FROM OUR experts
Nurses share
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something done that they need, but they are allowing the other person to feel that they have contributed something of value and made them feel less helpless.” Nurse Nancy ompson says such gis are great because they allow the patient to focus on recovery. Purchase a housecleaning gi certificate. Prepare casserole meals that can be frozen and eaten when he or she returns home. Offer to help a child with homework.
8. be generous. “e best gis are ones that encourage self-care of the families,” says nurse Sarah Seargent, who works in the hyperbaric unit. An example: Set a time to sit with the patient, so parents/loved ones can take a break for a shower or to get a cup of coffee. Nurse Lynne Jones from clinical practice analysis calls it the gi of time. “is is an easy and very giving gi,” she says. “It can be any amount of time, time to sit and talk, time to help with meals, cleaning or whatever they may need. Ask what they need.”
9. be practical. Pay for television service while the person is hospitalized. Or pick up the cost of a parking pass for their family. Gi cards for the coffee shop or nearby restaurants may also be appreciated. A gi that may be particularly meaningful to a critically injured patient is for friends and family to “pay it forward” by making donations of blood or blood products, suggests nurse Michael Bennett from radiology. If you want to bring something to the hospital when you visit, operating room nurse Amy O’Rourke advises against anything scented or flavored, and she says shawls are a better gi than sweaters. “Patients can’t tolerate scents or flavors when they are already nauseous. And, a shawl has no sleeves, for ease with intravenous or other medical lines.” ●
good gifts for patients
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Lip balm
Paperback books
Earplugs
Tissues in a colorful box
Neck pillow
Unscented lotion
Colored pencils and coloring books
Baby powder
Stuffed animal
Robe, shawl or bed jacket
Detangling hairbrush
Playing cards
Cozy blanket
Breath strips
Photographs
Water bottle
Scrunchies or hair ties
Music
“Get well” cards
Magazines
Sleep mask
U P S TAT E H E A LT H
upstate.edu l fall 2017