thank you gift for preceptor and the unit?

[nooneelse]

New grad here.. =] I am hired for night shift, but currently orienting on the Day. Next Saturday will be my last day before switching to nights. I will be orienting one more week at night and will be on my own.

So I'm thinking what should I get for my preceptor and if I should get something for the unit?

For my preceptor,

Definitely a thank you card, but I am not sure if he feels comfortable receiving a gift or gift card (though he really deserves it!). Last time I brought him some moon cake for the Chinese holiday (he's Asian) and he almost refused it until I made sure it's home made and didn't spend money on it.

We don't have the best preceptor-preceptee relationship.. nothing bad, but it's one of those.. he's assigned to me so he's been doing his job & his best to teach me.. that's it. The only thing I find out that he like is to drink coffee. He likes starbucks. But should I get a gift card? or, I know one specific type of coffee he likes from the hospital cafeteria.. I was thinking to buy him a cup of coffee Saturday morning. Because he always make coffee in the break room in the morning, if he doesn't buy it.

For the unit -

1. What should I bring?

2. Ideas for what to say on the thank you note? The day shift staff have been so helpful and supportive; and there is a chance I might be able to switch to day in the near future.. just maybe . I know I will be asking lots of questions and needing their help in the future.. I want to say something more than just "Thank you 4E nurses for all your help!" - something lighthearted that brings a smile when people read it, but also show my sincere thanks!

3. Should I specify "thank you 4E day nurses?" would that seem weird for the night shift nurses? and at the end of my 1 week orientation at night.. should I bring something again for night?

[SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS]

There's no need to thank anybody specifically. Bringing treats your last day of orientation- to celebrate- would be nice. The best thank you is to be a helpful co-worker and strong team member.

[LaceyRN12]

That's a great idea! I didn't think of that. I think a simple thank you card and a big cake or a package of cookies would be great. I noticed that nurses love food.