Clinical etiquette: card for nurse on the floor??

[njmomstudent]

Hello everyone. I'd really like your input on this if possible. I got to do my ICU rotation today for clinical and it was fantastic! I was handed off to one of the nurses, and it was mostly an observational experience since our instructor was back on the regular floor with all the other students. We are allowed to perform tasks according to how comfortable the nurse is with us when we rotate, and I did get to give alot of meds today. She basically took me under wing and was amazing!! She took so much time out of her day to explain things to me. My instructor was surprised that she kept me with her all day since "she usually doesn't bother with students". Anyway, this nurse had a recent death of someone very close to her, and was discussing it with me openly. I was wondering if a sympathy/thank you card would be out of line?? Or perhaps skip the sympathy and just a thank you?? I really do want to thank her for spending so much time on me today. I mean, she could have just handed me off to someone else, or just let me follow her like a puppy really. Any advice would be appreciated!! Thanks!!

[9livesRN, BSN, RN]

From the heart of a nurse to be to a nurse = priceless! Hand write her a thank you note, and some cookies that would be the best you can do!

[ErinS, BSN, RN]

Write her a thank you note. The nurse probably would not mind a sympathy card, but she was probably just trying to help you realize that we find ways to work with sick people even when someone we love has died. I do this with students who follow me. I have a stack of thank you cards written by students, and there are days that it keeps me going.

[decembergrad2011, BSN, RN]

Definitely do it. I know few people who would not appreciate a thank you card.

[fromtheseaRN, BSN, RN]

do it! in my rotations, we've written thank you cards to each nurse who has taken their time to work with us. having a student really does increase their work load, and we should show our appreciation for it.

[redge03]

I think a thank you card with a hand written message would be perfectly acceptable. Sadly she probably doesn't realize the impact she made on you. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Let this be a lesson for you when you are a nurse. Whether it be a student nurse, patient or pt. family, every interaction will leave an impression on somebody good or bad. I would skip the sympathy card but you could put in a thank you note that you are sorry for her loss.:hug:

[SweetOldWorld, BSN, RN]

A little note to her manager describing your great experience would be awesome too!

[Dixielee, BSN, RN]

A thank you card is definitely in order! If you feel it is appropriate, you may want to say something to the effect of...in spite of all you are going through personally, you really went out of your way to help me feel comfortable and gave me an opportunity to learn, etc.

It sounds like you are off to a great start. Good luck!

[9livesRN, BSN, RN]

remember... hand written = more power and more meaning...

[wannabecnl]

Absolutely--I wrote thank you notes to everyone who I shadowed, especially those who took me on at short notice! But everyone does appreciate a note, and I agree with the person who said you could include a sentence about her recent loss. Glad you had a great experience!

[njmomstudent]

Thanks so much everyone! I really like Dixielee's idea, and I truly appreciate all the feedback. Now I have to figure out when she's working again....

[Do-over, ASN, RN]

A thank-you note is always welcome and classy, in my opinion.

I also agree that a note to his or her manager (or the person that is the contact for your school of nursing) would be nice too.

Glad you had a great experience.