I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Centers => Dialysis: Workers => Topic started by: meadowlandsnj on October 20, 2006, 10:42:35 AM
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About once a month I bring in cookies or snacks for the workers. I usually go to Costco and get a big plastic container of cookies or whatever looks good. They seem to appreciate it.
I have found through my long experience with health care workers they appreciate food!
Donna
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I personally never did, for some reason I just didn't feel right about doing it. I did see people bring items in occassionally like cookies, dougnuts, pies, and candy for the workers. Personally If I were to bring in anything I would bring in items for the patients, not the workers.
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At my old clinic I hated all of them son NO I didn't take them anything.
At my new clinic (been there one year) I started taking them something and it has paid off. They are nicer to me.
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I used to roast a 14 lb. turkey for Thanksgiving during the years when the center was open on the holiday.
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I bring in cookies sometimes for everyone (patients and nurses) when we run out of cookies :P
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At my old clinic I hated all of them son NO I didn't take them anything.
At my new clinic (been there one year) I started taking them something and it has paid off. They are nicer to me.
See maybe that is why I am against it, I feel a patient should be treated nice without having to kiss ass by bringing them "treats" after all they get paid well and are their to do a job. But please don't flame me, I am sure those that do it are just kind hearted. :thumbup;
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No, I am not kind hearted. I am kissing ass! I want my chair and I want treated well and if a stupid batch of cookies gets me that then I'll do it. You are right it shouldn't matter. But, I'm telling you it does. In Reader's Digest there was an article that said to kiss up to the receptionist at your doctor's office. If she likes you she will get you in. If she likes you she will let you speak to the doctor. They think they have control. BUT.....I'm doing what I do to control them! >:D
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No, I am not kind hearted. I am kissing ass! I want my chair and I want treated well and if a stupid batch of cookies gets me that then I'll do it. You are right it shouldn't matter. But, I'm telling you it does. In Reader's Digest there was an article that said to kiss up to the receptionist at your doctor's office. If she likes you she will get you in. If she likes you she will let you speak to the doctor. They think they have control. BUT.....I'm doing what I do to control them! >:D
VERY TRUE!! :2thumbsup;
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No, I am not kind hearted. I am kissing ass! I want my chair and I want treated well and if a stupid batch of cookies gets me that then I'll do it. You are right it shouldn't matter. But, I'm telling you it does. In Reader's Digest there was an article that said to kiss up to the receptionist at your doctor's office. If she likes you she will get you in. If she likes you she will let you speak to the doctor. They think they have control. BUT.....I'm doing what I do to control them! >:D
LMAO...if that works for you Rerun, then by all means DO IT! ! ! Well duh, you already are. :lol; I would too.
I'm lucky, I have a Great Staff. Before my uncle passed he was going to the same unit I go to now. They tell me he used to bring them the breakfast biscuits from Burger King. I bring them candy occasionally. I promised a homemade lemon meringue pie. Which I haven't done yet. :(
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The nurses in my centre are quite nice to me and I never thought of bringing them anything. This has made me think of doing so and I will.
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Every pay-day (once a month) I bring a big tin of chocolate into my unit. I don't do it to kiss ass, I do it for 3 reasons:
1) I fancy my nurse and knows she loves chocolate!
2) These people are keeping me alive so I want to show my appreciation.
3) Most of the patients in my unit are elderly and are always demanding things from the staff without a "please" or "thankyou" and are quite miserable so it always cheers everyone up when I arrive with a big tin of chocolate.
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At Christmas Jenna and I would put together a gift basket of drinks and food for the dialysis clinic staff and the pharmacy.
I think they appreciated it, and in turn, were a little more approachable and cooperative.
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Some patients do bring us goodies. This is especially around Halloween and the holidays. Some buy us lunch if it's their birthday... some do the same after having a successful transplant. It's great to know that we're appreciated although most of us techs and nurses are terrible at our job <-- i know that for a fact... just come to the clinic i work at LOL! I had patients bring me gifts for no reason at all... just to say thank you.. i thought that was the most sweetest thing. I am not one who looks for gratitude from an employee of the month award or anything like that... self-satisfaction :yahoo; comes when my day is over... I know I helped someone live one more day in their life... then again I am no hero... just doing my job :) :2thumbsup;
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For many years I would roast a 13-15 pound turkey for the staff for Thanksgiving when the center was open on that day and I was dialyzing. Now they give us off for the holiday.
8)
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From time to time I take in chocolates for the staff... and awhile ago I took in a bunch of soaps and hand lotion and stuff from Body Shop (the hazelnut lotion still sits by the main sink they use to wash their hands!!)... they REALLY apprieciate it.. I don't do it to get treated better (I don't know how they COULD treat me better anyway!) but I just like to take in something nice from time to time.
Also I have a "lolly" jar with me at treatments... with jelly beans and musk sticks... it started because a nurse suggested I have something with sugar when my BP got low to ward off cramp... but these days it stays there and while I still eat some from time to time some of the nurses come and help themselves (which I encourage!) and sometimes I offer to the others in my area if they want (though I have to be careful with the diabetics!)... It's a little thing but a pleasure when someone enjoys it.. And the 12 hour shifts those nurses work I figure a little sugar can really help!!
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i've never taken treats, but we did have a very nice tech who was pregnant last year and i made her a blanket for the baby
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I take chocolates to my nephs office. They are all so good to me and I want them to know I appreciate them.
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Bring treats and gifts? Since my only income is SS disability I can barely afford gas and food but I
have thought about it. All I'm able to do is give a few Cards during the holidays.
But hey do you have to bribe your dialysis worker to get better care? Whats next, a tip?
Yeah I've seen the well off patients bring expensive chocolates for the staff.
Techs excluded, with the money they make, they could buy me a root beer!
It's nice to give and sad when you want to but can't.
........bd
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bd as often as not it's the thought that counts - I bet a personally written card of apprieciation is perhaps more welcome than a box of expensive chocolates - it is certainly more personal! :)
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:yahoo; Our nurses act like little kids when patients bring ANY gift. Cards, candy, lotions: it doesnt matter what is given. I've never looked at the gifts as "bribes" to be treated better. I can honestly say when I read that, I felt sad for the patients that feel they have to give to get better treatment. I would rather receive a hand written card in appreciation from a patient than a new car to treat someone better. The latter gift would show that just maybe I'm not as good a nurse as I thought. (But if ya'll wanna pool up some money, get me a truck with a trailer hitch for my fishin boat :clap; )
I'm glad I found these forums. This is the first time I've gotten a glimpse of a patients perspective spoken with honesty. I've had many friendships here and I've found, no matter how close a bond you have there will always be a small but perceptible boundary there. Either becaue you are the caregiver or to spare your feelings, my patients never truly opened up with frank discussions about their care. I think I will strive to get actual input as soon as I get back on the floor in 2 months.
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Being that I can't even get a can of sprite from these people when I forget to bring my own drink I don't plan on bringing them anything. There is one lady (a nurse I think) that always comments "That looks good, did you bring me one?" and it ticks me off from time to time, it's annoying because it's been going on for months now and she still "jokes (?)" about it. I am about giving and I get a lot out of it when I do but not when someone is expecting to receive or if they never think to give themselves. When I go to treatments it's business only.
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Rob would bring in stuff from time to time. They were always appreciative. For Christmas he brought them a big box of Joe from Duncan Donuts and bagels/donuts. He is very good at drawing, he would draw things for their kids. He loved his nurses/techs and they loved him. There were some patients who were downright rude to the staff and the staff still treated them nice.
Even though he does dialysis at home now, he still visits his center. In fact one of his favorite techs is a neighbor and friend of his and now his his son is a friend of our son.
I don't know why some people just go into the centers with a negative mind set towards the staff. I can understand if a nurse/tech is rude, then I would be mad too. I really hate when there are inept nurses, really ticks me off. But can everyone at a center be that rude/mean?
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So you all have such nice things to say about bringing in treats for the in-center staff and my previous post made me seem like an ass I decided to bring in a treat today. Well wouldn't you know it she isn't here today, I guess I will save it for her and give it a go on Thursday.
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I have not started dialysis yet, but I do know that when I get to know everyone I will bring treats to them. Everyone was soooo very nice when I went in last week. I love making treats for people.
One thing that sux tho.... they told me that we cant eat in there. We can only eat in the waiting room. Maybe if I bring treats often enough they will change that rule :bandance;
Does anyones clinic do special things during the holidays???
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My clinic used to pass out lunch bags for Christmas and Thanksgiving, they would give a sandwich, cookies, an apple juice and a little container of mac. salad, :2thumbsup;
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There is a rule in our clinic where no eating or drinking is allowed. I told them that they have to clarify that rule... a few years ago, it was allowable to have visitors with you during treatment. Then it became where the families would start bringing food for them to eat. Then it came to a point where picnics (yes, picnics) were being set up. I don't think it's any big harm to have a few snacks here and there, but no plate lunches (in Hawaii they're better known as "bentos") of any kind. They also have some kind of grudge where patients can't share food with others (something about Hep B). Now, the way I have seen it, if someone becomes hypotensive, these damn nurses and techs scatter to find some kind of snack to give to this person. It's ironic that it's not allowed in the clinic but it's essential in times like these. Personally, I buy sugar free Starbursts (the chewy kind) and stash them in the lunchroom so that way I know exactly where to find them in case someone needs it. One of our nurses even poured a packet of fricken Equal down a diabetic's throat while she was passing out because of hypotension! :o I swear I wanted to do the same to that nurse! What if that patient had choked??? I know it isn't our responsibility of patients don't eat, but it is our responsibility if something happens to that patient that could have been easily corrected or better yet, avoided. I had a very bad day at work today because of an RN... so sorry for the rant! :rant;
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I brought in a box of donuts once. Someone put it in the employee break room. One person thanked me. I won't bother doing it again.
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Excuse me, they have a job and are paid. Noone is paying me to be there in that damn chair for four hours three days a week. They make good money, don't let them kid you! Someone should bring me a damn treat every now and then!
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Kit, i love your way of thinking my friend, that is what i am saying :bow; :bow; :bow;
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like i said before, i did make a baby blanket for one of the techs. there aren't any techs there now that i really want to do anything for. however i am going to get a little something for christmas for my nurse. she's lurking around here somewhere, wish she would just join, she's wonderful
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like i said before, i did make a baby blanket for one of the techs. there aren't any techs there now that i really want to do anything for. however i am going to get a little something for christmas for my nurse. she's lurking around here somewhere, wish she would just join, she's wonderful
Grammalady, you should print out one of our flyers and give it to her, maybe if she see's it on black and white she might wanna check it out :2thumbsup;
here is the link for the IHD flyer: http://www.ihatedialysis.com/images/dialysisflyer01.pdf
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like i said before, i did make a baby blanket for one of the techs. there aren't any techs there now that i really want to do anything for. however i am going to get a little something for christmas for my nurse. she's lurking around here somewhere, wish she would just join, she's wonderful
Grammalady, you should print out one of our flyers and give it to her, maybe if she see's it on black and white she might wanna check it out :2thumbsup;
here is the link for the IHD flyer: http://www.ihatedialysis.com/images/dialysisflyer01.pdf
she's already looked at us, i'm sure she will post eventually
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Today a female patient brought in home-made Blondies. I took one and they were delicious. I think I'll make something next week. I love my dialysis staff. When I was working, one of the nicest events was when somebody/anybody brought a treat to share at break time.
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Excuse me, they have a job and are paid. Noone is paying me to be there in that damn chair for four hours three days a week. They make good money, don't let them kid you! Someone should bring me a damn treat every now and then!
You are right, that is their job and they are getting paid to do it. However, I'm sure not many people tell them what a good job they are doing (if they are continually doing one). Like any job, you want to hear that now and then. Before I started working from home, my boss would bring in treats now and then or load up our candy jar. It was nice of her and it made us smile.
I don't want to overlook any of you on dialysis, it's a sucky thing to be on. I see what my husband goes through and it kills me. I know I would hate to be on there too.
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For many years I would roast a 13-15 pound turkey for the staff for Thanksgiving when the center was open on that day and I was dialyzing. Now they give us off for the holiday.
8)
Was the turkey THAT bad? LOL!!!
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Was the turkey THAT bad? LOL!!!
:boxing;
Just kidding. LOL!
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For many years I would roast a 13-15 pound turkey for the staff for Thanksgiving when the center was open on that day and I was dialyzing. Now they give us off for the holiday.
8)
Was the turkey THAT bad? LOL!!!
:rofl; ;D
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i usually bring something in for the nurses when i'm in a good mood,usually some stuff that i bring is shared by the unit together.
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I've kind of felt guilty for never bringing things in for the nurses, and even more so now that I realize just how special the nurses in my clinic are. I don't mean to brag but I honestly have never had one bad nurse sure I've had cramping episodes and other minor things like that but wow I'm almost ashamed at how amazing the nurses I have are compared to some of the gestapo officers you all have to deal with. There isn't one nurse I can think of that didn't seem to personally care about all the patients they dealt with. Even when some of the patients become belligerent, they just counter with understanding. I'm so sorry you don't all have the nurses I do, and I can't imagine how much worse that must make an already nearly impossible situation.
PS. Next chance I get I'm bringing treats for all of them.
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At the clinic I went to , The staff was great . At Major holidays they would have a small meal for the patients .
Kidney safe products of course . and sugar free stuff for the diabetic patients . One time they had a group come in
and every patient got a small travel pillow for the chairs that could be taken home.
In return my wife and I brought in a semi catered Italian lunch for the staff . They deserved it . they were nice to every patient
even to those that did not treat them well.
:christmastree;
Katonsdad
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I buy one to two dozen donuts for the staff at my center about twice a month. When it comes to patients, the staff has to be very careful what to share with them. Everyone has a different ailment.
I greatly appreciate what they are doing for me and others on dialysis, they keep us alive, can't put a price on that. I pray for them daily, it's a tough job dealing with multiple personalities including there own peers and smile at the same time.
Got to love them.
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I was thinking of buying a Swiss Colony box of cheeses, meats, and treats for the staff to share for Christmas. What do you all think?
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Kitkatz I think thats great but, my I suggest you send one to me first so we can make sure it is the right thing to do...Boxman
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Okay i can get that right out to you! :rofl; :rofl; :rofl;
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Okay i can get that right out to you! :rofl; :rofl; :rofl;
You might want to send it to me first Kit, i'll make sure Boxman gets it (or at least some of it) :2thumbsup;
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Okay One to Goofynina and another to Boxman, How are you paying for these? Will that be cash or credit?
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:secret; put mine on Boxmans tab please ;) ;)
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:secret; put mine on Boxmans tab please ;) ;)
I didn't know I had a tab. This is great, send one to all the ladies on this site..Merry Christmas...Boxman
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:rofl; You are just too damn quick aint'cha Boxman ::)
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I am sorry they said they were all out of Tab!
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Yes we appreciate the food gifts. I do not treat anyone differently because of the gift. I also bring in things like new netflix movies or brisket (it's my mother 's recipe and it is excellent) You can never get enough protein.
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Since it is Christmas I took the staff in a few things. I took some chocolate frogs (milk, dark and dark+peppermint) and for a longer term gift I took in 3 body shop hand lotions - mango, almond and coconut. They love the hand lotion because all the scrubbing they do with that harsh soap takes it out on their hands.. so having some nice smelling lotion is really good. A nurse friend put me on to the idea last year and they loved it so much I got them a selection this year so they could have some choice. They thanked me very much it made me happy :)
For the month I've also had a box of "christmas" chewy candy like gummy bears and stuff in the shape of trees and angels and the like. They've partaken from time to time :)
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Well,
At my old clinic back in Brooklyn I used to bring the nurses and techs I liked (plus the charge nurse and administrator) personalized bottles of champagne, all the rest would be infuriated and incredibly jealous; but they sucked at their jobs and they did not deserve a reward. I show my appreciation to those who show me kindness, caring, dignity, respect and competence at their job.
CW
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I took a plate of homemade cookies in at Christmastime for the PD nurses (there are only four of them). It was partly because of all they did for me, and partly because almost all of it was chocolate, had nuts, or both, so I had to get them out of the house! They seemed to really appreciate them. They already treated me very well, so I don't think it made any difference as far as that goes.
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Seems appropriate to update this.. the hand lotions have gone down a treat!!! They weren't too wrapped with the almond.. but the mango.. I swear today I had *3* different nurses compliment me on how awesome it was.. but then it ran out and at first they couldn't find the coconut but then they found it.. they like that one too....
so for something different.. take in Body Shop hand lotion to your clinc.. I am almost certain they will love it!
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in my unit the workers are constantly quitting or getting fired
the unit head boss is a bit of a -----
our nurses have all changed, our social worker has changed twice, the "sticker" workers come and go
I have been there for almost 3 years and only 2 stickers, and the boss and two other people, (I am not sure what they do,) have been there from my first day on dialysis. oh wait, the man who fixes the televisions is still there
I do bring in things I get at the dollar store---- I mean everything is a dollar
can't be a big spender anymore
you know, like cute little what-nots and suck
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I forgot to say that for New Year's Eve my silly father gave me a big bottle of Champagne (what WAS he thinking?? He knows I have to limit fluids!) so I turned that into a positive by offering to share it with the nurses in the unit. So after all the patients were done we sat around and had chicken and champagne. It was quite civilised and I felt like at that time NOT a patient with his nurses, but a group of friends celebrating the end of the year. It was quite special to me.
The head nurse came to me the other day and told me she's upset because everyone who comes into our unit is using the hand lotion now! She was upset ambulence guys, orderleys etc were using "their" lotion I brought in! She said "bring us hand cream so we can hide it away just for us!" which I had to laugh about. LOL.
For easter I took in easter eggs for staff and (non diabetic) patients :)
I love my unit can't you tell?
I told them I would visit them when I get my transplant maybe being in the odd coffees or something. So one of the nurses said "don't you dare come back in here!! We will meet you away from here... like at the pub!"
Gotta love 'em!