Bribing your Nurse

In one of my classes (you know who you are!) we had an interesting discussion about bribing the nurses to get them on your side and help you get what you want. So here are some tips about that.

• Bring plenty of whatever bribes you choose. Your primary nurse may have to go to attend another patient or her shift may end before you deliver. In addition, your primary nurse may have a nursing student who would also want a goody.

• Bring food. Baked goods like cookies or doughnuts are easy to buy and hand out. Depending on your labor, you could run into a grocery store on your way to the hospital. But some people who are watching their diet won’t want food, especially sweets. You could try bringing dried or fresh fruits if you want something a little healthier.

• Bring girly things. Most nurses, especially in labor and delivery units are women so small bottles of lotion, nail polishes or even room sprays may be appreciated. On the downside, you may end up with a male nurse and some people are allergic to the scents to various products.

• Choose small gifts. Go to a dollar store and check out the bins of notepads, massagers, and frames. Almost everyone will find something they like from these. On the downside, this is a little more expensive option.

• Buy 5 dollar gift cards. An expensive option, but one that may work the best are small denomination gift cards to places like Borders or Starbucks.

• Treat your nurses with respect. While all these are great ways to get your nurses on your side, probably the best way is treat your nurses politely. Try to avoid ordering them around or yelling at them. They’re doing the best they can too.