Patient Thank You Gifts

[AJpcvRN]

Hey guys! So I'm preggers and due at the end of the month. I have been struggling over what to bring for the L&D and Postpartum nurses when I give birth. Everyone non-nursing (doula, birth classes, etc) suggest some kind of sweet treat, but I am curious... Do you guys ever get sick of all of the cookies and chocolate? I work in medical intermediate care and we get treats fairly often and enjoy them, but we don't have every patient taking a class where they're told to bring something. Do you every just wish someone would bring in something else (and if so what!?)

I don't know exactly why I'm stressing about this, but as a fellow nurse I want to do right as a patient (it'll be the first time I've ever been admitted to the hospital). I'm planning a low intervention birth... which means I may be a bit of a b*tch and I would like to at least provide something tasty people like

[klone, MSN, RN]

Do you have to tip/bribe them to get good care?

Yep, otherwise we ignore you and don't give you your pain meds. And you can get your own damn water.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

I can see that, writing a note or getting a little something for someone who really went "above & beyond" and really stood out. I don't get making plans in advance to gift the entire nursing staff. Is this a standard thing in OB? Do you have to tip/bribe them to get good care?

Well, it's not exactly a new thing. It's just dads passing out cigars revamped for the 21st century. Probably 5-10% of our patients do this in OB. Everyone gets the same care.

[klone, MSN, RN]

But seriously - I gave a thank you note to the wonderful NOC nurse who took care of me when I had my back surgery. Like I said above, we brought food to the NICU staff.

No, it's not expected. But knowing how neat it is to have it done for me, we like to spread the love whenever possible.

And coming in to have a baby is just different from most other hospital stays. It's a joyous occasion, and the patient/partner like to spread the joy. It's also a bit awe-inspiring to know that this hospital stay is one that the patient and partner will remember for the rest of their lives. Every word, every gesture, every nurse (good and bad). They will remember. We like to make it special, and so do they.

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

I've never seen a nurse get sick of chocolate. Im a Post partum nurse and when I delivered I brought in loads of candy for the staff . They loved it. Seriously, don't stress about it too much. Food is great but a simple thank you goes a long way!

[calgrrl]

We also like caffeine! An assortment of coffee or tea would be just as appreciated as chocolate! Or both....hey!

[ajrpcvrn]

Thanks for all of the advice guys!