How do you really feel about 5-star rooms?

Nurses General Nursing

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Our hospital has new "5-star" rooms (you know with a chef, etc.) What is your reaction to this type of thing and "how does it make you feel"? I'd really like to know what other nurses think about it because my first reaction was not a positive one. THANKS!

What are the tips like? (just joking)

Mschrisco

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Are you serious?

I have never heard of anything like that, nor would I want to see that implemented.

We don't have that in Canada and I hope we don't.

Unbelievable...

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I think it is very interesting that people who espouse respect for everybody, different cultures, meeting everyone's needs, etc. sometimes have no problem being critical of the needs of the wealthy. People who are accustomed to living at a high socio-economic level should not have to sacrifice their socio-cultural needs any more than people who have cultural needs based on ethnicity or religion. But somehow, even among "caring" people, it is OK to "bash" them for having those needs.

There is nothing wrong with being rich ... and nothing wrong for wanting to purchase a few luxeries in times of stress. And hospitals who can fulfill those needs are simply being smart to offer those services. Who do you think pays for a lot of the basic services available to poor people? The poor people don't pay for it all themselves. Many things are available to poor people because some rich person either provided the hospital with a profit that could be used to cover the loss that occurred by providing care for the poor person ... or some rich people made a charitable donation. Without rich patients, a hospital doesn't have the money to provide good care to poor people.

llg

When one is REALLY sick, he or she doesn't really care about all the crap. A chef for cripes sakes?! There are already too many people that want to be in the hospital so they can be waited on. With 5 star hospitals, we'll see a lot more people faking illness.

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so the rich have the right to be kept more comfortable than others??? Do they also deserve more pain meds?? What about lower nursing ratios?? While wer'e on it, what about completely separate hospitals where they dont have to be bothered by non-rich folks at all. (oh wait, we have those... :stone )

if the food is really that bad and the blankets are really that thin for the general population, it should all be upgraded.

But here is my take on this. I hear all the negative but I have not heard anyone attack the fact that even if you dont have a "5 star room" What about private rooms? I know when my wife gave birth to our daughter we had a choice between a standard room or a deluxe room. We chose the deluxe (paid a arm and a leg for it) But again are you saying since we are middle class we should not have that option. BTW are service was the same as a standard as far as nursing goes. Diffrence was a bigger room, A bigger T.V., two fold out couches for relatives, and day care service for the other children. Does this mean I should not have gotten that extra service because I could afford it but someone else might not be able to? Samething applys to this thread! If someone can afford the maid and the cheif then so be it. I dont think the hospital will require the nurses or doctors to give any diffrent care (unless they pay for a private nurse or doctor) But, If they do pay for extra care such as the nurse and doctor good business says that you would do it. But, if most of your arguments hold true then you are also saying if you were seriously injured in a accident then you would not mind going to county hospitol. I do personaly mind it! Since I am fortunate enough to be able to go to the hospitol that needs to have helath insurance to get in is that biased? No! Sorry to rant but this is just my opinion on this subject. You can take it as just that a opnion.

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

I guess we need to define "needs" versus "wants" ...I think NEEDS are to be attended in a hospital. However, in our customerr -is- always- right- mentality, I can see where 5-star rooms will not only fly, but be in GREAT demand where there is money to pay for them. But don't be so quick to accuse people here of prejudice or being harsh, just because they don't see personal chefs, filet mignon and Picasso paintings as "needs" in the hospital setting . The rich have needs, yes true. They deserve to have them met, like ANYONE. But Let's be real ; these things are amenities, wants, and desireables---- but make no mistake, they are NOT "needs". When people's NEEDS are all met, I can then justify catering to such "wants". Til then, it's very hard for me to swallow.

I guess I don't get this. If they are that sick to be in the hospital, with today's high acuities and short stays, how anyone can really justify this is beyond me. Do you think people that sick really NEED filet mignon, chocolate mousse and Picasso???? DO you think they care? Maybe, but then maybe they are not sick enough to be in the hospital if they do. Maybe they need to be AT home where these things are all around and HIRE a PERSONAL NURSE to deal with their "needs" there. Just my thoughts......

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
... If someone wants to pay for 5 star service, so be it...

Tough to argue with this.

(Would only add: so long as it doesn't interfere with the care of others.)

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
It is akin to customer service!

Very much so.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
Five star room? Does that mean your family will be there to dip your lobster for you?

Maybe............

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
my concern would be whether or not administration will be understanding of a nurse who may receive complaints about slow "service" from the "5 star" patient...

Correctable side issue -- if and when it pops up.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
... The question IS whether people should have the opportunity to purchase a few luxury services...

Don't agree with "few" or with "luxury." Why should it be so?

Can be many.

And can be medical services as well. (E.g., hiring an extra RN to stay with them 24 / 7, etc.)

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llg, you said it very well in your posts. It's a great idea. And it should have no impact whatsoever in the quality of nursing care given to either the poor or the rich or the middle of the roadies. As a visiting nurse I go into tenements as well as homes of the upper middle class - they all get the same nursing care from me. I don't begrudge the rich their nice homes, I actually enjoy them and would enjoy a 5 star hospital room as well.

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