How to thank nurses who were helpful at clinical?

[Clovery]

I've seen a lot of threads about bad experiences with the nurses at clinical sites. I've had a mix. However, recently, I've encountered two nurses who I felt really went above and beyond in making sure my clinical experience was educational. Of course I thanked them personally and told them how helpful they were, but I'd like to do something more formal...

Should I write a letter to their boss? Should I send them a thank you card with some candy or something? Or do you think thanking them at the end of the day was enough?

One was an ER nurse who somehow found the time to explain everything she was doing, quiz me on medications and conditions, and allow me to get some hands on experience (even though I was only technically supposed to be observing). The other was a school nurse who I was observing for the day; she was aware of the report I had to write and had already prepared printouts, websites, all the info I needed to write the report. She was very impressively organized and enthusiastic to teach me about her job.

I'm thinking it'd be best to write a letter to their supervisor - I guess for the school nurse I'd write to the principal of the school? What about the ER nurse? The hospital administrator? or is there someone "lower" than that who would be more interested?

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

a note to them or to their boss would be appreciated. I do not think gifts are necessary, but that really is an individual decision.

[aachavez]

a hand written note would be a fabulous way to say thanks. When these nurse's hear back that they really did have a positive impact on you, trust me, it will make their day. And hopefully, it would be encouraging for them to continue being aweosme mentors, knowing that what they do is really appreciated.

Writing a formal letter to their supervisor would also be appropriate. I wouldn't feel obligated to give a gift, they certainly arent expecting it. But if you really feel like making that gesture, I would suggest something small, like a pin, or badge tag. go to etsy.com and search 'nurse' and there's tons of pins, or personalized id tags etc, small, and around $5.

[beckster_01, BSN, RN]

Writing a note to the nurse and/or supervisor would be the best IMO. Not only will it make her day, but it is something she can put in her professional portfolio to prove that she is a good nurse

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

I always loved notes, and still have some from more than 25 years ago from patients.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

a note to her nurse manager or, better, to the director of nursing, saying specifically what the nurse did to make you want to go on in nursing and how smart, accomplished, and helpful she was will go in the nurse's file. praise is always welcome. certainly, do that.

the note that you write to the nurse will go in her box of treasures at home, and in her heart forever. a small non-cheesy trinket to hang on the holiday tree or the bedroom mirror will call you to mind every time it's seen, and bring a smile. some folks like small gift cards for personal care items like hand cream or lotion or makeup, but those don't last as long.

[IvnurseAmanda]

I got so excited to write my answer when I read the title of your thread...to find out I share the same thought as all of the other replies here! A wonderful hand written note is so much more personal than anything else. It will always stick with that person...promise. I keep all the notes I get from students and patients (not that there has been a mountain of letters....just saying they will last a lifetime for me.)

[RiRi03]

I'm happy to hear many people on here agree a note would be sufficient. I also have had an exceptional preceptor this semester and was wondering if it would be appropriate. I never thought about giving a note to the nurse manager but I will definitely do that, my preceptor was amazing and deserves the recognition!

I've actually encountered a few other helpful nurses other than my preceptor on the particular unit I was placed at and was wondering if you all think a fruit plate or something of the sort would be okay to leave in the nursing office or lounge/lunch room on my last day? Or is that a little much?

Thanks, sorry to hijack OP.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

maybe something homemade, not picked up at the deli or the grocery-- cookies, brownies, hermits, a coupla loaves of banana bread or pumpkin bread, accompanied by a big card. if you really want to make a good impression, send one set for each shift-- eves and nights always get shorted and some of the nurses who helped you might be on an off shift when you make your gift.