done with orientation...gift for my preceptor

TX.RN.Shannon · Aug 9, 2012

Does she collect anything? Crosses, candles, shot glasses?

Is she the type who would like a basket of yummy-smelling stuff from Bath & Body Works? Is she a foodie---maybe a gift basket of gourmet cookies and teas?

You could find an inspirational plaque or book about being a nurse and inscribe with a heartfelt, personal note.

Or, maybe a gift certificate for a massage or mani/pedi.

One of those surely would fit the bill!

Andy Droid · Aug 9, 2012

I've always been a fan of pendants as gifts. You can usually find something related to why you're giving it, or related to their interests, and unique enough to stand out and be remembered.

Good Morning, Gil · Aug 9, 2012

The best and most practical gift would be a gift card to whatever food and/or coffee place is in your hospital. If you have a Starbucks there, and you know she likes it and goes often, then get her that. At least, that's what I want.

I wouldn't stress over what you're giving her. It'll mean a lot to her that you gave her something.

llg, PhD, RN · Aug 9, 2012

While giving her a little personal gift is a nice thing to do ... don't forget to reward her in a professional way as well. She helped you out both personally and professionally and it would be nice of you to do the same.

By that I mean ... making sure that her boss knows what a great job she did and that she is a valuable asset to her department. Write a "thank you" note and send a copy to her manager to put in her personnel file. That way, when it is time for her yearly evaluation, it will be there to help her get the pat on the back she deserves. It will also become part of her personal record that might help get a promotion or new job some day. You could also offer to write a letter of support for her someday should she need it for a career opportunity that she might want to pursue someday. In short, make sure she gets credit for being such a good preceptor in a way that will help her achieve her career goals. She helped your career -- now, you can return the favor.

As for a little gift, I recommend something practical, yet personal. I like the idea of a gift certificate if you don't know much about her hobbies or personal needs.

proud nurse, BSN, RN · Aug 9, 2012

By that I mean ... making sure that her boss knows what a great job she did and that she is a valuable asset to her department. Write a "thank you" note and send a copy to her manager to put in her personnel file. That way, when it is time for her yearly evaluation, it will be there to help her get the pat on the back she deserves. It will also become part of her personal record that might help get a promotion or new job some day. You could also offer to write a letter of support for her someday should she need it for a career opportunity that she might want to pursue someday. In short, make sure she gets credit for being such a good preceptor in a way that will help her achieve her career goals. She helped your career -- now, you can return the favor.

I love this idea! When my orientation is over I will have had 4 different preceptors. I don't intend on giving 4 gifts, but a note of thanks seems very appropriate and economical.

I think a gift is a nice gesture.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Aug 9, 2012

speaking as a preceptor, the gift that means the most is the personal note telling me why you think i'm the best preceptor ever or how i've helped you or what a great experience you've had. (and yes, i have received notes like this, despite popular opinion on an!) i also love the idea of the letter written to the boss -- a professional pat on the back.

as far as gifts go -- a plate of brownies to share with the shift? a $5 gift card to starbucks? one orientee gave me a new pair of calipers because i'd helped her learn rhythms. since i'm always loaning mine to someone or losing them, that was a great gift. my absolute favorite gift ever (in addition to the thankyou note) was a shared margarita and a couple hours of laughter.

lrc1203 · Aug 9, 2012

I did recognize her on our unit we have a bulletin board where you can recognize an employee for something outstanding they did. I wrote a little note and put her name on there. For my 60 day eval I told my manager how great she is etc. I tthink I will get her a gift card for one of the shops in our hospital. thanks guys.

amoLucia · Aug 10, 2012

Maybe a gift that keeps on giving ---- like a magazine subscription that's geared to something she really likes.. Is she a foodie, into gardening, collecting teacups, home decorating??? There's magazines for all those preferences.

TX.RN.Shannon · Sep 7, 2012

What'd you get for the gift???