What would you like as a thank you?

Nurses Rock

Published

Hello, all! I'm hoping to get some input and thought I'd have some luck on this site. My Mom had been diagnosed with colon cancer and had been placed under Hospice care. She was under Hospice care for about 2 & 1/2 years, on and off. We also had additional caregivers brought in so that she could stay in her home, which is what she wanted. (She just passed away last week.) The Hospice nurses and other caregivers were so compassionate and kind to my Mom and they adored her as she did them. We really couldn't have asked for better care for her. I'd like to do something to express my appreciation for them and am asking for ideas and suggestions. My husband suggested cash, but I'm not sure if that's appropriate. I didn't know if a gift card to a restaurant would be better. What would you like to receive as a thank you? Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

*I have much respect for and appreciation to all the nurses, aides/caregivers, especially those who work in a hospice environment. It takes a special kind of person to do what you all do!

Specializes in ED, med-surg, peri op.

I believe nurses/caregivers are not allowed accept gifts. It is unethical, especially money or gift cards.

However I have seen gifts of food been given, which is only given to the manager to share with everyone been accepted. (Like cakes, chocolates, cheeses ect)

I would suggest a thank you card with a heartfelt message directly to the people involved in the care, anything more than that you would have to discuss with a manager from the hospice, as the nurse wouldn't be able to just accept it. and would be a difficult position to put them in.

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Written heartfelt thank you would suffice and be greatly appreciated. Especially if you personalize and are specific such as "Nurse Jane was wonderful in my mother's last days making certain we all knew what to expect and supporting us along her final days "

Cash and gift cards (especially if paid by Medicaid or Medicare) is likely against policy and may fall under federal anti-kickback statutes.

If you wanted to send a basket of flowers or snacks to the office that would be nice but might not get to the intended staff.

I agree with prior posters suggestions to write personalized thank you notes.

I agree with prior posters suggestions to write personalized thank you notes.

This and HUGS! You can send a copy of the letter to the director of the hospital or hospice agency. These may end up in the employee's file and look good when it comes time for reviews, promotion etc.

Thank you all for your suggestions. I had planned on writing each nurse and caregiver a personal note of thanks, yet it somehow just doesn't seem like enough for all they did for my mom. I didn't know that they may not be allowed to accept gifts, so I appreciate the information. Thanks, again!

Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.
I believe nurses/caregivers are not allowed accept gifts. It is unethical, especially money or gift cards.

However I have seen gifts of food been given, which is only given to the manager to share with everyone been accepted. (Like cakes, chocolates, cheeses ect)

I would suggest a thank you card with a heartfelt message directly to the people involved in the care, anything more than that you would have to discuss with a manager from the hospice, as the nurse wouldn't be able to just accept it. and would be a difficult position to put them in.

I once had a patient's family send a personal thank you card in the mail with a $10 bill enclosed. While I was touched by the gesture, I knew that it was unethical for me to accept cash beyond my salary for caring for the patient. I turned it over to my facility CEO, who returned it to the family with a note stating that while I was appreciative of the gesture, legally I could not accept it.

I know this an old thread, responding in case other family members/caregivers stumble across it - 2 words: bagels and pizza. Seriously. So f'ing appreciated when we don't have a chance to eat allll day/night. Thank you and carry on.

Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

When I worked L&D I had a father try to give me a thousand dollar because "Today you have given me a son!" While I was sorely tempted I chose to say " I am sorry I cannot accept your gift. If you would like to do something for the entire unit that would be great though. Turns out he was an executive chef at a very fancy Mediterranean restaurant so a few nights later we were gifted with one of the best dinners I had had in a long time. When my husband and I went to the restaurant a month or so later the chef remembered me and came out to tell us the our money was no good there and the check was on him.

Hppy

I agree with southhpaw. The best form of appreciation I have received was not only did I receive a letter from the patients family, but they also sent one to my supervisor.

Specializes in Mental Health, Gerontology, Palliative.

adequate staffing:yes:

+ Add a Comment