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~

Specializes in ICU/ER.

One of the "old" hospitals I used to work in had in there break room a big smoke eater in the ceiling--- I dont even think they make them any more---like a big fan that sucked up the cigarette smoke.

Can you imagine that today??Smoking in the break room.

One of the Sr nurses on our floor said that when she was a new nurse part of her job was emptying the patients ashtrays.

That same old hospital also had a cigarette burn left on the main nursing desk from a Dr who used to smoke while charting at the desk!!!

As far as what I want??? Dream wise a cappuccino maker would be nice with all the goodies that go with it, like the milk/caramel and chocolate sauce. ~~~ Reality wise, a full size sofa that I could actually lay back and put my feet up for maybe 15min.

I know what I don't want: that damned call-light panel that alarms every time a patient calls out. I've only worked one unit in all these years that had a break room that was truly a break room.

I know what I don't want: that damned call-light panel that alarms every time a patient calls out. I've only worked one unit in all these years that had a break room that was truly a break room.

aw..............

hi, honey!

so good to 'see' you.

big, squishy hug:icon_hug::clpty:

stick around, y'hear?:redpinkhe

muuuaaaaah.

leslie

One of the "old" hospitals I used to work in had in there break room a big smoke eater in the ceiling--- I dont even think they make them any more---like a big fan that sucked up the cigarette smoke.

Can you imagine that today??Smoking in the break room.

One of the Sr nurses on our floor said that when she was a new nurse part of her job was emptying the patients ashtrays.

That same old hospital also had a cigarette burn left on the main nursing desk from a Dr who used to smoke while charting at the desk!!!

As far as what I want??? Dream wise a cappuccino maker would be nice with all the goodies that go with it, like the milk/caramel and chocolate sauce. ~~~ Reality wise, a full size sofa that I could actually lay back and put my feet up for maybe 15min.

I've been a nurse for almost 10 years but the nurses I've worked with at the little rural hospital love to tell of the times when docs and nurses smoked at the nurses' station. And patients could smoke. And smoke would billow out of the med room when the door opened. :smokin:

:no: :uhoh21: :nono:

steph

Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

Tables and chairs for eating meals, comfortable furniture for relaxing, dim lighting, relaxing colors, a restroom, and a water/ice machine.

Tables and chairs for eating meals, comfortable furniture for relaxing, dim lighting, relaxing colors, a restroom, and a water/ice machine.

and don't forget helga, who's there to massage our feet.

leslie

Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.
and don't forget helga, who's there to massage our feet.

leslie

Of course!:D

Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.
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.

I'm lost on your take on confusion. Yeah doctors generate money, but as nurses we give provisions needed to take care of a patient is a profit/production increase for the hospital: that increases profit for the hospital, if they are charged.. We keeo them comfortable with what they need and keep running to make that happen, IMO.

Back to topic. Peace and quiet in a break room, time to rest,eat, check on family,and put your feet up for sure.

Specializes in Hem/Onc.

hmm,

a sink and side board to wash up my soup bowl and rinse my water jug in

gm

Specializes in Med-Surg.

I'm not hard to please. Our nurses usually eat lunch together, unless it is crazy busy. I would just like for our table to be large enough that we don't bump elbows. It's bad enough just us, but for some unknown reason housekeeping staff has decided to join in (even though they can sit in the cafeteria, and we are not allowed to be off the floor for lunch).

Specializes in ED, ICU, Heme/Onc.

How about not having the staff bathroom right on top of where the staff eats? Not that I am shy about such matters, but I'd rather not attend to personal "business" while my coworkers are enjoying their lunch :)

I'm easy to please - table, chairs, fridge. I'm not a fan of upholstery of any kind in the hospital. Even if it is in a staff only area, something just screams "germ reservoir" at me...

And locks are mandatory.

Blee

Specializes in midwifery, NICU.
and don't forget helga, who's there to massage our feet.

leslie

:lol2:...POOR Helga! :lol2: Would not want THAt job in our unit!

We have a breakroom which is teeny tiny, but squashed into it is a 2 seat couch, a rocker, a table and 3 chairs, a full size fridge, and a kitchen area with a microwave, kettle and toaster, and two sinks. We have cupboard space to hoard the coffee and chocolate, and a tv on the wall. But, as I said, it's teeny tiny, there are only three decent seats to be had, so its a battle...who wants to spend their break, (when you get it!), perched on a wee chair , building up cramp in your backside??

We are grateful for the kitchen part, even microwaving your food from home saves money and tastes better than canteen stodge, but just a bit more space to stretch out would be great.

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