Snacks for CNAs and Nurses

[WisconsinCheddr]

Hi everyone, not only do I work in LTC, but my best friend just moved into a facility. I already know 3 of the staff at his new home--2 nurses who work travel at my facility, and 1 CNA who used to work my facility. I'd like to make a basket for the wall inside his room with little snacks for the people who spend more time with him than I can, to show my appreciation. Thinking Little Debbies, bagged chips, slim jims, anything shelf stable that they can grab and go with (I eat on my cart way too much so I totally feel for them). I once had a darling woman, a mother of one of my residents, who did this and I thought it was really sweet. Any ideas of things you would like? TIA

[Cricket183, BSN, RN]

I think the things you mentioned are OK.  But maybe also go with some high protein, low sugar options.  Protein & Kind bars, trail mix or nuts in snack size packets, etc.  High sugar and salty type snacks csn definitely be more appealing (and often cheaper) but high-protein, low-sugar will keep them full longer without the high carb/sugar crash later.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

That is very nice to do however before carrying through with the plan please check with the facility. They very well might not want you to affix anything to the walls, even a light basket would have to be approved through the facility maintenance department. They also might have an issue with food/snack items being left anywhere in the open and within reach of residents. While the snacks might be meant for staff, if they are left in a resident room they could be seen as fair game and possibly be at the least a dietary issue for some and at worst an allergy or choking concern for others.  Don't be surprised if the facility administrator or DON instead suggests any snacks provided for staff are left in the staff breakroom instead of in a resident room.