by Claire Kernaghan

Created on: July 03, 2007

Its all to easy for us to go into the hospital system and leave without ever looking back. After all, in general the hospital experience is not one most people enjoy and want to participate in again, and as a nurse, no offense, but we don't want to see you back either (for health reasons obviously, nothing personal). It is extremely easy to walk out those doors without ever thinking that maybe we should show our appreciation to the dedicated staff who helped us when we are at our worst and most vulnerable.

To be honest, its not often someone shows their appreciation for the nursing staff who are there 24hours 7 days a week, public holidays and Christmas too. On the rare occasions when it does happen it is generally from long term patients with chronic illnesses that may never be healed and are in hospital for months at a time. But, even the slightest personalized thank-you card can make a nurses day. Thank-you is something that these days is seldom meant, and its nice when someone goes to that extra special length to say thank-you for your time, effort and commitment.

Its not a hard thing to do, and honestly, most nurses do not expect it because it is so rare. But the odd occasion when it does happen it makes the job seem worthwhile in the long run. You do not need to buy expensive gifts, chocolates or flowers, a simple hand written letter that costs nothing but a few minutes of your time (for which we may have extended) to say a short thank-you, after all don't the best gifts come in the smallest packages and from the heart. Remember it is not the size of your wallet that counts, it is the size of your heart instead.

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