What do you wish for in a break room?

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My hospital is revamping a breakroom for nursing staff. Actually, they are finally making one. This is one that is a central breakroom in addition to small mini breakrooms (that are actually unused pt. rooms) on individual floors. The hospital is actually asking us for our input for what we want the breakroom to include. I'm interested in what others are thinking as well...

If you could, what would you want in your breakroom??? TIA~

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A couch with foot rests!!! Right now we have tables and chairs and I put my feet up on chairs (I clean them before I leave my break). Doesn't have to be new, one from Goodwill will do. You can get one for $50.

A television - anything to take your mind off beeping ivacs, call lights, phones, etc.

Soothing wall colors. A home like feel. NO memos about new protocols. I can't pee without reading about protocols and it frosts my crack. It's a bathroom!

Also, a phone for personal use, ie, checking up on family.

A nice solid door that blocks sound and a large sign that says "Employees Only" and preferably a secure door - one that you have to scan your badge to get into. Our hospital uses this but it's not on the break room door.

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Two full size refrigerators, a at least one comfortable couch, and comfortable chairs with ottoman, table and chairs. lighting that can be dimmed.

If this sounds unrealistic it exists. On full size refirgerator is never sufficient.

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Specializes in midwifery, gen surgical, community.

Hot tub!!!

No seriously how about some foot spas?

Big notice on the door saying "No patients or relatives allowed".

Comfortable seating.

Microwave.

No notice board with management rubbish on it.

Blinds on the windows so its a comfortable room.

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Specializes in all things maternity.

We have 2 nice recliners in our break room. Also a table with chairs, a large refrigerator, a coffee maker, a microwave and a toaster oven. All we need now is a TV. I would like the doors that you have to scan your badge to get into it also.

:saint:

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I'm confused and I hope someone can clarify this for me:

The ER docs at my hospital work 12 hours shifts. When not busy, they retreat to their rooms with a futon, television, telephone, and internet hookup.

Why do nurses not receive the same? We work 12 hours, sometimes more.

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Specializes in Critical Care,Recovery, ED.

What's the confusion? RN doesn't equal MD. We are a cost and they are revenue generators. Of course the main reason people are admitted to the hospitalis for 24 hour RN care.

The most necessary part of a break room is cultural. When you are in the breakroom you are not to be disturbed. If this doesn't become part of the culture then it doesn't matter what amenities are there as you will never fully relax to enjoy them. Agree with all the stuff previous posters wanted.

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The breakroom at the ER I worked had a number pad lock. No one could get in but staff.

I agree with the other posters.

steph

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What's the confusion? RN doesn't equal MD. We are a cost and they are revenue generators. Of course the main reason people are admitted to the hospitalis for 24 hour RN care.

That is the reason.

steph

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What's the confusion? RN doesn't equal MD. We are a cost and they are revenue generators. Of course the main reason people are admitted to the hospitalis for 24 hour RN care.

The most necessary part of a break room is cultural. When you are in the breakroom you are not to be disturbed. If this doesn't become part of the culture then it doesn't matter what amenities are there as you will never fully relax to enjoy them. Agree with all the stuff previous posters wanted.

Ah, money talks. I get it now.

Stupid of me to ask.

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Specializes in NICU.

A toaster oven. I'd love a full-size oven, too. I know that sounds over the top, but it would be nice for warming things up for parties. We have lockers, those are great.

A few computers would be nice, too. We have computers at the bedside, but it would be nice to have some for non-work related stuff. (Of course, I'd never use the bedside computers to do a little Christmas shopping or look up my own e-mail ;))

Couches, of course. A table. A sink. An ice machine. One of the units I floated to had a soft drink fountain in their break room. That was pretty sweet :). Another unit had a couple of treadmills. That was cool, too.

I thought all nursing floors had break rooms; unfortunately, I guess that's not always the case.

Good luck on getting the break room of your dreams :D.

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Wow. Great ideas everyone!! One of the reasons that they are giving us a breakroom is so that patients - not employees can gather in a nice sunny area at the entrance of the hospital that has comfy chairs. So instead of seeing that nurses are doing this because they want to come in contact with the sunlight even in inclement weather days (wind, snow, etc) they are sticking us in a room in the middle of the hospital with no access to sunlight or stars.

At least we are finally getting one though. I can't complain too loudly. Thanks for all the responses! They're great!

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