[SoundofMusic]

I have only spent a few days with my preceptor, but already she has been wonderful. I am already dreaming of some sort of gift to give to her at the end of my 5 weeks. Nothing expensive, just meaningful. She has been the most patient woman with me -- kind, a great example, professional, etc. I'm so grateful to have had her as a teacher I just want to show my appreciation.

Any ideas?

[Pompom]

A nice coffee mug is always appreciated.

[neneRN]

The gift is nice, but I really love it when the student gives me a card with something written inside-its so nice to actually hear the impact you've made on someone. But chocolate is always good!

[Lillypilly]

ive given magnets that say thank you on them. practical and sweet. ive also given a bottle of wine, for those that look like they could do with a good drink! chocolates are always good but nurses often get those...not that that's a bad thing of course! i think telling your preceptor how much they've helped is always important.

[calla2114]

For my preceptor...I knew that she loved dark chocolate and natural items...so I went to a local handmade chocolate shop and got 2 truffles and then I also got her a couple small bottles of handmade lotions...you can always use lotion after washing your hands 5000 times a day!

[TigerGalLE]

I gave my preceptor a starbucks card and she loved it...

[wickedrn]

I gave my preceptor a card which I included a personal note about how I appreciated her time and knowledge, etc. I also got her a candle with a poem about her name on it, and a Boyds Bear that was dressed as a nurse.

[santhony44]

Something that reflects her personal interests; a gift card to a bookstore for a reader, a fabric store if she likes to sew or quilt, to a coffee shop if she likes that, etc. Or, you could put together a gift basket from a $1 store with bath stuff, lotions, candles, etc.

However, I wouldn't stress too much about what you give her. I have things that I would never have chosen for myself that I treasure because of what they mean.

The big thing is to express your appreciation in writing; a card saying just what you've said here, in a personal way.

I would also consider writing a note or letter to her boss (in addition)!

[Ruby Vee]

Anything small, inexpensive and meaningful -- like any of the suggestions above. What's important is the card that goes with it. Take the time to write a little note thanking her or him for whatever it is they said or did that made a difference for you. I still have all the cards I've gotten from former orientees, going back to 1980! It's nice to know you've made a difference to someone! And take the time to go back and say thankyou again later. I've been in nursing for about 25 years longer than my last preceptor, but just the other day something she had said to me popped into my brain at just the right moment! So I emailed her to thank her.

[kizzykatlove]

i gave a book called chicken soup for the nurses soul.. it is very good