Nurse thank you gifts

mandyjimmy · May 2014

I found some cute, inexpensive thank you gifts for the nurses on Pintrest. But my question is how many do I need - 5? 10? 15? I know it will be an estimate, but I'm not sure where to start. Any STM's remember approx how many nurses they had?

MallardDucky · May 2014

With ds3 I took in pumpkin bars that I made the night before with a thank you/apology note on the lid. (I was induced for medical reasons). It was something different and healthy so there were happy.

ETA
I had 2 but was only in labor and delivery during one shift (had DS and moved to post partum side before the next one. It really depends on your labor and how long it last.

Also for the most part they can not accept actual gifts. That's why I took in a food item.

Unknown · May 2014

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BeachM · May 2014

We were in the hospital over Halloween with DS so we brought in the candy we'd already bought. I would definitely check hospital policies about homemade items.

Jessica+Penny · May 2014

Nurse here. Anything homemade will probably be dumped in the trash. Too many weird and gross people in the world to risk it. Now... store bought stuff.. hell yeah! Once in a blue moon a patient or family member will bring in Panera pastries or doughnuts and they are much appreciated and eaten. It is by no means expected though. When I gave birth 2 years ago I didn't do anything for the nurses and don't feel bad about it.

One of the best things you can do is fill out your hospital survey questionnaire when it comes in the mail a few weeks after having your baby. Those things directly relate to raises and bonuses for nurses (as long as they get high scores).

As for your original question, I would bring at least 10 individual gifts. You will have nurses and nurse aids during your labor and then a different set for post-partum. Don't forget the nurse aids, unit secretaries, lactation consultants, etc. You are probably better off bringing in a huge amount of food rather than individual gifts.

Kelliwilsoca · May 2014

As a nurse it warms my heart to see this thread!! You guys are right we cannot accept gifts. However, we can accept things as a floor like a basket of muffins or fruit basket. We get do donughts, cookies and candy all the time. All are greatly appreciated since we never really have time to sit down for a long period of time

so on the go snacks rock. I love it when we get slightly healthier snacks like fruit or granola bars

mandysmear · May 2014

This is something that never even occurred to me. Is this the norm?

Jenrileysmom · May 2014

mandysmear said:

This is something that never even occurred to me. Is this the norm?

Not here. I would never think to do this and no one I know has ever mentioned it. While I think it's a nice gesture...I won't be doing it. I have too many other things on my plate right now to worry about it.

Nuclearcupcake · May 2014

mandysmear said:
This is something that never even occurred to me. Is this the norm?

I've never known anyone to bring in gifts. The only exception is for NICU nurses that a friend had gotten close to since her son was in the NICU for. Very long time which I think is different.

sarahg8r · May 2014

I keep reading things about baking cookies for the L&D nurses on the baby prep list. I had no idea people did this. Although it seems like a nice gesture, I'm not sure I'll be able to get this done...unless, I know I'm going to be induced or something.

mandyjimmy · May 2014

This is what I am planning to do. I will hav them made ahead of time and my mother will bring them to the hospital so I don't have to worry about it.

I also thought about doing a big box of donuts and a coffee to put in the break room for everyone to share if I don't do these individual gifts.

GinnyJ2012 · May 2014

I didn't make or have anything set for L&D with DS, but I did fill out the comment card, and write a thank you note to my two main nurses. I only had one set of delivery nurses since I checked into my room at 5:30 am and delivered at 4:49 PM. They were very appreciative of the notes!

ungraceful13 · May 2014

I didn't bring my nurses anything. I thanked them and wrote them both up for being wonderful and turned it into their boss. I figured that would mean more than something I brought in for them and considering I had no idea when I would go into labor and it was fast I didn't have time to stop and get anything either.

chase16 · May 2014

Yea this isn't something I'll be doing. I can get on board with being appreciative of their hard work during one of the most miserable and grossest times of my life... But it's their job. I wouldn't give my dental hygienist a gift for cleaning my teeth, why would I give a gift to (what sounds like many) L&D nurses and other staff? That being said, if I feel like any of the staff, from nurse to OB to midwife to orderly, has really done a professional and exceptional job, I would completely mention them/it to their supervisor.

shevaCC · May 2014

I'm another one who fills out the comment card and tries to specifically mention any nurse who's gone above and beyond in my experience. I don't do gifts, though.

MC03 · May 2014

If someone does an exceptional job then I will probably right a note or talk to their supervisor, but I'm not going to do thank yous. They are paid to do what they do.

Same goes for the OB - they are paid quite well for what they do. I can see maybe a nice hand written note, but not a gift. It is their job.

Gr8ful_m0m · May 2014

With DD I didn't specifically do anything- but someone brought me a birthday cake (I was induced on my birthday) which of COURSE I was not allowed to eat- so I ended up just leaving it for the staff when we left L&D.

herecomesthesun · May 2014

Um, I do not want or need something else to do. So no, our nurses will get nothing but our gratitude and us not being total demanding a-holes.

bcbuzzafsu · May 2014

With DS I brought two bags of Hershey kisses. One bag for the delivery people and one bag for the recovery floor. The delivery nurse about cried when I gave her the bag. I'll be on the lookout for BOGO candy deals in July/August and do that again.

ETA Yes, if I was in the hospital for something else I would bring a bag of candy or a box of Oreos for the people taking care of me before I left.

mandyjimmy · May 2014

I have only been in the hospital once before for Thyroid Surgery and I did take coffee and donuts for the nurses break room. Based on the responses from the nurses here, I think that sounds like the best bet. I get that its their job, but I still like the idea of doing something nice. I also leave my mailman candy from time to time, buy small trinkets of appreciation for my beautician/nail tech, etc. Occasionally, my boss or a coworker brings in donuts or snacks and I'm just doing my job. I just thought it would be a nice gesture - and by giving that 'task' to my mom, she will be happy knowing she is in charge of something while I'm in the hospital.