Gift for Preceptor?

Nurses New Nurse

Published

Specializes in Med-Surg.

Hey guys,

End of my orientation is coming up soon. I was wondering if any of you gave a small gift to your preceptor, and, if so, what was it? Looking for some ideas.

Gift cards are always nice. Find out preferences of your preceptor- Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, etc.

I gave some spa stuff (bath salts, lotion, etc.) to one and a Starbucks gift card to the other. I was going to buy one of them a Klean Kanteen like mine that she admired but didn't have the time.

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

As a preceptor, I can tell you that while the gesture of a gift is nice, it is not expected and can be a bit embarrassing. We know you are "starving students". I would much prefer a heartfelt "thank you" card with a personalized message in it to a gift card or any other gift.

My latest preceptee was a young father with another on the way. He got me a gift card and I wanted so much to plead with him to take it back and use it for diapers or something. I don't need a gift. All I need is the sense that you grew in your practice and feel better prepared to take on your new career due to the time you spent with me. A genuine note of thanks gives me the feeling that what I did with you matters....and that is why I do it, after all.

Personally, I listened to my preceptor and how she joked about how she needed a fanny pack. After some thought, I decided to have a little fun and bought her a fanny pack. She could not stop laughing and enjoyed the humor behind the gift. Is she using it or not, I'm not sure but that moment of laughter and thank you was priceless and made this an unforgettable experience.

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