A good preceptor can shape your whole nursing career. At the end of your placement or orientation, a heartfelt thank you is the best way to show them it mattered.
Imagine your last shift with the preceptor who caught your first drug error, talked you through your first death and told you that you were going to be a great nurse. You want to say thank you properly.
Short thank-you messages
- Thank you for your patience, your teaching and your belief in me.
- I learned more from you in these weeks than from any textbook.
- Thank you for letting me make mistakes safely and grow from them.
- You showed me what kind of nurse I want to be.
- Thank you for every question you answered, even the silly ones.
From a student nurse
- Thank you for making me feel part of the team, not just a student.
- My placement with you was the turning point in my training. Thank you.
- You gave me confidence I did not know I had.
From a new graduate after orientation
- You helped me survive my first months as a nurse. I will pay it forward.
- Thank you for being my safety net while I found my feet.
- I am a safer, better nurse because of you.
Small thank-you gift ideas
- A handwritten card
- Good pens or a pocket notebook
- Coffee shop voucher
- Snacks for the staff room
- Nominating them for a team or hospital award
Frequently asked questions
Is it okay to give a gift?
Check your organisation’s gifts policy. A card is always welcome.
When should I say thank you?
On your last shift together, or soon after your placement or orientation ends.
But they were just doing their job
Precepting is often extra work on top of a full patient load. A thank you tells them their effort was noticed.
Your next step: Write your thank-you card before your final shift together, and mention one specific moment that helped you.
Related: What the nurse preceptor role involves
Sources: Original messages written by Nursing Media Network.
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