Exceptional clinical teacer...gift?

lifesacomedy · Nov 27, 2008

Typically, I would say that a gift wouldn't be appropriate (like if it were anything big), but I think a mug with your group picture on it with a nice packet of hot cocoa, tea, or coffee would be a really nice, small, inexpensive way to say thank you.

I personally just stick with a thank you card so that there is never any question about gifts between teacher and student, but that may just be my own thing (since I am a former teacher). I think your small gift idea is totally appropriate and would be very appreciated! :0)

caliotter3 · Nov 27, 2008

Our clinical group had a get together at the home of one of the student's parents. We presented the clinical instructor with a few gifts of a personal nature, one of them being a book that was popular at the time. Don't remember the others. I didn't get involved with choosing the gifts, I just gave my share of the costs. I don't recall any of the gifts being over the top. But who knows, anyway, nothing came of it and the instructor certainly acted appreciative.

jpeters84 · Nov 27, 2008

We had a group picture taken, had everyone in our clinical sign a picture border, put it in a frame and gave it to her. I think a picture on a mug is a cute idea to.

UjonesRN · Nov 27, 2008

a group pic is a great idea! We always give our clinical instructors a gift. It like our school tradition..lol We have given gifts like

1. a lab coat with their name on it

2. a snow globe with thanx prof. from clinical group FA08 or SP05

3. a giftcard i.e especially a gas card

:up:

flightnurse2b, LPN · Nov 27, 2008

we had a clinical instructor that we all loved. so the last day of clinical we took a picture together with her. then we went to target and got a frame with a mat around it and blew the picture up to fit inside (it was like a 5 x7 i think). we bought silver sharpies and everyone wrote on the mat around the picture about how awesome she was. we all presented it to her together. she was so touched that she cried.... i speak with her periodically and she said its on her desk and it was the most thoughtful gift she'd ever gotten.

senecagirl · Nov 27, 2008

no gifts!!! not ethical and could raise some questions! would you accept gifts from patients???

our class had a huge discussion about this last week. Its a big no-no!!

a thank you card is more than enough. In fact, the biggest and best gift you can give your instructors is to pass the registration exam!!

NursesRock!! · Nov 27, 2008

This semester was the first semester we had a REALLY great instructor. We got together and came up with the idea of a customized bobble head doll that was hand made to look exactally like her!! SHe has a wonderful sense of humor and it fit her to a "T." It cost @ 150.00, but there was 37 students @ the time so we each chipped in @ 4.00 each to cover the cost. We just gave it to her last week and she was floored to say the least. It even came with a 10 second voice recording so you could say something nice and she can play it whenever. If you want to check them out the website is whoopass.com

NaomieRN · Nov 27, 2008

Getting gifts for an instructor is never appropriate. Most instructors will not receive gifts from students because it looks like bribing. I think what our group did on the last day one semester, we brought donuts and coffee for the entire staff on the floor.

mybrowneyedgirl, BSN, RN · Nov 27, 2008

Our group decided to get her a picture of us at the hospital w/ the mat signed by each of us. Some homemade cookies, some Starbucks tea and a $25 gift card to a book store.

We aren't graded in clinicals and she already told us what she thought of our performance so I don't think it could be seen as a bribe.

SFChef · Nov 27, 2008

I like the idea of giving gifts to a clinical instructor (or any instructor, really). However, I think it's best to give it as a group, as many of the posters have already described. When given as a group from the class, there can be no "special favors" and it cannot be considered a bribe.

I'm not in nursing school yet, but in my earlier college days I had several classes where the profs were so great that the entire class chipped in and we bought them gifts. It was great!

Feathers · Nov 27, 2008

It's been stated that we shouldn't give gifts either. One of my instructors already said that they are paid well, and we should save our money & treat ourselves to something. We did give our CI a thank you card & brought treats for the staff.