Ot: gifts for hospital staff

#1 07-31-2004, 03:35 AM

Hi,

It looks like Noah is going to be discharged from the hospital after 17 months. I am looking for gift ideas for the hospital staff.
We feel so indebted to the nurses, docs, PT and RT on and on for basically saving Noah. We have thought about making a meal, getting candy, etc. but nothing seems enough. I know you guys understand where we are coming from that's why I am asking all of you first.
This site has been a great resource for me and I appreciate all of your posts.

Thanks, Anna

Triciasmom · #2 07-31-2004, 09:22 AM

There really is no way to pay the staff for all they have done. My suggestion would be to get something that could be shared on the floor, because nurses rotate. Maybe a veggie/dip tray or cheese/crackers. Make sure that you get paper plates and napkins! That covers all the general people that help. If there was a special nurse, doctor or attending, maybe something personal for them. One thing I know hospitals like is pictures of their 'kids' and updates. Keep them posted as to how things are going after discharge.

Ideas for the more personal gifts, I would stick with gift certificates so that they can pick stuff they would really like. Places like Bath/body works, Chocolate stores, Gourmet Coffees etc. If you are giving one nurse something person, and not the others, try to do it off the floor, so that others don't feel slighted.

You have had an incredible experience. I hope your transistion to home goes smoothly.

Godspeed

Clare

Barb · #3 07-31-2004, 09:37 AM

When we left the NICU (after only 8 wks -- I can't imagine what 17 mos would have been like!), I got gifts for a few special nurses. Nothing big at all, but kind of luxurious things that you wouldn't buy for yourself -- fancy hair things for the nurses who wore their hair up, a christmas ornament or two and small holiday linens, and some scented candles, I think . . .
But, I spent a long time writing sincere thank-you notes. I tried to be really specific about what each nurse meant to me and exactly how she helped me and Bobby. And they each thanked me for the gift AND the note . . . I wanted the note to mean more than the gift. My mom is a nurse and she always treasured the heartfelt notes and cards from patients.
I always intended to have some cookies delivered, but it just never worked out . . . maybe on the one-year anniversary of discharge!
You've been there so long, you probably know everyone personally. Individual gifts would have to be small unless you want to spend a fortune (and who has a fortune when they have a medically fragile child??). I'd bet a sweet, individualized thank-you notes and some candy/cookies/goodies for the whole floor would be much appreciated!

-Barb

Ann · #4 07-31-2004, 11:20 AM

I think all the above are great ideas. Â*Jack was in the PICU for close to 6 months and I had a gift basket of crackers, cheese, cookies, candy, etc. delivered to the hospital after he came home. Â*

Another thing I did before Jack was discharged was leave a book at his bedside a few weeks before he came home and asked all those who had participated in his care to sign it. Â*It is such a special keepsake to have because as much as the people who have taken care of Noah mean to you, you have to know that Noah means a lot to them as well. Â*I just love reading over all the notes everyone left ~ it's a time that you will never forget and it's nice to be able to have some *good* memories as well.

I'm so happy for you that Noah is finally coming home.

Ann

indiemum · #5 07-31-2004, 02:00 PM

I think something homemade is always fabulous. You could do a presentation charting progress over the last 17mo that could be posted and perhaps list all of the people involved and state what they meant to your family. You could also make a donation to the hospital in name of the PICU and include that in your presentation. That way the staff can always look back and be touched. I saw a photo album that had become part of the PICU when we were there and it was just a lovely chronicle of the child's stay. Good Luck

Kelly

Laurie · #6 07-31-2004, 04:23 PM

We sent food gift baskets from Harry and David - one big one for the nursing staff to share, a smaller one to the docs. These seemed to go over well. We also included the NICU and our doctors in our Christmas update mailing. Nothing can ever repay them for saving your child's life, and I wouldn't worry about trying - just send something that lets everyone know how much you appreciate their help. It doesn't have to be huge and expensive, just something more than "so long, and thanks"

Rachel0806 · #7 07-31-2004, 04:47 PM

Claire was in the hospital for 9 months and we talked about individual gifts but then we were so scared that we would forget someone. I didn't want any hurt feeling after they had done so much for us. Also it would of been a fortune. So we got the ward a very nice rocker that way nurses and whoever could rock babies.

Rachel

LeslieML · #8 07-31-2004, 05:22 PM

I made homemade Baklava for the weekend staff one day and 3 times I took up a sandwich platter from Jersey Mike's. I would also make sure to take stuff up for every shift (days and nights in our hospital). I like the idea about the gift cerificates!! I will use that for Chase's primaries now that we are home.

#9 07-31-2004, 07:59 PM

Thank you all so much for your wonderful ideas. There are so many special people to remember, especially our hospital social worker. You have really helped me.

Anna

Judy · #10 07-31-2004, 10:43 PM

When one of ours is hospitalized we always bring in cakes or cookies during our stay there....for the nurses and staff. Then when we leave, we give a special box of candy to each of the nurses and doctors who have done the most for our Angel. We also leave candy and fruit, etc. for everyone to share. Also, while our little one is hospitalized, I keep a basket or bowl of really nice candies (individually wrapped) on the table in our room with a note reading "For all my special nurses, doctors and caregivers". You would be surprised how may times a doctor will walk in and say, I need energy and I knew I could find a piece of chocolate here. Word gets around in the hospital and they all seem to appreciate the little things we do. Many times when we have checked in a new Nurse will be assigned to us. The minute they walk in the room they say how good it is to finally meet the family they have heard so many nice things about.
We also have pictures of our child with their doctors and nurses and we hang them on the walls in the room and on their door for all to see. One time I had a sign made for Kimberly's door which read, in large letters, "There is Life After TPN". Everyone got a big kick out of that one. We have to keep our sense of humor.
Good Luck to all of you and God Bless You.