How can I say thank you?

JadedCPN, BSN, RN · Aug 7, 2017

Truly, your words of appreciation directly to the staff really do go a long way and mean so much - whether that's verbally, to the managers/charge nurse, through thank you cards, or even daisy award nominations. That being said - Food, especially sweets as you mentioned, is always a winner as majority of the floor will munch on it throughout the shift.

llg, PhD, RN · Aug 7, 2017

You could ask the leadership of the unit what they would prefer. I once worked for a NICU that created a "staff education fund" for just such gifts. When parents asked what they could do, they were always told that they did not have to do anything -- simply saying "Thank you" was plenty. But if they truly wanted to give something, they were asked to make a small donation to that fund -- which provided funds for educational materials for the staff (to help them get certified, for example -- or to go to conferences -- of educational DVD's -- etc.). That way, the gift was truly shared with the whole staff and not just consumed by the people who happened to be working when the food was delivered.

Staff really appreciated the education help -- and didn't miss the fattening treats. Other units were jealous of the educational resources the NICU had. When those units would complain that they didn't have as many educational resources, the NICU would just smile and say something like ... "You need to give up the free pizza and cookies -- and divert that money into a fund like ours. Then you can have these resources, too."

I worked with another family who bought the unit a new coffee maker -- because that is what the lounge needed and there was no money in the budget. Still another family bought a new sofa for the family waiting room.

So ... why not ask the unit's manager what is needed or what would be most appreciated by the staff? Maybe it is food ... but maybe it is something else.

Mommaof3warriors · Aug 7, 2017

Very good ideas. Thank you.

elkpark · Aug 7, 2017

I always tell people, when I'm asked, that the best thing you can do to thank me (or any other nurse) is to write a note about the individual nurse(s) to the boss(es). Hospitals keep track of that kind of thing, and it actually makes a difference.

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Aug 7, 2017

I have to agree. So many times, families bring in a platter of gourmet cookies or order pizza, and none of the people actually involved with their child are there to enjoy the gift. Over the years I've had a number of patents write me thank you notes detailing how carefully and thoroughly I answered their questions and the gentle but skillful care I've given to both their child and themselves, which I definitely cherish. But at the same time, during performance reviews I've been told that no one will ever be evaluated as having exceeded expectations when it comes to family-centered care. That leads me to believe that our management never hears good things about specific individuals and their particular strengths. I would absolutely walk on air if my manager came to me one day and said, "Thank you for the wonderful job you did with so-and-so and her family. Your skill and attention made their situation more tolerable and helped them cope." Or words to that effect.

adventure_rn, MSN, NP · Aug 8, 2017

So happy to hear that your son is doing well!!

Coming from a NICU nurse...I love getting thank you notes along with pictures!! In NICU/peds, the pics are so uplifting to see. Our unit has a board where we display our thank you notes and photos of NICU 'graduates' (with parent permission). It's a daily reminder of why we do what we do--so that these kids can get out of the hospital and be surrounded by the people they love while enjoying being a kid. Similarly, I love, love, love when parents send holiday cards to the unit, even several years later. It means so much to know that those families are still thinking of us, and it reminds us of our experiences caring for those patients and families. There are literally nights when I'm having a bad shift, and I go and look at those photos because it always cheers me up.

I mean, no self-respecting nurse is going to turn down cookies, but... as a PP said, they'll probably be snapped up pretty quickly and may not actually be enjoyed by the people who provided care.

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Aug 8, 2017

Our respiratory therapists will text all the others in the building if there's goodies in the break room. They come from everywhere, scarf what isn't nailed down and disappear again! Happens every time.

Career Columnist / Author · Aug 8, 2017

You could donate a nice toy to the unit if it's a pediatric unit.

DowntheRiver · Aug 8, 2017

Personally, I would prefer if you spoke to my manager about me, wrote a note about me, or filled out one of the DAISY nomination forms. We have a Honored Nurse program and those references go a long way towards that program. I also like the idea of the fund for continuing education for nurses; in fact, I am going to suggest that to my clinical lead and manager. We are brought little presents all the time but I'd prefer the CEs.

Lane Therrell FNP, MSN, RN, NP · Aug 16, 2017

I love the idea of having a staff education fund where those who wish to show appreciation and gratitude can contribute... Thank you for sharing these creative and positive solutions.

jennylee321 · Aug 28, 2017

I do really like getting thank you notes and cards. It's just a little reminder to us that we are doing a good job. Usually food is a good option because it can be shared among the whole team. We can't actually accept any individual gifts of value so although it is a nice gesture, we are obligated to not accept them. In addition it is nice to recognise people to the hospital/management because they often don't get to see the little things we do that make a difference to families and patients.