What would nurses like from families on holidays?

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Specializes in CCU, Geriatrics, Critical Care, Tele.

This question was posted on our allnurses.com facebook page. I thought it was a great question and that we should post in on AN as well. Looking forward to your responses :)

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Specializes in pediatric critical care.

What would I like for the holidays from my patients' families? Where shall I begin...

When I tell you the rules of visitation in my unit, please ADHERE to them, and without sass, thank you!

When your child isn't allowed to eat or is nauseous, please take your stinky garlics wings to waiting room to enjoy, thank you!

Please do not touch the ventilator, the CRRT machine, the monitors, the IV pumps...the damage you may cause could be life threatening.

Please believe me when I tell you to get some sleep yourself, that you cannot take care of an ill child if you yourself are exhausted, there is no need to be a martyr, SLEEP WHILE YOU CAN!

Please encourage your extended family to send email greetings when they are sick instead of spreading their germs to sick kiddos.

Please know that I am ON YOUR SIDE, and I am doing everything in my power to get your child home where they belong, so work with me.

Please don't ask me about that cute baby across the hall over and over again, you know I won't tell you a thing.

Please know that I want your baby home by Christmas/Hannakah/etc. nearly as much as you do, and there is no need to show gratitude with anything more than a simple thank you, it's rarely heard these days, yet highly appreciated.

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Specializes in CCU, Geriatrics, Critical Care, Tele.

I was thinking that this thread could be more positive, in terms of what kinds of gifts you would like. Maybe save the venting for a different thread?

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Academics.
There is no need to show gratitude with anything more than a simple thank you, it's rarely heard these days, yet highly appreciated.

Yes.

Mike A. Fungin posted a thread that highlights the value of a sincere, heart-felt "thank you." Apparently, it changed his entire outlook on his livelihood. That's worth more than any patient or family member could buy.

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I work LTC and a lot of the families bring something for the nurses. I don't feel that it necessary, but if they do..I like that they consider ALL shifts.

What I really like is a smile and a "Happy Holiday's..I hope your night isn't bad"

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Most of us because of ethics/compliance rules can't accept most gifts, so really, just a "thank you" or even better, all 5s on our Press-Gainey surveys so we have a shot at getting our raises would be nice. :)

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Specializes in Acute Care, CM, School Nursing.

Cupcakes! :)

When I read the title of this thread, I thought it was about what a nurse's family could give him/her for a gift. In that case, I would have said a gift card to a uniform shop. But, really, one can never go wrong with cupcakes!

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Chocolate or nice coffee is always appreciated.

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You'll never go wrong with a personal handwritten note thanking them for the care they provide. Cite several examples where they went above and beyond the call of duty. Make sure to CC nursing leadership.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, DSU, Ortho, Onc, Psych.

I don't expect any gifts from patients. We aren't allowed to accept personal gifts like money etc, except maybe a big box of chocolates left in the tea room for all the nurses etc to enjoy.

I always tell people it's my job to care for them, and I am always happy seeing someone well go home, or if they're in hospital over the holiday period, I try to be as positive & cheerful & as chatty as I can to make them feel better. I also say we're always here to help u, don't feel guilty for ringing ur bell when u need something. That is what we're here for (though sometimes we just hate those bells don't we!)

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

My favorite thing is a big hug and someone telling me that they can tell I love my job and truly care for my residents. Or when residents themselves hug me and tell me they love me:heartbeat:heartbeat. There is no greater feeling I know as far as job satisfaction. :redbeathe:redbeathe:nurse:

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Specializes in Professional Development Specialist.

I'm on the edge of total burnout tonight. That said a heartfelt thank you note would be worth more than any gift.

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