Gifts for your nurses?

Phlenin

Is anyone planning on doing this?  I'd like to do something nice for my nursing staff because I'm sure they are going to be the biggest part of my experience at the hospital but I have no idea how to prepare for this....

How can I anticipate how many nurses I will have?  Is anyone else planning to do this or have past experience with it?  TIA 

nursebecca79

Well, at my hospital it's against policy for nursing staff to accept any gifts from patients. However, it is acceptable to bring in food/snack trays. We're always happy to be feed and it's nice to feel appreciated. Very thoughtful of you.

mem096

My cousin is a nurse and I had an idea to take in a batch of cookies when I went in I am going to be induced so I can plan for it.  She said that was a great idea she said any kind of food is appriciated!!  So that is what I am planning on.

lily37

My hypnobabies instructor suggested making a treat for the nurses.  She said she made cookies for all 3 of her births and the nurses even made comments that they loved getting the sweets versus something healthy.  Ha!  I'm planning on having pre-made brownie mix available and using that during early labor as a distraction.  I figure this serves double duty to keep me from freaking out during early labor and a tray of brownies should be plenty for my nurse (even after a couple shift changes) and her friends. 

Melissa2216

It's a nice idea, and if I am scheduled to be induced I might also plan ahead and bring treats. But if I deliver on baby's schedule I can tell you right now that whipping up a batch of cookies or stopping at the store for a fruit tray will be the last thing on my mind.

cvl105

unnecessary imo...no one gives me gifts for doing my job!

if you find it necessary, I think PPs idea of cookies or another baked good sounds good. I'm pretty sure the last thing you're gonna be thinking about right before you go into labor is baking cookies though.

bcspagirl

im going to do an edible boquet of fruit. i am delivering at the hospital my mom works at and the ladies are doing a biggest loser contest(they all take this very seriously from what i hear)so i figure fruit would be more appreciated than cookies(specificaly for my hospital)

ShangriLaRose

I've always done this any time I've had a major surgery/procedure/hospital stay done, because I appreciate the help and good care when I'm going through something particularly tough. (Major ear & neuro surgery when I was 15, my ectopic pregnancy/fallopian tube removal when I was 20, my c-section at 21, a D&C gone bad at 22... see a pattern with the last three? lol)

My mom was a nurse for a really long time, and while yes, it is their "Job"... it can be a very emotional one for some, or just really trying... everyone likes to know their appreciated for their work. Especially, I think, when it can come down to being someones care/life in your hands. So that's why I do it. 

I just send in thank-you cards with snacks/treats... and in the case of my c-section... sent a pic of DS to put on their little wall board.  

ausgal

ShangriLaRose:

I've always done this any time I've had a major surgery/procedure/hospital stay done, because I appreciate the help and good care when I'm going through something particularly tough. (Major ear & neuro surgery when I was 15, my ectopic pregnancy/fallopian tube removal when I was 20, my c-section at 21, a D&C gone bad at 22... see a pattern with the last three? lol)

My mom was a nurse for a really long time, and while yes, it is their "Job"... it can be a very emotional one for some, or just really trying... everyone likes to know their appreciated for their work. Especially, I think, when it can come down to being someones care/life in your hands. So that's why I do it. 

I just send in thank-you cards with snacks/treats... and in the case of my c-section... sent a pic of DS to put on their little wall board.  

 This is kind of my thought...a nice thank you to the nursing staff with a pic of LO and maybe send some cookies or something with them... This sounds terrible, but I will probably be receiving tons of meals from people in our community when we get home, I might send some of the dessert we get that we don't really need to be eating anyway... Then I don't feel bad about wasting food and I can also send appreciation to the nurses!

11kacey

Our hypnobirthing instructor said this is a great idea. She is a former labor and delivery nurse and there is another nurse in our class and they said that they don't really get REAL food during their shifts so something like a sandwich tray is better than cookies or what not. We are ordering something and keeping it in our room (another of their suggestions) to give the nurses as they come in. I can be a real pain in the rear when I am in pain and want to offer a peace offering in advance.. just in case.

frugalwife

I love when I receive a thank you note a week or two later. It really makes you feel appreciated. Cookies and candy are pretty standard and simple to offer. But really, just being thanked for my help at the end of shift sends me home with a smile on my face- especially if it's been a busy or difficult shift.