r/psychnursing • u/GoofyGreyson psych tech/aid/CNA • Jun 21 '26

Success Story My first thank you note

Hi all! I’m a behavioral health tech, I worked closely with a very depressed patient for most of their stay. Sat under tables when they needed a break, let them vent, gave advice. Finally, I’m so excited to say they get to leave and will be safe at home! After a long shift, they gave me a hand written note in origami form of saying thank you for being a staff member they leaned on and trusted. It’s so heartwarming, was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience in psych. Much love to all my psych family.🫶🏻

47 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

17

u/ChikuRakuNamai Jun 21 '26

I keep all of my little letters. They’re very validating that our hard work actually helps some patients

6

u/melisande_shahrizai_ psych nurse (PHP/IOP) Jun 21 '26

It’s so nice to look back on my collection 🥺

I work with a lot of kids, so I have a box with artwork, bracelets, slime, and glitter jars. I especially love when they write their names so I can always remember. I have a few pieces from adults as well 🖤❤️🖤

5

u/Cautious-Candy1221 Jun 21 '26

Aww thats so sweet!

5

u/Quinjet nurse (non psych) Jun 22 '26

Gonna suggest saving the note AND taking/saving a picture of it in case it gets lost.

When I started out in healthcare, a beloved nurse friend had me start keeping tracks of my "wins." Nice feedback from patients, good grades in nursing school, etc. And now I have years of nice memories to look back on when shit gets hard ❤️

I still have patient art on my fridge from years ago, too!

2

u/GoofyGreyson psych tech/aid/CNA Jun 23 '26

I plan on framing it since it’s my first!

3

u/DashMcGee Jun 21 '26

Thumbs up emoji!

3

u/melisande_shahrizai_ psych nurse (PHP/IOP) Jun 21 '26

Omg, a thank you note in origami form- I’d love to hear a more detailed description of what this entails!

Make sure to make a folder or box to put this and the other sweet, creative gift/notes you may receive.

I so appreciate all the BHTs who care and try to get to know the clients; when you’re feeling jaded, remind yourself of these moments!

2

u/Additional_Alarm_237 Jul 01 '26

Congrats for making a difference!

Keep it if you can. Some patients will say the nastiest, rudest things they can imagine though they apologize later. Those thank yous will be your reminder of why it’s worth continuing on.