Uncategorized Archives - Professional Courtesy, LLC

Sending Thank You’s for Physician Gifts

December 27, 2021 by procourtesy

Sending Thank You’s for Physician Gifts

Gifting Physicians

Gifting physicians and their staff during the holidays isn’t unusual. Referring physician specialists often send a gift thanking other physicians for sending them patients. And patients will often gift a physician’s office with seasonal goodies or other items the physician and staff can share to express appreciation for their care. But regardless of who sent it or why, all gifts should be acknowledged with a note. (In this case, it’s not redundant to thank the giver for the thank you gift.)

Corporate Gift Giving

Many other business people send gifts to their clients at the holiday time to thank them for their business. These corporate gifts are optional and a generous gesture on the part of the giver. And again, should be acknowledged, especially if they are sent via mail or a delivery service. The sender needs to know the gift arrived.

Managing Holiday Gifts

In the physician’s office, keep a list of everything that comes in. If gifts are sent to the entire staff, designate one person or a few people, if the list is lengthy, to write the thank you notes. Take turns if this is a yearly thing. The notes don’t have to be long, but should identify the gift and let the giver know how much it is appreciated.

For Physicians Only

If the gift is for the physician only, it’s the physician’s job to write the note, not one of the staff members. For gifts going to the physician’s home that will be enjoyed by the family, a spouse could write the note as well.

In Person Thanks

You can say thank you in person if the opportunity presents itself, but if gifts are sent via mail or a delivery service a note letting the sender know you received their gift.

Phone or E-mail Thanks

A phone call would be another option or an email thank you. Email isn’t as personal, but it’s better than nothing.

Remember to be a gracious recipient this year by sending thank you’s for physician gifts.

Correct Holiday Greetings

December 16, 2021 by procourtesy

Correct holiday greetings.

A lot of discussion.

There seems to be a lot of discussion these days about the correct holiday greetings. Saying “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings” to people versus “Merry Christmas” bothers some people and they are offended about being pressured to say one greeting over another for the sake of being politically correct. And I appreciate their view. However, it seems we are becoming overly sensitive and getting offended by everything these days.

Historically.

Historically, the term “Happy Holidays” stems from the Old English meaning “holy day” and was used as a regular religious greeting in centuries past. And the list of our presidents who have used the phrase “Seasons Greeting” or “Happy Holidays” on their official White House Christmas cards includes, Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Carter, Reagan, Clinton and Obama. They did this so they would be inclusive of everyone’s religious beliefs.

A sign of respect.

I too, consider it more about being respectful of other people’s beliefs than being politically correct. If all of your friends celebrate Christmas, then do wish them “Merry Christmas,” but if you have friends and clients who do not celebrate Christmas, wish them “Happy Holidays,” “Seasons Greetings” or a specific greeting for their beliefs. In doing that you’ll have all of the bases covered.

In the business world

In the business world I would defer to a “Happy Holidays” greeting or “Season’s Greetings” on the holiday cards you’re sending out. It’s about being more inclusive…not politically correct.

The reason for the season.

Be mindful that the season is about counting our blessings and wishing each other good will. So, focus on being sincere instead of the “Correct Holiday Greetings” words. With that mindset, we’ll all be better off. Be kind and respectful of all faiths and traditions.

To all the people who read this blog, I wish you all a warm and peaceful season.

Loss and the Holidays

December 13, 2021 by procourtesy

Loss and the holidays

There’s no good time

to have a loved one ill or pass away, but the holiday time does seem to raise the emotional level for those dealing with a tough situation. And because of that, I think it’s important to treat those friends and family members with care.

Acknowledging the situation,

with a note or a card is the least invasive way to respond. It lets your friends know you are thinking of them, but doesn’t require a response from them. Just a note as simple as, “thinking of you at this difficult time” is adequate.

When you see the people in person,

let them lead the conversation. They may not wish to discuss their situation with lots of people or it may just be too emotional to talk about it…respect that and don’t ask a lot of questions. It’s okay to let them know you know about their loved one with again, something as simple as, “ I am thinking of you.” If they want to talk more they will do so. To not mention it can make you seem insensitive or not caring.

Offer help in specific ways. Ask if they could use some food or if you could run some errands for them instead of saying, “call if you need something.” Most people won’t call you and they don’t want another thing to do. If you are taking food, ask what they prefer. Sending a lot of desserts to people who don’t eat sweets isn’t very helpful. Making food that can be popped into the freezer can also be a huge help.

Be mindful of the “firsts.”

The first Christmas, the first birthday or the first anniversary without a loved one can be very difficult. And the yearly anniversary of losing someone is often an emotional day. Remembering these days with something as simple as a text message saying, “you’re remembering their loved one and them,” will mean a great deal. Consider making a note in your phone contacts with the special dates behind your friends name. It will then remind you when getting close to those days.

If you are sending out holiday cards,

your usual cheery letter about how great your year has been may not be what they want to hear. Consider sending something special and specific for them with a short note in it.

Do include the friends

who are grieving in invitations, but don’t push or be critical if they back out at the last minute. Grief is a day to day thing that can keep one off balance for some time. And if they do come, allow them to be sad or even teary. The last thing they need is people expecting them to be “cheery.” Remember, loss at the holidays is a very difficult time.

Thanksgiving Guest Etiquette

November 17, 2021 by procourtesy

Thanksgiving Guest Etiquette

Thanksgiving starts off the holiday gatherings in earnest. It’s the time we eat drink and make merry and share good times with family and friends. It is also the time we gather at the dining room table for special meals. So if you have been invited for dinner at someone else’s house, there are some things to keep in mind so you can be the perfect guest. So, here’s some guest Thanksgiving etiquette.

Arrive on time.

Showing up late and keeping everyone waiting or causing the turkey to dry out
doesn’t win any points with your hostess.

Don’t come empty handed.

Even if your hostess has the meal all taken care of be sure you bring some sort of hostess gift. This is a good time to bring wine or a gourmet food item that the host can use at another time.

If you are assigned a dish, be sure you bring what you signed up for. Make sure it is ready to go in the oven or be served. This can eliminate needless confusion in the kitchen.

Sit where you are assigned.

If place cards are on the table don’t move them around to sit by someone of your choice.

Bring your best manners to the table.

If need be, brush up on your dining etiquette.

Don’t bring your technology to the table!

Bringing your phone to the table is saying that the people you are with aren’t as important as what’s coming through on your phone. Be in the moment!

Make sure your children are supervised and polite.

Holiday time is a good time to review or teach some good manners to your children, especially table manners.

Try a little of everything served.

You may find out that you like that oyster dressing.

Offer to help with the dishes.

Some hosts and hostesses want help cleaning up and some don’t, but it’s important to offer.

Send a thank you

A handwritten note or make a thank you call to your host and hostess. A lot goes into planning and hosting a big holiday meal. Make sure you acknowledge that.

Most of all…

Be sure and bring your good humor and be tolerant of those who may make you a little crazy at other times of the year. Be of good cheer.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Never Let Your Patients Hear You Complain

August 5, 2021 by procourtesy

Never Let Your Patients Hear You Complain

I’ve always thought it was poor form to let patients hear you complain. Here’s a story to support that idea.

A friend recently shared with me her experience visiting the emergency room with severe abdominal pain. She said that the department was very busy and patients were lined up waiting for beds to become available so they could be admitted. She too, was waiting to be admitted.

During her wait time she was attended to by multiple nursing staff members. She said that her care was okay, but the attitude of the nurses was not as professional as she thought it should be. She said several of them were “complainers.” They were complaining to her about their long hours, staff shortages and some even complained about things going on in their personal lives. This was not what she wanted to hear as she was waiting to be admitted and for test results to see if she needed surgery. She said she wondered if they were giving her their full attention and if her care was suffering. And aside from that, she really didn’t care or want to hear about their problems.

When patients hear healthcare workers complain, it’s bad for business and it’s unprofessional, to be sure. Your workplace problems are not the patient’s problems. And what seem to be harmless enough comments may come back to bite you. To say your short-staffed or complain about administration can suggest to a patient that your organization is poorly run. And it may also lead to them thinking their care was sub-standard, especially if there is a bad outcome. That’s not what you want your patients to walk away with. It can also be the formula for litigation.

Your problems are not the patient’s problems. You should focus on the patient and giving them the best possible care, not on what’s going on in your life.

When at work, keep in mind that you are a reflection of your organization and you should be doing everything you can to help enhance their reputation.

Not complaining about work should apply to your social media platforms as well. Social media is a public venue and what you say there goes out to the world.

If you have complaints about work, take those complaints to your manger or supervisor and see what can be done to resolve the issues. That’s the professional way to do things!

Sending Thank You’s for Physician Gifts

Correct Holiday Greetings

Loss and the Holidays

Thanksgiving Guest Etiquette

Never Let Your Patients Hear You Complain

Company Profile

From the Blog

Contact Us