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Discussion

Working on Christmas

Hi Everyone. OK.. I'm a new RN. I work in a MICU in Houston, Texas. I just love my job. I worked on the unit as a student, and now I'm orientating as a nurse. Yes, there are challenges, but the beauty of our unit is the team work.

ANYWAY (sorry, I just had to inform you of my excitement) my question is what is a good "gift" to give patients and/or families in the ICU? I work on Christmas, and I hope to bring a little Christmas joy to the unit that day. :) However, most patients are sedated, not to mention how stressed out the families are. Legally, are we able to give gifts? And so, what are good ideas? (Just something small...)

Please respond if you've heard of good stories, etc..

Happy to be serving as a new RN........ Joanna

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  • Author

Hi Everyone. OK.. I'm a new RN. I work in a MICU in Houston, Texas. I just love my job. I worked on the unit as a student, and now I'm orientating as a nurse. Yes, there are challenges, but the beauty of our unit is the team work.

ANYWAY (sorry, I just had to inform you of my excitement) my question is what is a good "gift" to give patients and/or families in the ICU? I work on Christmas, and I hope to bring a little Christmas joy to the unit that day. :) However, most patients are sedated, not to mention how stressed out the families are. Legally, are we able to give gifts? And so, what are good ideas? (Just something small...)

Please respond if you've heard of good stories, etc..

Happy to be serving as a new RN........ Joanna

Congrat's on your new job

If most patients are sedated then..........:uhoh21: How small is small ??

I could start with cards and then...i aaaaaaammm still thinking.........

By the way you can have a second career as a teacher-the students love gifts (just kidding )must be really excited !

Hi Everyone. OK.. I'm a new RN. I work in a MICU in Houston, Texas. I just love my job. I worked on the unit as a student, and now I'm orientating as a nurse. Yes, there are challenges, but the beauty of our unit is the team work.

ANYWAY (sorry, I just had to inform you of my excitement) my question is what is a good "gift" to give patients and/or families in the ICU? I work on Christmas, and I hope to bring a little Christmas joy to the unit that day. :) However, most patients are sedated, not to mention how stressed out the families are. Legally, are we able to give gifts? And so, what are good ideas? (Just something small...)

Please respond if you've heard of good stories, etc..

Happy to be serving as a new RN........ Joanna

Congrat's on your new job

If most patients are sedated then..........:uhoh21: How small is small ??

I could start with cards and then...i aaaaaaammm still thinking.........

By the way you can have a second career as a teacher-the students love gifts (just kidding )must be really excited !

Hi Everyone. OK.. I'm a new RN. I work in a MICU in Houston, Texas. I just love my job. I worked on the unit as a student, and now I'm orientating as a nurse. Yes, there are challenges, but the beauty of our unit is the team work.

ANYWAY (sorry, I just had to inform you of my excitement) my question is what is a good "gift" to give patients and/or families in the ICU? I work on Christmas, and I hope to bring a little Christmas joy to the unit that day. :) However, most patients are sedated, not to mention how stressed out the families are. Legally, are we able to give gifts? And so, what are good ideas? (Just something small...)

Please respond if you've heard of good stories, etc..

Happy to be serving as a new RN........ Joanna

I think it's really wonderful of you to be so considerate of the patients and their families on Christmas! And congrats on your job.

We aren't allowed to exchange gifts with the patients where I work so I'm not able to give any good suggestions.

Just wanted to give ya a pat on the back!

I think it's really wonderful of you to be so considerate of the patients and their families on Christmas! And congrats on your job.

We aren't allowed to exchange gifts with the patients where I work so I'm not able to give any good suggestions.

Just wanted to give ya a pat on the back!

Blessed's suggestion was good....but how about the Christmas cards that play a little Christmas tune?....they're small, wouldn't take up much room, not very loud, and it doesn't last long. And of course they could take it with them, and have it as a memory of that thoughtful nurse who took such good care of them!

Blessed's suggestion was good....but how about the Christmas cards that play a little Christmas tune?....they're small, wouldn't take up much room, not very loud, and it doesn't last long. And of course they could take it with them, and have it as a memory of that thoughtful nurse who took such good care of them!

Dear AlmostRN,

Now that you're an RN are you going to change your user name? Congratulations on your job.

I play the guitar really well, so I'll probably bring it in on Christmas Eve when I work I play a couple of Christmas tunes.

Dear AlmostRN,

Now that you're an RN are you going to change your user name? Congratulations on your job.

I play the guitar really well, so I'll probably bring it in on Christmas Eve when I work I play a couple of Christmas tunes.

When I worked the newborn nursery, I used to make up Christmas stockings for the babies...just a few little baby gifts. The parents always loved that idea! And I loved doing it. I always contributed to the New Year Baby gift pack and I bought a smaller gift for other babies born on January 1st. After all, they were "New Years" babies too!

Vickie :balloons:

When I worked the newborn nursery, I used to make up Christmas stockings for the babies...just a few little baby gifts. The parents always loved that idea! And I loved doing it. I always contributed to the New Year Baby gift pack and I bought a smaller gift for other babies born on January 1st. After all, they were "New Years" babies too!

Vickie :balloons:

  • Experts

What can ICU patients use?

Tiny christmas stocking with their name, filled with a lip balm and included one of the following dependent on patient need:

hand cream, deodorant, fingernail brush + files, nail clippers, shampoo + card.

Patient who was awake + eating would get a lifesaver roll too.

Patients/families always appreciated these little mementoes.

Working nights, other RN and I would try to shampoo vented patients hair, extra mouth care and play Christmas carols during change of shift over the intercom (if appropriate).

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