How often do your pts thank you?

[cmonkey]

I had surgery 12/28 and spent four days on med-surg afterwards. I literally spent 3/4 of my time sleeping (bliss! oh rapture unforseen!), but *every single time* anyone came into my room for any reason (meds, IV change, turn off the freaking IV alarm, phlebotomist, housekeeping, whatever), I said "thank you." I got the feeling I was abnormal.

Also, and just because it's funny to me, apparently I'm the only person who's ever requested prune juice, let alone TWO servings. I heard the young CNA in the hallway marveling that anyone would actually ask for the stuff. :huh: I actually like it.

So. How often do your pts say thank you, and does it come as a surprise when they do? Am I a rock star?

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

All 3 of my patients last night thanked me every time I was in their room. Guess I got lucky. I'd say my patients usually thank me.

[Super_RN, BSN, RN]

I work nights, so a lot of the times when I'm in the room, the patient's are snoozing. However, during the initial assessment and other times they may be awake, I am generally thanked.

I believe in being polite to my patients, so I feel it's reciprocated, KWIM? I say "please", "thank you", and after living down South for a couple years I picked up the habit of "Miss First Name", "Ma'am" and "Sir"

[Keepstanding, ASN, RN]

i am a school nurse and i have elementary "patients" rarely if ever say thank you. the lack of manners is very obvious these days. even the teachers don't require students to say please or thank you.

so sad !

praiser :heartbeat

[makes needs known]

I hear many patients say 'thank you'. Some people are brought up to use these words and it is a well mannered reflex. Last night a woman said 'Thank you, I feel better knowing that you are here to help me.' She smiled at me, and I know she really meant it.

[Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN]

I have been a tech for five years now and can only recall being thanked a handful of times, then again I mostly work with demented or critically ill patients, however yesterday after working my fourth 12 hour shift, my patient told me that I had excellent bedside manner and that he was thankful I was in the ICU helping to take care of him... that made me forget about how tired and mentally drained I was at the moment.

[RNperdiem, RN]

I also live and work in the South. Thank you, Please, Good Morning, Yes Ma'am are pretty standard.

[Perpetual Student]

All the time.

[ChristyRN2009]

In the South here too, and its rare I don't get thanked verbally in my shift. We also get a fair amount of cards, flowers, donuts (thank goodness). But I also work on a unit with high patient satisfaction scores, so maybe that's it too?

ETA: I should add that I always say please and thanks to my patients.

[caliotter3]

I have a tendency to thank people. Just seems to be the thing to do. As for getting thanks from patients, the opposite seems to be the norm. I hear a lot of complaining and griping from patients and families. Most of it is about other caregivers. I try to let them vent and do little to contradict their perceptions as I feel they are entitled to them. I suspect that they extend their griping to the other caregivers about me also, in a vicious circle of complaining. However, I do see a lot of complaining that is unfounded. If I see trouble brewing, I will bring it to the attention of the supervisors.

[NurseStephRN]

i get thanked a lot of the time... and each time i get a thanks it makes staying up for a 12 hour night shift worth it. :)

[TigerGalLE, BSN, RN]

I work in the south and thank you is pretty common down here. So common sometimes it is just a habit. It is a reflex for most to say thank you and your welcome. What I don't hear enough of is "please." I hate for someone to say "Hand me the phone" or "Pick that up." Annoys the fool out of me. A simple, hand me the phone please would be so nice.

It means a lot more when a patient gives an explanation as to why they are thanking you. Like, "Thank you so much for being so patient with me. Pain brings out the worst in me and you seem to understand that. You have been so helpful to me. I hope you are my nurse tomorrow. Go home and rest, you deserve it."

It is very often I hear "thank you." Less often a patient really lets you know they mean it.