Before my liver transplant, I knew that I would be spending at least 2 weeks in the hospital recovering. During this time, the majority of my care would be from the wonderful nurses who work on the transplant floor. Nurses are a major part of the care team, and don’t always get the recognition they deserve. My transplant occurred a couple weeks before Christmas, so I was feeling in the giving spirit.
Inspired by another blogger, Madi Nelson, I decided to put together “thank you baskets” for the nurses. I made 3 baskets, one for the nurses in the ICU, one for day shift on the transplant floor, and one for night shift on the transplant floor (I spent the majority of my time on the transplant floor, which is why I made 2 baskets for them).
I got the baskets from Target, and attached a thank you note to the front, letting the nurses know who the gift was from. Below is a list of items I included in the baskets:
- Starbucks coffee drinks
- Red Bull energy drinks
- Isagenix E-shots (energy shots)
- Isagenix Hydrate (like a healthy gatorade!)
- KIND bars
- Oreos
- Goldfish crackers
- Popcorn packs
- Rice krispie treats
- Chocolates
- M&Ms
- Starbursts
- Nuts
- Gum
- Altoids
- Fuzzy socks
- Face masks
- Face creams
- Nail Polish
- Hand lotion
- Chapstick
- Hair ties
I had my family bring the baskets from home, starting with the ICU basket the day after surgery, so that they didn’t have to worry about holding onto it during surgery (they had enough on their minds!). I spread out the baskets for the transplant floor, giving one each week that I spent there.
The nurses were very appreciative of the baskets! My family also brought in donuts/treats multiple times throughout my stay on the transplant floor, but I think the baskets were such a hit because they were so versatile, there was a little something for everyone, and they contained items that are different than the usual “gifts.”
If you have a lengthy hospital stay coming up (whether it be a transplant or something else), I highly suggest putting a thank you basket together for the nurses who will be taking great care of you!
