September is Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Awareness Month. A month to bring awareness to all of the NICU families and honor the health care professionals who care for them. NICU nurses work tirelessly to care for so many babies and families each and every day. Whether you are currently experiencing time in the NICU or have previously experienced a stay, there are many ways you can express gratitude for NICU nurses who have impacted your life. Here are four simple gifts that go along way:
Thank You Notes
A hand-written note or letter is such a personal and meaningful way to express gratitude. If you are currently in the NICU receiving care, leave a note from your baby on their isolette or somewhere your nurse will see it. It could say something along the lines of, “Thank you for taking such good care of me!” Or “thanks for always making sure I am comfortable and loved!” If you are wanting to thank a former NICU nurse, send a card with family updates or updates on your child and their life. For example, “Miles is in the third grade and playing baseball this summer!” Or, “We just traveled to Colorado and the whole family went white water rafting!” Nurses love to hear what their previous babies and families are up to and accomplishing!
Pictures
Nurses love seeing pictures of the patients and families they cared for! Especially during back to school time, holidays, birthdays, and awareness months. If you are a family who has a NICU graduate, be sure to send your former nurse(s) a few pictures of your child and a “thank you” shout out. Since September is NICU awareness month, sending back to school pictures is a fun way to show appreciation and also how much your child has grown!
Food Delivery
You can never go wrong with providing food for busy health care professionals, as long as the hospital allows it. Whether you drop off a morning treat and coffee or a variety of sandwiches and chips for lunch, food is always a wonderful gift to provide. Make sure you check with the hospital or unit manager first to see is food contributions are allowed.
If you are looking to provide a sweet treat for a local NICU nurse in your life, be sure to check out some of the best donut shops in town here: Lansing Donut Shops.
Gift Cards
NICU nurses will surely appreciate gift cards from local restaurants or coffee shops in the area, especially if hospitals restrict food gifts. You can drop off gift cards with flowers or send them in a note to the hospital unit. This allows nurses to enjoy a nice lunch break or coffee, whenever it is convenient for them.
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