NICU staff thank you ideas

[kristhegirl]

We want to do something for the amazing NICU staff who took care of Max. A card will be sent as soon as I don't burst into tears thinking about how to possibly put into words how thankful I am for everything they did.

What might they appreciate? Some kind of food item wouldn't necessarily make it to everyone, but I'm drawing a blank on anything else. Help me out.

[kristhegirl]

Feb 21, 2017 12:58:43 GMT -5 cornpop311 said:

Were there specific nurses you had frequently? If so, I'd give them something specific. A gift card for coffee or something maybe. And then do a food thing for everyone else.

They worked 4 12-hour shifts, so we saw basically everyone since he was there for 8 days. I would love to do something individually for a couple of them that really stick out, but can't do everyone.

[kristhegirl]

Feb 21, 2017 13:15:47 GMT -5 @justinslovo said:

Chapsticks, travel size non scented hand lotions, basically a nice basket of small goodies with a little sign that says something like "a little thanks to make your day run smoother from the x family"

Do you have Dollar Tree?

Oh, this is good, I like this direction.

[Deleted]

As a nurse, we love getting pretty much anything as a thank you from families. A lot do baked goods, so something different is always impressive. A fruit or veggie platter, cheese and sausage, pens, chap stick, etc. We appreciate literally anything.

[swarley]

We gave a card to the whole unit with a tin of homemade cookies and a few preemie sized knit hats.

While we were there over the holidays, A got holiday gifts from 2 different families who had previously had babies in the special care nursery. A got a fleece blanket from one family and he got a Dr.Seuss board book from a different family. The nurses all went on and on about how special it was for them to give out the gifts.

[lovemyirishtwins]

For dd1's regular nurses and doctors we did Starbucks gift cards.

Also for the future, the NICU staff loves chrismtas cards. We still send them. They love to see how far the babies come.

[kristhegirl]

God, PP hormones are making me blubber just reading through ideas.

[italianmommy]

When I was in the hospital with Juliette, my friend sent this huge box of chocolate covered fruit. I didn't eat it all and told my nurse she could have as much as she wanted. I told her to tell the other nurses they were welcome to the sweets as well. Sure enough, a few nurses trickled in and were like "heard ya'll have some delicious sweets in here that are up for grabs!!"

Long story short.. some type of edible arrangement/chocolate covered fruit was a huge hit for us.

[queenofcats]

My nurse friends love candy from patients. It's easy to share. That's what we did for our delivery team.

[wells2010]

Anything handwritten that calls out individuals who made the most impact. We had one patient bake us an assortment of muffins, which was great. Edible arrangements are my favorite. Also, don't forget about night shift too.

Honestly though a sincere letter would mean the most to me.

[wineandcake]

Homemade things are nice, but sometimes we throw stuff out if we don't actually know the people - you never know what their kitchen is like :/

Fruit baskets, veggie trays, order pizza or sandwiches, candy, etc are all good. We eat pretty much anything here, nurses aren't picky. Just don't forget nights, we always get thing during the day and it's gone before the night shift. Notes are great too, most of the times we don't all see them at my hospital, but when you do actually see them it's nice. Occasionally people will email the CEO about how great we are and it's always nice to have that forwarded to us all.

[kristhegirl]

How can I guarantee a delivery for the night shift, though? Bring it in myself?

[kristhegirl]

We're considering a big snack tray - things like individual beef jerky, trail mix, pudding, fruit cups, snack bars, etc. Would that be cool?

[Tgrrl]

Feb 21, 2017 22:05:16 GMT -5 kristhegirl said:

How can I guarantee a delivery for the night shift, though? Bring it in myself?

We've had patients send separate boxes/gift bags marked for each shift. I second the lotion/chapstick notion. I'll add mints/gum. Microwave popcorn is always a hit. Easy to grab and go snacks..nuts, beef jerky, granola bars....something along the lines thanks for taking such good care of us, here's a little something to help you take care of you. Honestly a heartfelt letter/note is always a welcomed thing.

[laurie12820]

Feb 21, 2017 22:06:31 GMT -5 kristhegirl said:

We're considering a big snack tray - things like individual beef jerky, trail mix, pudding, fruit cups, snack bars, etc. Would that be cool?

I think this would be great! My mom works 12's and it's often hard to find the time to sit and eat. A quick snack would definitely be appreciated!