Family members bring us junk food!

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OK,so I'm kind of joking around a little bit but I'd love to see what other people in the healthcare field have to say about this one. So I kid you not almost everyday coming into work there is some kind of cake or cookies or anything high in sugar and fattening waiting for me and coworkers as a gift from family members. Now,i do love a piece of cake or a cupcake once every month or 2 but come on now. (Btw, I am very thankful that they give us things all the time) but why not say hey, here's a protein shake , or guys I know your on your feet 12+ hours a day, here's some extra memory foam padding for those shoes, or here's some tasty fruits and vegetables. I know this is crazy but I love the comments I get on here so I thought I'd throw these ideas out there. I know they well but they got to know we don't live off of cupcakes. Also, if we are in the business of keeping people healthy, wouldn't family members want us to be healthy instead of turning us into suger addicted unhealthy binge eaters? Like I said this post is me kind of joking around just wanting to see what you guys think about it.

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I worked in one unit that set up an educational fund for the staff -- a fund from which we could draw money to help send nurses to conferences or buy educational materials for the staff. When families asked us what type of things the staff liked to receive, we were quick to point out the possibility of donating to our education fund. We learned to say "even tiny donations add up" with a smile ... and pointed out that a card for our bulletin board announcing the donation (without the amount donated included) would make sure that everyone knew of the donation. Also, everyone would benefit from such a gift and not just the people who happened to be there that day. The physicians would contribute to it at the holidays, too (instead of buying pizza, etc.). We tried very hard to not pressure people in any way -- just let them know about the possibility.

Eventually, other units were jealous of our educational resources and wondered how we got extra money from the administration for such things -- and started asking us about it.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

We had a doctor who used to give us amazing and thoughtful gifts like microwaves, new monitors (for central monitoring systems that were huge and easy to read), furniture for the breakroom that was actually comfortable, and other useful things. He always took into consideration what was run-down and needed replacement or what we needed most and just took care of it. If he got us food, it was those lovely fruit and veggie baskets. Have to say, I looked forward to seeing what wonderful thing awaited us next.

I never complained when we got that tin of stale popcorn however, I just didn't eat it. But I like the idea of hinting at the educational resources.

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No joke. Appreciate the offerings from the family for taking care of their loved one.

Take it.. or leave it.. just appreciate the offer.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Women's Health, Education.

I feel the same way. I know they mean well and of course they owe us nothing. I have a harder time with what the hospital gives us during Nurses Week. It's always some form of junk food and I'm thinking...really? They spent $5000 on sending baskets of candy to all the departments. I wanted to hire a guest speaker for $500 to talk about how to be happier and they said no. Oh well...

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Specializes in Critical care.

I succumbed to the doughnuts today- fresh donut from Dunkin with chocolate icing and sprinkles brought in by my specific patients family :facepalm: sweetest, nicest patient and family ever. I was so sad when I found out the patient was sick and in the hospital again (I cared for them several weeks ago), but was very humbled when I found out the pt and family specifically requested my unit when ready to leave ICU.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

It's getting to be that time of year where it's virtually impossible to avoid seeing the goodies. Seems we barely used up the leftover Halloween candy when the Thanksgiving thank you goodies started to arrive. Then comes Christmas which is absolutely lethal to a diet. There are always cookies, brownies, bars, cakes and boxes of chocolates. One particular family though is extremely generous and sends us several boxes of those huge pears from Harry and David, chocolate dipped strawberries from Sherrie's Berries and Florida oranges and grapefruit every year and I know those things are very expensive.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Families bring unhealthy processed foods for the same reasons I bring these types of items to workplace pot luck celebrations: cheapness and portability.

I can spend $10 on 2 Little Caesar's "hot 'n ready" pizzas to bring to a pot luck. I can even throw in 2 dozens of doughnuts for an additional $12. Or, I can also spend a minimum of $49 on a small fruit bouquet from Edible Arrangements that will not feed many people.

Which one do you think I will pick? The majority of people enjoy a greasy pizza or a sweet doughnut, and I can obtain them cheaply.

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I know and what I'm saying is it is impossible to say no to homemade pienwhen a family brings it in! I'm VERY thankful hough

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I know it's like it's so hard to say no when it's someone you yourself take care of and their family. I am in no way saying I am not thankful at all

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Specializes in PACU.

I love to cook.. for people that will appreciate it and for people I like.

So if I bring homemade food, it's the ultimate compliment from me to you.....

I guess food is just my "love language"! :yes:

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Families bring unhealthy processed foods for the same reasons I bring these types of items to workplace pot luck celebrations: cheapness and portability.

I can spend $10 on 2 Little Caesar's "hot 'n ready" pizzas to bring to a pot luck. I can even throw in 2 dozens of doughnuts for an additional $12. Or, I can also spend a minimum of $49 on a small fruit bouquet from Edible Arrangements that will not feed many people.

Which one do you think I will pick? The majority of people enjoy a greasy pizza or a sweet doughnut, and I can obtain them cheaply.

Our potluck folks bring homemade food - crockpots and casseroles, etc.

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Specializes in LTC, Rehab.

I'm not sure I've ever seen junk as a gift from family members, but family members bring THEIR family members (my residents) junk all the time. And there is frequently junk available, whether it's ice cream or cake or somebody is bringing in enchilada plates (ok, that's not necessarily 'junk' to me :^) ... so as a consequence, I tend to eat worse at work than I do at home.

Sometimes I can't decide if family members who bring 'their people' junk are a) totally ignorant on nutrition, or b) feel like 'let them have whatever they want, they're already in a LTC facility', or some other factor.

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