showing appreciation

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 10, 2004

Our program is we write a nice note on a form called "SOC it to Me" (meaning standards of care). I just wrote won to a CNA who sat with a patient of mine. She was awesome. She then presents it to her manager who knows of her good deed and gets a prize like a movie pass, free meal in the cafeteria, or something like.

nursemary9, BSN, RN · Nov 10, 2004

Hi

We have little cards that indicate Thanks for going above and beyond--or something like that. We made then up--cheery and bright with flowers and streamers, bright colors.

They are about post card size and have a place for someone's name and then you sign it.

However, most of our staff are rather indifferent about them--and sometimes even make fun of the person giving one. Go Figure!! Some are sarcastic when you give it--saying things like they'd prefer a bonus!!

We thought it was a nice idea so people would feel appreciated!!

Lately, I have rarely seen them used.

Mary Ann

Mister Chris, MSN, NP · Nov 10, 2004

hi
we have little cards that indicate thanks for going above and beyond--or something like that. we made then up--cheery and bright with flowers and streamers, bright colors.
they are about post card size and have a place for someone's name and then you sign it.
however, most of our staff are rather indifferent about them--and sometimes even make fun of the person giving one. go figure!! some are sarcastic when you give it--saying things like they'd prefer a bonus!!
we thought it was a nice idea so people would feel appreciated!!
lately, i have rarely seen them used.
mary ann

sorry to hear that the cards are not used.

some people miss out on a lot of warm and fuzzies.

because of this, and also because i came from a very starchy, straight lace english background i did find it hard to relate to touch and what i thought was sissy behaviour. i also found it embarrasing at first.

i started some business card sized hand-outs with "swap a smile" and then a short wish to pass on their smile, some time ago. yes i had a few people say 'yuk!' 'stupid!' etc. etc. however i have persisted and now even give them to the smiling people i meet out of the hospital/nursing home areas. the idea is just to smile at someone and if they smile back then you have passed on or 'swapped' your smile. the next stage is if you see someone doing something nice for someone - an act of genuine kindness - to thank them for being a special person i give them a card so that they get recognition and thanks from a third party and some encouragement so they can continue to spread their good will.

i also have hug cards that i give to people that i feel possibly would appreciate a hug but do not normally get a hug, (and as an older male cannot just go around hugging people!). it lets them know how someone else feels about the kindness they have shown.

sometimes i even get a real hug back!

recognition is something that most people need and will respond to. not glory hunters. i always like to give thank-yous to those who deserve it.

if we do not do this surely we are lacking in some very important people skills - especially in nursing.

thank you heaps for your smile today,

you made no charge, you gave it away,

it was free and fun, cool and neat,

your sensitive feelings cannot be beat!

your eyes and face do it in style,

without a charge you swapped your smile!

thank you.

yes i've been called 'soppy' but mostly i feel it does spread a little bit of happiness, and yes i think we need a bit more in this world. a lot.

has anyone seen the film called 'pass it forward' (i think thats what is was called - or something like that) about a young boy's homework project networking good will? still gives me goose bumps!

smiles, huggs and love from

mister chris :) :kiss :specs:

saskrn · Nov 10, 2004

In one hospital, if we did a good deed, someone could report it, and that person would get an apple pin, usually worn on the name badge.

In another hospital, if you went above and beyond, you would receive a card, and after you received 3, you would get something.

SmilingBluEyes · Nov 10, 2004

I think we fall woefully short in just recognizing each other with a simple "thanks" or "well done". Sometimes, peer recognition is the best kind. And I don't need a card or pin to know I am appreciated if people just TELL me so. I try to thank and praise my coworkers whenever they are helpful, do well, or go above and beyond. Sometimes, just that alone, is enough to boost morale. We do get cards for free coffee/latte's from our manager in times when our unit is doing very well or has had a rough time. That is a great start...but does not help those of who work when the coffee stand is not open rofl. But I am glad she tries at least to do something!

saskrn · Nov 10, 2004

I agree with the above poster...simply acknowledging a co-worker for a job well done, etc., can definitely improve moral. Plus, it's easy and affordable! lol

Mister Chris, MSN, NP · Nov 10, 2004

I think we fall woefully short in just recognizing each other with a simple "thanks" or "well done". Sometimes, peer recognition is the best kind. And I don't need a card or pin to know I am appreciated if people just TELL me so. I try to thank and praise my coworkers whenever they are helpful, do well, or go above and beyond. Sometimes, just that alone, is enough to boost morale. We do get cards for free coffee/latte's from our manager in times when our unit is doing very well or has had a rough time. That is a great start...but does not help those of who work when the coffee stand is not open rofl. But I am glad she tries at least to do something!

Have to agree - genuine recognition immediately following a well done deed or chore is wonderful. Both to the giver and receiver.

I still use cards to reinforce the fact and have found they get passed on!

Cheers

Mister Chris :roll