A Season of Gratitude: What a Little Kindness Can Do
How periop RNs create impactful moments of kindness and compassion in the OR.
During the holidays, expressing gratitude and showing appreciation takes on a special significance. Periop Today asked periop nurses across the country what makes a difference to them.
In a season marked by reflection and goodwill, showing gratitude not only strengthens relationships but also contributes to the overall spirit of generosity and compassion. It serves as a reminder of the value we place on the people in our lives and the shared experiences that make the holiday season truly special.
Here’s what periop nurses had to say about acts and words of kindness that have made a difference in their lives and the lives of others:
Sheryl E. — Being a nurse has always made me feel special and appreciated...a few times in my career, I have had the privilege of caring for a homeless or neglected elderly Veteran who was very much down on his luck. Cleaning them up before surgery, making eye contact, and communicating compassionately with someone that people don't want to look at is amazingly powerful.
Michele H. — I give gifts to our Surg Techs at the holidays. Usually, it’s a little bag with a gift card and a bit of candy in it with a note from me. They don’t get enough appreciation, and they’re usually cleaning up nasty messes. I also feel appreciated when the anesthesiologists recognize that I am a valuable member of the team and know what I’m talking about, and when they sometimes use something I have said or done as an example for an SRNA to learn from.
Alexis C. — For the housekeepers, I would always make them cupcakes for every holiday to show my appreciation for them turning my rooms over so quickly. They don’t get enough praise.
For patients, I am very up front with them about the process and what I do in the OR. I tell them I’ll be there the whole time, and I ask if I can contact family with updates then explain the frequency. The gratitude they bring to me to be there for them during a challenging/scary time in their life is humbling. I love being able to help make their experience smooth for a procedure they have been waiting months or years for... they are always so happy/ready to have the surgery done. Excluding trauma...
Lindy B. — I love to send handwritten notes of gratitude, praise, and recognition to my team for special events like OR RN, ST week, etc. But more importantly, randomly, whenever I notice it, someone tells me about someone who has gone over and above to provide care. Or the unsung team member who exemplifies teamwork without expecting anything.
Dawn PS — When surgeons ask you to do their cases… it shows they appreciate us.
Kristen J. — I had a patient yesterday whose wife asked if his right hand could be uncovered during the case so the Lord could hold it… You better believe I made sure that happened!
Bethany F. — I'm a new nurse, so when someone tells me “good job today," I'm pretty happy. Our facility gives "bravos" so you can go online and write something about others and they get a $2 coupon to use for food, or coffee in the hospital.
Jamie M. — I am grateful when other nurses who are free check in on the ones in rooms. Especially late in the day when help is limited.
Ali M. — Most surgeons don’t [ask], so the couple of surgeons who ask us if we’re satisfied with the patient positioning/padding, etc., before they go scrub in makes me feel valued. It’s nice to see them ask for our input and recognize we may be more knowledgeable than them about some things versus just acting like we are only there to support them and fetch things.
Valentina P. — Every time my patients asked me, “are you going to be with me the whole time?”and I say, “yes!”
All of a sudden, they feel safe and grateful. But they just met me. Then I know this is my mission in life. If somehow, I can make them feel safe in such a vulnerable moment in their life, I am happy to be here for them. And I will be their advocate the whole time.
It is such a pleasure to be that person for them. Even though we may not see each other again. I just always wish them well and speedy recovery.
And hopefully all we did in the OR make their lives better.
Theresa M. — We have a candy jar at work and several staff and surgeons donate bags of candy/ chocolate to share with everyone – a quick picker upper!
Robert L. — The words, “Thank You” from the surgeon, after every case. As an OR nurse for many years, they have lots to say, (e.g., delays, equipment, room turnover) to be appreciated is such an important part of OR nursing.
Kelley W. — There was a language barrier with a PACU patient who was having cyclical post-op vomiting. Pain was managed. Nausea meds pushed, old fashioned alcohol wipe on the nose, vitals still above 20% baseline. I just pulled her close to me and she fell asleep on my shoulder for a few minutes – vitals stabilized, Emesis ceased.
Did it take an extra 10 minutes of universal kindness? Yes. Did the patient have a good outcome? Yes.
I couldn’t speak her language nor her mine – but a hand, soft voice, a shoulder, forehead rub – sometimes is the universal language of “I got you“… there is no med to replace that … if there’s downtime between cases, help your MA’s and nurses, make those call backs, stock and fill the bays for the next nurse behind you to ensure patient care.
Anonymous — When I was on the ortho team, I was assigned one day to work with an ENT surgeon who was very particular. I told him I had never participated in his procedures before, but I knew how to read a preference card. After the case, he told me I did a great job, and then “sang my praises” to the manager.
He told them I did a better job than his own team and he’d like me in his room any time. Well, that was nice, but it didn't go over so well with his team... although they didn’t like working with him. They came and asked me what I had done... I said, "I read the preference card and followed it." I thought it was funny and I got to work with him a lot.
Thank you to those who contributed to this article and to the incredible nurses who care for and keep patients safe every day of the year. Happy holidays from AORN.
(Some of these messages were edited for clarity and length.)