Gifts/cards etc to thank clinical instructor & site?

Nursing Students General Students

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I just wanted to hear how the rest of you handle this when you finish a clinical rotation. I am just finishing up my first semester clinicals in a couple of weeks, so we are wondering what is "proper etiquette". I have seen the nursing students at my own hospital leave cards and treats after finishing up, to thank the staff. We figure that is reasonable, but do you stop there? Do you also do anything for your clinical instructor? Seems like maybe not. Also, what are some good ideas for things to bring for the staff? SG

Specializes in LDRP.

we throw a mini party. bring in homecooked foods, etc, leave in lounge for all the nurses to eat. works out well, the nurses and aides always seem to appreciate it. \

love, rose

Specializes in L&D.

We usually do the mini party thing as well. For the instructor...it depends how you feel about her/him. I think there has only been one time when my group didn't get something for the instructor. I've done picture frames, cards and gift certificates.

Specializes in ICU.

I've always done candy/treats for the nurses on the floor at the end of clinicals (not all me - as a group we do it).

For our instructor, we tend to do a card, and something else - lunch or a case of diet Pepsi (for the instructor who always had one in her hand), or a Christmas ornament...... Nothing big, but a nice thought.

Specializes in LDRP.

our school discourages us from getting gifts for our instructors, it is mentioned in the student handbook. but my clinical group last year got a gift certificate for a massage for our clinical instructor. he was very popular among some students in our group.

love, rose

Specializes in surgical, emergency.

As a site that students visit, I don't think any of us really expect anything, especially use, surgery, the students are there only for a few hours observing.

However, a small plate of cookies, or something little like that does re-affirm that we did make an impact, or help you all in some small way.

My daughter is a student, and they all went together and got an Applebee's gift card for their clinical instructor.

Small effort, small economical burden on the students, but potentially a large impact on an instructor. We need all the good instructors we can get!!!

Specializes in OBGYN, Neonatal.

We haven't really gotten anything for the clinical area because we change frequently but our instructors we do. Last semester we had 2 instructors and we got them gift cards to Red Lobster. This semester we have 4 instructors and we have invited them to our christmas/holiday party after the last class and we will probably get them a gift card each or something similar.

We always have each student bring something for the last day of clinical for the staff on the unit we were at for that rotation (donuts, coffee, bagels, etc)

We usually end up having everyone pitch in 5 bucks to get our instructor a nice g/c to borders/barnes and nobles etc

Specializes in PICU, Peds Ambulatory, Peds LTC.

Our clinical group took out our clinical professor to lunch at a fancy restaurant.

Usually we give the staff a signed card and cookies.

Our clinicals are always early, so we bring breakfast type foods.. muffins, OJ, apple juice, breakfast quiche..each person decides what to bring. I made 3 dozen mini muffins and I only spent $2.50 (much better then having to donate $ so one person can buy doughnuts IMO).

Specializes in Emergency Dept, M/S.
Our clinicals are always early, so we bring breakfast type foods.. muffins, OJ, apple juice, breakfast quiche..each person decides what to bring. I made 3 dozen mini muffins and I only spent $2.50 (much better then having to donate $ so one person can buy doughnuts IMO).

I like that idea. Except for myself, no one in my clinical group has any money. Most are 20-ish no-income students, attending a $24K/year school, so asking for them to contribute to a GC or dinner out may be hard. But the breakfast basket is nice but inexpensive.

Plus, a lot in my clinical group don't particularly like the instructor. Not that it's an excuse, but........ My feeling is I've learned a lot, and THAT is the important thing.

I must put out here though, I detest feeling obligated to buy a professor, clinical instructor or even my children's teachers (I have 4 kids, so it's a LOT of teachers!) a gift just because other's are. I think a group thing is a much better idea than individual ones. And if someone doesn't have the money or doesn't want to participate, it's not obvious to the recipient and the student does not feel put on the spot. JMHO.

Feel free to disagree, but I really resent buying gifts for every person I come in contact with just because they are doing their job. A card is fine though. I think a nice handwritten Thank You note speaks more volumes than a gift.

Specializes in Adult Med-Surg, Rehab, and Ambulatory Care.

In the past, my clinical groups have done the Dunkin' Donuts coffee/munchies route for the staff (if we liked them; if we didn't, they got a generic "Thank you" card).

I have been blessed with wonderful clinical instructors since day one of nursing school, and after each rotation my group takes the instructor out to lunch. We also donate a few bucks and get a gift certificate or a small token of regard. We usually give hugs too - and they are very well received. :)

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