Is this OK, or is it too much?

[AngelfireRN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Hey guys!

Coming up on my 6-month anniversary at my NP job, and wondered if perhaps it would be appropriate to give my supervising docs a thank-you card for putting up with me.

A bit of background...I was hired as a new grad for a cardiology practice. I had never considered cardio (but I never considered psych, either, and that was my fave RN job), but thought it would be a good thing to get out of my comfort zone. These docs have been more than great, well, really, everybody has. But they have taken time up with me and showed me things and explained the hows and whys and wherefores like you wouldn't believe. If I make a mistake, they don't yell, they tell me why whatever it was was not the thing to do, and tell me what to try instead. So far (and I'm usually really good about this) I have not made the same mistake twice, and the ones I have made were minor. As an old preceptor said "You're ignorant, you're not stupid. I can teach ignorance. You can't NOT be ignorant about something you know nothing about.".

I know I'm nowhere near where I want to be with my experience and knowledge base, but I know that will come with time, and they seem to get that as well. I must be improving, because they have started sending me to do by myself, and have stopped following so closely behind me. I am just so grateful to have had this opportunity. It's been utterly fascinating work, and I just love it. I'm having the time of my life. I actually WANT to come to work in the morning. I said that to DH after I got sick last weekend, and he checked me for fever. I'm having an absolute ball.

My question, though, is it appropriate to show my appreciation, or would it be considered pretentious? Anyone ever done this at their job before? Just curious as to how it was received if you did. I'm a lot of things, but I am not pretentious, and don't want to appear such.

As was said on "Steel Magnolias", "An ounce of pretention is worth a pound of manure".

Thanks in advance for the advice. Never dealt with this in the workplace before, and just wanted opinions.

[Idontknowbetter]

1 year mark sounds more appropriate. 6 months sounds too soon

[Altra, BSN, RN]

Angelfire, how cool is it that you're thriving in this job so much!

The thank you could seem a little over the top, though. Maybe at one year, an email or some other very professional communication with some wording along the lines of, "I so appreciate this opportunity to develop ... yadda yadda ... and I feel very positive about having accomplished __________ and _________". (sets up some language for a performance review too)

Keep on keepin' on! :)

[Morning-glory]

Why is it that if someone makes a mistake you tell them right away but if they do good, you feel you have to wait?

Angelfire, I say tell them that you appreciate all that they have done for you. 6 months into a challenging job is a big deal. Bring in a little bunch of flowers or a snack with a little thank you note would be appreciated. Don't go overboard, but if you want to say thanks, I think you should do something.

Keep up the good work.

[Katie5]

Gratitude goes a long way. Don't choreograph when to tell them or not. If that little voice tells you to do it now. Then pls listen and do it.

You can do it in a fun way. Have a celebratory cake, or some such, put a funny face, thank them for putting up with you and seeing you through all.

And finally, with a huge smile on my face, I say congrats girl- you are thriving so much, it reads through your words.Congrats again:)

[snoopy29]

I think this is a really special post one because you are finding your wings and it sounds like you are going to fly really high and two because you recognise other people have played a part in that. I am a great believer in a home made cake whatever the occasion 6months 1 year or just because it feels good.

Big credit to you :)

[highlandlass1592, BSN, RN]

You know, I'm not so sure you need to "do" anything to show your appreciation other than just taking the time to share with docs what you've shared here. Tell them how much you appreciate all they've done and all they've taught. How under their guidance you feel you have grown, your professional skills have improved, how much you actually enjoy coming in to work to do the best job you possibly can. And then reiterate how much you look forward to continuing to learn over the years to come. Gestures are always nice but sometimes we forget the power of the spoken word.

Just as a side note: I actually did the same thing not too long ago with one of the surgeons I work with. I'm not an NP, a staff nurse but this surgeon has always taken the time to answer questions, reinforce points when needed and has always been open to suggestion. When the time was right, I asked for a moment of his time. I then told him how much I appreciated all he has done, that I felt his teaching/mentoring had really helped me improve the care I delivered to his patients and that it meant a lot to me professionally and personally. He really seemed floored...he was actually speechless for a few minutes. I honestly have to wonder if like us, docs hear more about the negatives than the positives sometimes and that a kind a word can go a long way.

Anyway, just some of my thoughts. Congratulations on your 6 month anniversary.

[tvccrn, ASN, RN]

1 year mark sounds more appropriate. 6 months sounds too soon

Why is it too soon? It's a card to tell them thank you.

I think that there isn't a set time frame to tell someone that you appreciate what they have done for you. if there is then I'm guilty saying it too soon many, many times.

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

If you are waiting at a "mark"...why? Just do what you feel is right. However, I wouldn't target a specific person. Make it an overall thing for everyone around you, including the unlicensed personnel, especially since they also make your life easier.

If you do have a specific person, make sure you tell him/ her by him/herself, and make it a small, personal gift.

Don't go overboard to make the situation awkward. Something small, and probably medically related. Those are the best kind.