Thank you note to preceptor after orientation?

[HappyNurse2005]

I'm on my last day of dayshift orientation tomorrow, before going to nights. I want to give my day preceptor a thank you note for everything she's done. Is this an okay thing, or would it be considered a little overbearing (or weird?)

[Agent99]

Definitely write a nice card. I precept a lot, and it is hard work. I always feel good when I get a card. I've gotten some nice presents too, but that is not necessary.

I've only had one orientee that didn't say so much as Thank You, but she is a miserable person anyway.

[suzy253, RN]

I had a wonderful preceptor. I thanked him by taking him out for a couple of beers.

[rn/writer, RN]

When I finished a nursing refresher course clinical, I made up a gift bag that had a couple of interesting mugs, some packets of flavored coffees (my preceptor really liked her coffee), and some Dove chocolates. I also wrote out a card that thanked my preceptor for her patience, her unflappable attitude, and the wisdom and skill she demonstrated. At the end of the note, I wrote that I hoped I would someday have the opportunity to mentor someone else and would pay forward the kindness she had shown me. She was genuinely touched.

I also brought in treats to share with the entire PM staff. Many of them had shown me different procedures or just given me a word of encouragent along the way.

Of course, I was leaving this unit and that isn't the usual situation when you have a preceptor. Still, it's an odd duck who doesn't like to be shown a bit of gratitude and appreciation.

True kindness rarely goes amiss.