How should I say "thank you" to the nurse that has been beyond incredible?

[throwaway94]

Hi everyone,

I've been having electroshock therapy (not as barbaric as it sounds!), and there has been one nurse in particular that has been really wonderful (they actually all are).

I don't really know where to start when putting my appreciation into words. So, what sort of things would you most like to be thanked for? (I'm also going to write a letter to her supervisor and gush over her there, too) And also, what kind of gift would be suitable?

Would it be too creepy if I bought her something that she mentioned she liked (in passing) several weeks ago?

Thank you in advance!:)

(And sorry if this question is posted a lot)

[Adele_Michal7, ASN, RN]

Some places do allow gifts for nurses or other caregivers. At one of my places of employment I can accept gifts if they are under 25 dollars. That is my home care job and they are some of my most treasured possessions since I think of them ever time I see the gift! I would call their Human Resources department and ask what their policy is and go from that point.

Good point!

[emmy27]

A letter to the supervisor like you mentioned (or even higher is better- I've seen nurses called out for exemplary patient care in memos from upper management and even CEOs when a patient bothered to go that high, and that's not just an amazing sign of appreciation but could actually make a material difference in whether or not she gets a raise next year) is the best. A personal note of appreciation is really nice, too.

I got a sweet thank-you card from the first patient I ever inserted a catheter (he had massive urinary retention and was really relieved to get that catheter) while I was still a terrified extern. It made such a difference in my confidence and satisfaction as a student, and I still have it all these years later.

[bathrobemom, LPN]

A note sounds like a very good idea. Write about how you are doing afterwards. Knowing that you're well and able to do things that you want to do is the best gift you can give in my opinion.

Even if she could accept a gift, that still seems awkward. Taking the time to write kind words of appreciation, letting her know how you're doing really is a nice thing to do.

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

Send a heartfelt note to her, her supervisor, and a copy of it going to HR for her file. Truly, 99% of nurses I know would appreciate this FAR more than chocolates or flowers

[ixchel]

I'll add to the "thank you note" votes. Sometimes patients will also send fruit baskets, or treat baskets, to the whole unit, in addition to a thank you note, which may mention specific people in it. If you'd prefer to not be so "public" with it but also want to keep the creepy-meter low (lol), a note addressed to her, sent to the hospital, saying a simple, "thank you for making this experience more bearable and providing good care," will do the trick.