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?
Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.
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.
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.
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.
Specializes in med-surg, psych, ER, school nurse-CRNP.
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.
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.
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
Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP
4 Articles; 5,259 Posts
The babies in my nursery never say thanks....a most ungrateful bunch they are.