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?

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

The babies in my nursery never say thanks....a most ungrateful bunch they are.

[Orca, ADN, ASN, RN]

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".

As a native southerner, I was raised this way. It is a cultural thing. Some friends originally from Chicago who traveled in the south for the first time remarked about how courteous people are to total strangers. I explained that this is the way we are.

Not that there aren't exceptions to the rule...

[leslie :-D]

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

i do too...it goes a long way in mutual respect.

I hear a lot of complaining and griping from patients and families.

ha!

this cracks me up...

that i can be called every stinking name in the book, and as i walk away, i hear "thank you".

and yes, cmonkey!

you are a rock star.:rckn:

leslie

[caliotter3]

The babies in my nursery never say thanks....a most ungrateful bunch they are.

And I'm sure they will let their needs be known with gusto, and heaven forbid you do not tend to them at once! Now!

[sunnycalifRN]

I work in the ICU, so many patients cannot say thanks. But, of those that can, I usually get a "thank you for your care" or "will you be my nurse again tomorrow?", at the end of the day.

[nursinger]

How often do my patients say thank you? Not enough. I work at a VA facility and some of the vets can be down right nasty. Then on the other hand, there are some that can be as sweet as candy.

[AngelfireRN, MSN, RN, APRN]

I, too, am in the South.

I work for a clinic and do hospital rounds, so the bulk of explaining things for the docs will sometimes fall to me. I do not like surprises, and I make every effort not to give my patients any, either. Therefore, I am very detailed.

I usually get thanked by my patients after these discussions, after doing a consult and explaining what the treatment plan is, or just after sticking my head in.

Makes my day when I hear it, but I do not expect it. I love what I do, so the thanks are just more Parmesan for the pasta.

[bill4745, RN]

In the ER it doesn't happen very often, but is greatly apprreciated when it does.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Most of the time, I'll get a cursory "thanks," especially when I'm passing meds.

Occasionally, I'll get patient who is serious about thanking me...to which I reply, "You're welcome" and let it go at that. It's nice to get the thanks, but I don't make a big deal out of it--I'm just doing my job.

[Super_RN, BSN, RN]

I guess I should clarify I don't live down South anymore, but I'm hoping some of that Southern hospitality I acquired will rub off in my native Yankee land

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

My patients frequently thank me. It is appreciated!

[NamasteNurse, BSN, RN]

Constantly, every single day! Thank goodness! :)