I wanted to get the nurses who work with my mother something small, but nice.
I brought in doughnuts the other morning, which they LOVED...other ideas? I realize I'm not "supposed" to give gifts, but I've never been conventional.

By Vicki on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 12:06 pm:

Honestly, I think I would hold off for just a little bit. I think the doughnuts are nice and maybe take in some cookies or something, but I wouldn't go overboard with all these gifts so fast. I really can't pinpoint why I feel that way, but I do. Does that make any sense?? For now, once in a while I would take in something to leave at the nurses station and maybe wait for Easter and get the specific nurses a small little basket with a couple little items or something.

By Yjja123 on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 12:16 pm:

I do not have a relative in a nursing home but we do donate to them as often as we can.
We save any/all magazines and take it to them. The nurses enjoy them and then they go into a community pile for the residents.
At holidays we make treats and put them on a platter and deliver them.
I wouldn't go crazy taking stuff all the time but a little something every other week or so is a wonderful way to show appreciation in their care for your mother.
You are very sweet to think of them!

By Sunny on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 12:51 pm:

I would send them a card thanking them. I don't think nurses, aides and other healthcare workers get enough appreciation and would love the acknowledgement.

By Ginny~moderator on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 01:02 pm:

I agree. Gifts are for Christmas or another holiday and for the people involved in the direct care of your mom. In the interim, occasional cookies or donuts should be enough. Giving actual gifts so early in her residency sounds like a bit much.

By Mrsheidi on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 01:25 pm:

I will clarify...
the gifts are for a different set of nurses who don't work in the mornings. And, it would be a nice gesture for those working with her in therapy.

By Reds9298 on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 02:01 pm:

My only thing about the gifts is...aren't these people getting paid to work with her in therapy? If you really feel strongly though that you want to show them some appreciation, I would stick with food. Candy, mints, cookies, brownies. Very small stuff that is CHEAP. If you start out hot and heavy now, you're in for bigger gifts in the future because the food ideas will run out!

By Vicki on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 02:05 pm:

I also still stick to my first response. Do the group thing of cookies, brownies etc and save the actual individual "gifts" for more of a holiday, special thing. Instead of going in the morning, visit in the afternoon so you get the different shift of nurses. I don't know, something about it just doesn't sit right for me.

By Dawnk777 on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 02:27 pm:

Cookies, doughnuts and chocolate are always nice! LOL! You certainly wouldn't have to do it all the time, though! When we got gifts, it was only occasionally.

By Mrsheidi on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 02:29 pm:

Thanks?
I guess I know what it's like to change her dirty diapers, get her on/off the bed, walk with her, and feed her day and night. I realize they get paid to do that, but man, it's a difficult job...very difficult. Coming from a teacher's perspective, I think that says a lot.
I've walked many miles in their shoes and, to be honest, I don't mind spending $6 a week on doughnuts or whatever else comes to mind...
Sorry...venting a little...

By Mrsheidi on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 02:31 pm:

Thanks Dawn...we were posting at the same time.

Just to add...when I brought in doughnuts, their eyes lit up *so big* and they were so thankful...almost like they never get thanked, you know?
I'm not buying them Disneyland, just a few calories...

By Tayjar on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 03:17 pm:

some ideas:

Write a letter to the director of nursing praising her staff. They will here about it.

Buy some gourmet coffee or tea and leave it for the staff to make on their own time. This will cover all shifts.

Have Conner color them a picture to say thanks for taking care of his grandma.

I would just do something once a week or every other week. Nothing big but just something small that says I appreciate what you are doing.

Even though they are getting paid, it usually isn't enough for the work they do.

By Insaneusmcwife on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 03:31 pm:

If you are wanting to cover all shifts, maybe you cold bring in a few plates of cookies or brownies. One for each shift. And you can either wrap them with plastic wrap and leave a note that this plate is for 1st shift, this plate is for 2nd shift, etc. or you can deliver them to the different shifts. I think what you are doing is a very nice gesture but I do agree that you should save other than edible gifts for holidays.

By Nicki on Friday, March 24, 2006 - 07:25 pm:

Heidi, I think that is so great that you are making an effort to show your appreciation to the nurses. I really like Tayjar's idea of Connor coloring a picture for them! I'm sure whatever you do, the nurses will appreciate your thoughtfulness greatly.

How is your mom adjusting? How are you and Connor? I hope all is going well.

By Conni on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 09:36 pm:

I did clinicals in a nursing home and aides/nurses dont get get paid near enough for the type of physical backbreaking job they are doing... I see nothing wrong with a weekly doughnut, box of chocolates, pizza's, special coffee, etc... I think its very kind of you and I am glad you realize how hard they are working.

By Mrsheidi on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 10:29 pm:

Thanks, Conni, Dora and Nicki...

By Bea on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 11:28 pm:

Not only all of the above advice...but....It will assure the care for your Mom will be right on. You want the staff to know who you are and your connection to your mother.

By Dawnk777 on Sunday, March 26, 2006 - 01:14 am:

Trust me, if you bring food, they will eat it! LOL! Ditto on the CNAs having a back-breaking job! I did it for a few years, too.

By Hlgmom on Monday, March 27, 2006 - 10:20 am:

I think it is great to thank these people who are not only caring for your mother but have a really difficult job as well! Way to go for being such a caring person!