Is it okay/appropriate to make a home-cooked gift to instructors?

[RevolutioN2013]

I'm taking a CNA class and doing nursing pre-reqs. I always cook for Christmas - baby-sitters, child's teachers, etc. I was going to add my two class instructors to my list, but with all of the discussion about nurses not being allowed to accept gifts I was concerned that I should not do this. Can you all please advise me of the correct protocol in this situation? I was going to make each of them one of those Paula Deen choclate chip pound cakes.

Thank you!

[Lisa, MA]

"What happens at clinicals, stays at clinicals!"

quote]

:rolleyes:

[CJMR]

At my school it is customary to have a potluck on the last day of clinical. If I were you, I would talk to the rest of the students in your clinical and each bring something. Then you can all sign a card to give to the instructor. If the instructor was really good you can include a gift or giftcard that the whole group contributed towards.

If you are the only one that gives your instructor something and you didn't forewarn the other students, they might feel like you made them look like jerks because they didn't think of gifting.

[SCnurse2010]

Each christmas during my program I gave a little baked something to each of the instructors I'd had direct contact (either in clinical or classroom) with that year, although I gave a bigger basket to the one who'd had the most impact. I made sure to do it after grades were posted also. The one instructor who I felt the most supported by and had the most impact on me throughout the entire program got an engraved gift from me the day of graduation. She is still one of my favorite people in the world and I miss her input and energy now that I'm out in the big real world. I think a small gift for an instructor that has helped you out is no problem at all.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Are you sure that the instructors would want to eat baked goods? A lot of people are trying not to over-indulge in sweets, etc. Some are actually trying to lose weight. Some are diabetic or pre-diabetic, etc. Not everyone "advertises" that they are cutting back on sweets: they keep their dietary preferences fairly private. People on any kind of diet often find this time of year VERY stressful because of the well-meaning, but misguided friends and family who sabotage their efforts to stay healthy.

I am pre-diabetic and try to avoid such foods, but will eat a little if it's offered and/or to "join in" a social activity. I find it hard to resist, and wish I didn't encounter such tempting foods over the holidays.

Giving people food that is bad for their health is not as thoughtful a gift as you might think -- unless you know that the particular food item is one that they actually want.

I like the idea of bringing something like that for your whole clinical group on the last day of class ... or a potluck ... or something along those lines. I also like to remind students that if an instructor has done a good job, reward him/her with a nice note (copied to her boss) so that it can support a positive employee evaluation for her. Also say nice things in the course eval. Such a gesture actually helps the instructor instead of possibly hurting her health.

[Katie5]

I'd say it's okay..especially if you can cook too:). They'd love. We used to do potluck Oh what fun.Happy days

[GHGoonette, BSN, RN]

I'm taking a CNA class and doing nursing pre-reqs. I always cook for Christmas - baby-sitters, child's teachers, etc. I was going to add my two class instructors to my list, but with all of the discussion about nurses not being allowed to accept gifts I was concerned that I should not do this. Can you all please advise me of the correct protocol in this situation? I was going to make each of them one of those Paula Deen choclate chip pound cakes.

Thank you!

How do you cook the baby sitters and child's teachers.....? I only ask because we're always looking for different ways to prepare new nurses for the pot...

:sofahider Sorry, couldn't resist it :)

I think you should do a little fishing and find out her preferences first. As previously mentioned, she might have some dietary restrictions which could limit you as to what you can give her. But even if she is diabetic, there are great recipes out there for sugar-free goodies. I even have a recipe for a low-GI, reduced-carb fruit cake lurking somewhere amongst my almost infinite recipe collection.

[AOx1]

I am an instructor and my favorite gifts are always homemade! I had a group make me a canvas bag with a picture of their clinical group on it; they then signed the bag. I love things like that and also framed pictures of the group.

PS- Sincere thank you notes are wonderful. Everyone loves to get one.

I do agree with the comments about it being hard to predict what someone will/won't eat. I am a vegan and did find it a bit funny when a student gave me homemade beef jerky, lol! I don't ever really comment on my eating habits unless someone asks, so the student was not aware and although I wouldn't eat it, I was grateful for the sentiment behind it. My meat-eating husband was thrilled.

[Riseupandnurse]

Guess what! I went out to lunch with my clinical group today (last day of clinical). I bought two plates of appetizers for everyone to share. One of the students brought a bag of Swiss chocolates for us to share. And I got a lovely gift (not too expensive) to display in my office they had all chipped in for PLUS a thank-you card with sentiments from all of them! Just what I wanted most. I worked them hard this semester but I also cut them slack when they were sick or confused and they GOT IT! They understood that I was giving my all to make them the best nurses they can be. Absolutely priceless! They even got the waitress to take a picture of us all together and everyone will get a copy to remember our clinical. This is what makes teaching nursing soooooo worth it! :redpinkhe