NG preceptors - thank you gifts?

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

I just came off a twelve week new grad orientation on my unit. During that time, I had three preceptors. I have thank you cards with (obviously!) personalized messages for all three. But was wondering if a small gift might also be appropriate? (Like a $10 giftcard to Starbucks small.) Or is that too much? I oriented with two preceptors on days before I switched to night shift, which I actually work. My other thought was to just bring in bagels for both day and night shift at some point.

Any other past-preceptors have any thoughts? New grads? I actually did a similar "orientation" with my capstone, but did the whole 320 hours with one preceptor so I felt more secure in getting her something.

[dudette10, MSN, RN]

I gave a modest hospital cafeteria gift card with a sincerely-written thank you card to each preceptor I was with more than five days. In these situations, I think it really is the thought that counts, not the monetary value of the gift. They need and want to know they are appreciated, especially if they don't get paid extra for taking on the responsibility of a new grad.

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

One of my preceptors was pretty hot, but a little too short for my tastes...but not short like that!!

dudette - you're right. :> That was my line of thinking, too. Now to work on the cards without sounding too cheesy, sigh.

[OCNRN63, RN]

I gave a modest hospital cafeteria gift card with a sincerely-written thank you card to each preceptor I was with more than five days. In these situations, I think it really is the thought that counts, not the monetary value of the gift. They need and want to know they are appreciated, especially if they don't get paid extra for taking on the responsibility of a new grad.

Make a copy of the card and give it to the nurse manager. Make sure your preceptor's boss knows how much you appreciated her.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

agree c ocnrn63. in this day and age of every-crank-must-have-his-say, positive strokes are few and far between. i can guarantee you that a small token that can be put up in the locker or on the mirror at home, accompanied by a personalized card with an example of why your preceptor's help was so appreciated, will be looked at fondly from time to time (especially on bad days). a copy, with specifics, to hr and management will be well-received. it also reflects well on management that their staff is so good to students. and hey, hr might see your app come across the desk someday and remember what a well-bred young person you are. can't hurt.

[AnonRNC]

I frequently precept - and I was "brought up" as a nurse when gifts of monetary value were forbidden. Therefore, I am uncomfortable when a student/new grad gives me a gift card or such. On the other hand, I had one student who gave me a bottle of my favorite soda pop & a magazine relevant to an out-of-work project I was working on at the time. I felt her gift demonstrated her attention to detail, was really thoughtful, and couldn't have been for anyone but me - that made me feel special.

I realize you've already got a "plan," but for those others who are reading: A sincere thank you note - with SPECIFIC praise...and a copy to the manager - is lovely. IF you with to purchase a gift, buy food for the whole unit....especially if you are a new hire/grad, as the rest of the unit will have to put up with your newbie mistakes for a while.

Good luck as you move forward off of orientation. It will be frightening and empowering all at once.

[LemonIndiscretion]

I hate to admit this...and I know this is going to sound ridiculous, but last year I gave this wonderful nurse at one of my clinical sites a bracelet I was wearing, which I had made the night before. It had turquiose and a little silver elephant on it, it seemed like she loved it. I think everyone wants to feel appreciated and I will never forget her.