Perks of the Job???

[CloudySue]

What are some of the little side perks that individual families bestow upon you? Another thread started touching on good things when it was a thread for crazy stuff, so I thought I'd post a new topic.

I have a family that throws parties sometimes, real good ones, and I always get leftovers! On my overnight shift, I feel like Templeton at the fair!

[PerfectlyPlump, ADN, RN]

At one home I am improving, and learning more, Spanish.

[Elektra6, ASN, BSN, RN]

Pets to play with!!

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

This probably sounds weird but I think the biggest perk of working PDN for me was the good reviews and positive feedback that I received from the parents. Either through our scheduler ("hey, this family really likes you and has requested you" and NOT a hard case that I knew they couldn't staff) or directly. I was taking care of a little girl who'd had PDN for all three years of her life, with one PDN being primary the entire time. Family was like "We really like and appreciate X nurse and everything that she's done for us but it's just amazing at how The Patient just lights up when she's with you. She smiles and laughs in ways that she doesn't even do with us all the time." I still miss that kiddo and think about her.

I work in a hospital setting now and that sort of feedback just isn't there. You might get a general "the nurses were great!" comment card or an appreciative patient might be like "thank you for being my nurse" at the end of the night, which is nice, but it isn't quite the same ego-boost.

[Not_A_Hat_Person, RN]

My farm client's family spoils the nurses. They have computer and TV for us to use. The nurses get little gift bags at Christmas and on their birthdays (mostly candles and candy). We got some maple syrup in the springtime. I've seen 3 calves born. The cats are mostly feral, but I spent a lot of time with a litter of kittens 2 years ago, and one barn cat will let me pet him and pick him up.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

I used to take care of a little boy whose parents acted like I was the teenage babysitter (in a GOOD way)

"Do you like Coke or Pepsi? We have both but can get something else if you like"

"There's half a pizza in the fridge- help yourself"

"Here's a pillow and blanket if you need to rest!"

But the BEST thing was they allowed me to set the DVR and record programs to watch on my work nights!

Oh, and I did the overwhelming majority of my online BSN completion program while at work!

[ventmommy]

Our nurses could use our wi-fi. They could eat anything out of the snack drawer or the snack bins in the fridge/freezer. We had a rocking chair and a straight-backed chair. We had a little table for writing and we had a hospital type table as well. We had cable TV with movie channels in his room, we just asked that nothing that was inappropriate be watched (there was nothing wrong with my son's hearing). We included nurses in holidays/parties. If we went out to dinner, we always paid for the nurse and we asked them to wear civvie clothing so they didn't stand out. I was very willing to take good nurses that were inexperienced and train them.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

ventmommy,

You are the kind of parent every PDN dreams of. I am so fortunate to have served some AMAZING families over the years. I treasure those relationships and still keep in touch with several of them.

It just makes you WANT to go above-and-beyond for your patient when you are appreciated. :)

[PerfectlyPlump, ADN, RN]

Two of my client families have been VERY generous with wi if use, cokes, toilet paper, sometimes dinner and even desserts. Most have been flexible with my schedule, and one offered me to stay overnight on a stormy night (which I did not do).

Best of all, I often feel very appreciated, which is like a paycheck to the soul.

[PerfectlyPlump, ADN, RN]

Thank you for the way you treated your nurses!!

[CloudySue]

Two of my client families have been VERY generous with wi if use, cokes, toilet paper,

Toilet paper??? As a perk? Actually, before I get too incredulous about that, I did work a shift last week where it was gone and I could not find any extra! I had to use the agency-provided paper towels and save them to tie up in a shopping bag. Glad I only had to pee!

I have worked with in at least two dozen clients' homes over the years, (my agency cross-trains us all over the place), and I've never been in a place that offered drinks and snacks on a regular basis. I would be shocked if I ever am. That said, there's one family that lets me use their water cooler. But I think that's more because they have well water and don't expect anyone to have to drink it.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

^^ several posters on anther thread have said it's BYOTP* at some of their cases ^^

*Bring Your Own Toilet Paper