesiologists. ONE surgeon brought in a plate of cookies over the holidays. However, every year we nurses hold a "Resident Appreciation" lunch, and we all bring in potluck dishes - good homemade dishes like lasagna, deviled eggs, salads, etc. What's up with that?