Very unusual day at work today.

[Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN]

I came in on what would normally be a day off for me for cross-training in another speciality.

I knew we were going to have our employee Christmas lunch today, but found out that other activities were scheduled, as well.

All employees had a "white elephant" gift exchange with each other (I was able to contribute a "white elephent " gift at the last minute.) We also donated and wrapped "white elephant gifts" for our regular clinic pts.

Only one pt was scheduled today. I spent one hr actually working and six hours eating, wrapping and opening presents, and generally having a good time w/ my co-workers.

Much to my surprise, my boss told me to put down the entire time I was there on my time-sheet. I objected, saying I had only actually worked for an hour. She said that had a pt needed me, I had been available, so I would be paid for the whole day.

She also surprised me w/ a present. She gave me a sweet nurse figurine.

All in all, it was a pretty great day.

I needed that.

[Sarah Kat]

Sounds nice!

[BarbPick]

See, sometimes it pays to get up in the morning! Rarely in a clinical setting are gifts given, in the office world it would be a Christmas Bonus. Buy something special, your Boss decided you earned it.

[jnette, ASN, EMT-I]

That's great, Hellllo !

We did this yesterday... all the staff had small gifts for one another, plus our clinic purchased a gift for each one of the patients. We also put on quite a "spread" in out NM's office.. her extended desk was covered in a red tablecloth and loaded with all kinds of homemade foods, cider, baked goods, and luncheon platters... all our patients and their families got to feast after tx. before leaving.

It was nice, we do it every year... on TOP of triple shifting !!! We always triple shift the week before and the week after Christmas in order to give the patients as well as staff the 24th and 25th off, yet ensure the patients' 3 txs. a week (as we are always closed on Sundays). This way, no one misses a tx. for the week, and everyone gets to enjoy two consecutive holidays.

It was BUSY... but we all managed to sneak off the floor from time to time to enjoy the food and festivities. Our patients apprecaite it so much... one of our longstanding patients broke down and wept yesterday as he told us how much he appreciated us and all we do for them throughout the year..

After all the patients were gone for the day, and we cleaned up all the food and leftovers, dishes, trash, etc., etc. (whew!) we exchanged our own gifts and somehow managed to drag our weary bodies home.

Now I get to clean house :stone and start preparing for the meal tomorrow ... never ends, does it? :chuckle

[hbscott]

So very glad to hear you had a good day. We all need encouragment from time to time in all our endeavors. I certainly appreciate those who take the time to help us when we need a lift. Hope your Holidays and the coming New Year are filled with such good days.

:)

[Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN]

And Jnette-

Sounds like your clinic did pretty much what my clinic was to do today. So they tell me, as I was off today!

This will be my second Christmas off in 12 years. Woo hoo!

I was suprised when I got weepy when my boss gave me the nurse figurine. It is a figure of a nurse with a bandaged teddy-bear. It says "Give your heart to a Nurse" on it.

This gesture and the words of appreciation that came with it meant a great deal to me.

I did the "Secret Santa" thing for the first time ever, too. My "giftee" is a sweet, wonderful tech who will be starting LPN prereqs in Jan. I gave him an A&P CD ROM and he was thrilled. He gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

This happy, positive day at work was "just what the doctor ordered" for me.

[jnette, ASN, EMT-I]

So very happy for you, Hellllo.

You definately needed the boost. Hope your skies are just a wee bit brighter now.

Hugs to you, and Merry Christmas ! :kiss

[renerian, BSN, RN]

I am sure that is true. You would have been there to help a client. Very nice surprise!

renerian:D