How can I show my NM that I really appreciate her?

[november17, ASN, RN]

I'm planning on leaving my job in about 4-6 months. I'm moving. Completely out of state. I just my new nursing license (Georgia) in the mail last week. Woot! Anyways. I want to find a good way to let my unit manager know just how much I appreciate her before I jet for greener pastures. She gave me a shot by hiring me in the first place as a new grad. She took a chance and took me on as the daytime charge nurse. We have a pretty busy floor, and we have the best press-gainey scores in the whole hospital. She's built a really good nursing team. I'm just trying to think of ways to convey how much I really appreciate the opportunities I've been given. I really do appreciate her hard work...A lot of days she comes in at 9am and doesn't leave until 10pm. The other night she literally worked 24 hours straight, so she could help us with the patients and then get her administrative stuff done afterwards. She ended up sleeping in a nearby hotel room that morning. She's 61 too! Does anyone have any good ideas?

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

I would have a star named after her. I know you can do this but I am not certain how much it costs. She can have the framed certificate in her office along with the note you will write her

[racing-mom4, BSN, RN]

I like the idea of the star but I would go for something everyone can see for years to come--I know many hospitals have memorial bricks or plaques that are on display out in a lobby or courtyard.

In my opinion though the best gift of appreciation is a geniune heartfelt hand written letter.

PS---where do work?? I am betting there are 100 nurses on this site alone that would want to work for your mgr!!! LOL

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Does your hospital have a library? Or is there a local nursing school? How about donating a book in her honor? Or donating to a charity of your choice in her honor. A note to her supervisor would be nice too. But a face-to-face thank you is precious.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

yup, a note to her boss, professional, but expressing your gratitude....and emphasising her professionalism....

[leosasha]

Definitely a note to her boss. Maybe a small plaque from Hallmark to sit on her desk. I'm so glad your first experience with a nurse manager was so positive. Mine was too. Have had a number since that were not so. My current boss is wonderful.

[november17, ASN, RN]

I would have a star named after her. I know you can do this but I am not certain how much it costs. She can have the framed certificate in her office along with the note you will write her

Good idea. I just checked and it is $60-$100 for the certificate and frame and everything. I mean, I like her and everything, but that's a little more than I had in mind.

[Jules A, MSN]

I just checked and it is $60-$100 for the certificate and frame and everything. I mean, I like her and everything, but that's a little more than I had in mind.

You are not likely to find someone like her at your next job.

[THAT Nurse., BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, APRN]

Just walk up and tell her. Being direct tends to work great for me.