Years ago on Lindanee’s Blog I suggested to my readers that on occasion they give a delicious bag of cookies to the staff in their doctor’s offices as a thank you to those who spent time keeping them well.
Depending on how you feel about cookies and sweets, a fresh basket of fruit will send the same “thank you” message to the office staff who deal with phone calls, and records requests on your behalf. Rescheduling appointments, arranging for test dates all goes a long way to help you on your recuperative journey toward wellness.
Showing thankfulness goes a long way to establish relationships with office staff when you need them. Instead of getting pushed to the end of the line you may find your requests get taken care of quickly. It’s all good, and building relationship with those who are involved with supportive care can’t ever be a bad thing.
Several years ago I had the opportunity to consult with a very prestigious MD who was very nice and wrote a prescription my primary care missed the mark on. Before I left I shook his hand and said, “Thank you for seeing me. I knew you’d be able to take care of this.” The shocked look on his face was priceless. He accepted my hand and said, “You’re quite welcome.”
Today, there is a nurse in my PCP’s office who has been especially good to me. She is caring and looks after my care on a regular basis. Every now and then, (as a self-taught artist), I draw her a special “Thank you” card, which she relishes with smiles. I made her day, and she lets me know it.
Even if the RN nurse manager behind the desk at your doctor’s office is mean as an old rattlesnake, bring on the bag of cookies anyway. Or, offer your doctor a handshake of thanks. You won’t regret taking the extra time, or spending a few more dollars to show appreciation for those who help you in many different ways.
In the end, my philosophy is not to forget the value of a bag of cookies, or a handshake, or a smile. The nurses and doctors we come in contact with may only enjoy your cookie, or savor a smile rarely. They may even think what they do is a thankless job.
The value of a gift of a bag of cookies says a great deal about the giver. Chocolate chip cookies have never tasted so good!
