Doing something nice as a thank you for service people?

[gothiclovemonkey]

Again not sure where I should have posted this one...

I want so badly to do something nice for the wonderful people at the hospital I was in recently. I dont have any specifics as far as certain people there, but nurses and aides, and other that took care of me while i was there. They were by far the best workers ive ever had to deal with.
What are some ideas? would a nice letter be good enough? im on a rather limited budget or id order some donuts or something for every shift lol

[cattlekid]

I think the letters are the best idea, because they should then end up in the individuals' personnel files.  I know that the few times that I have received positive emails from customers (addressed to my supervisor), they always seemed to make their way into my annual performance reviews.

Another option is to check in with the hospital to see if they have a formal program for recognizing staff.  Almost every hospital I was ever in had signage throughout the hospital with cards in an attached pocket that you could fill out and turn in to recognize anyone on staff.  If the hospital has those, maybe you can fill them out after the fact.

[MooseMom]

I agree with cattlekid.  Make sure the supervisor(s) of the people you want to thank are informed of your good experience.  I've contacted the supervisor(s) of various people via email and have always received a nice reply.  It does make a difference.

[Poppylicious]

Yep, definitely address the letter to their supervisor/line managers.  The best thing(-ish, amongst others) that happened to me at work last year was discovering that my line manager had received a glowing email from a teacher I support, and it had been printed out and put in my file with HR. That is such a brilliant thing to have, for anyone.  Also, doughnuts/a homemade cake and personal/individual letters/cards of thanks would probably go down a treat if you have the time, finances and inclination!

 

[gothiclovemonkey]

they do have a program like that, but i dont have individuals names, i barely remember any of the names in fact...
when they asked me i told them i thought everyone id dealt with was amazing, so i cant really just pick one. lol

[cattlekid]

If you know the floor you were on and the dates you were in the hospital, then their scheduling system should have that information available to them.  Or maybe just a letter indicating "The staff from 7B wing" or "The Radiology Staff" or whatever departments you specifically want to recognize?