Ideas for small gift(s) for unit staff?

[_Kaneohe]

Hi. I am a student and we would like to thank the nurses, aids, and others working where we are doing our current clinicals. I would rather not just keep bringing more baked goods to these sites. Granted many of these folks like "treats" but the holidays are already approaching and I am sure there will already be too much sugar and fat around. Any thoughts on what you would appreciate from students you help? (It goes without saying that we don't have much money but would love to share our heartfelt appreciation). Thanks much!

[vera4130]

Pens, little sharpies you can put on your badge, badge holders

I'm sure there are little things like that that you could get a few of each and put them in a basket. You might check out a uniform store or office store for ideas.

But, you know, candy or baked goods do always work if that gets to be too difficult or expensive :)

[T-Bird78]

Smooth-writing, click-top pens. Pens are a nurse's best friend. And a sincere note of appreciation.

[cazach0122]

We always brought our units fruit and veggie trays. The nurses really appreciated something healthy!

[FineAgain]

We have a Keurig where I work...some K cups maybe?

[JmarLPN]

Another great little gift idea is mini hand sanitizer from maybe bath and body. Lord knows we go through a lot of that! They usually have great sales around this time.

[_Kaneohe]

Thanks for such great and rapid responses,everyone! I think we can make a wonderful gift basket combining these things. Hope any students with whom you are working read this and get these great things for you, too! :)

[sbostonRN]

I absolutely LOVE it when families gift us Edible Arrangements. They aren't cheap, so if you do go with a fruit or veggie platter, I think that's equally cool. But I really love it when people are thoughtful and get us something other than sweets and candy. Love the other suggestions too. We get free multi-color pens from the ambulance companies, and those are always a big hit!

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

A gift basket of a lot of different little things is a great idea! And a handwritten card that each student should write to their preceptor saying thank you is really a nice gesture as well. Or a fun picture of you all put on a colorful posterboard and each of you writes a little note of thanks on it with a sharpie and sign it.

Another thought is that each student gives what they can, and you make a donation of that amount to a local charity or non-profit in the name of the unit.