Thankful for Preceptors! How to Write "Thank-You" Notes

Today, I want to express my gratitude for nursing preceptors. Preceptors are often volunteers who give generously of their professional nursing skills, time, and talent. We need these preceptors. Our relationships are important. They are vital to the success of nursing education. Many schools are creative in the way that they reward preceptors. Some give money, continuing education credits, library access, or other perks. However at the most fundamental level, I believe that all preceptors deserve a thoughtful, well-written "Thank-You" Note from students and faculty after every clinical rotation.

The purpose of this blog is to outline the how-to of writing professional "Thank-You" Notes.

That seems ridiculously simple. Anyone can write a "Thank-You"Note. Well, until this week I may have agreed with you. Then, I was presented with some examples of notes that students had written to their preceptors after a clinical rotation. It became clear that we need to have this conversation, and provide some guidance. Nursing students need these soft-skills and lessons in leadership. The "Thank-You"Note is an act of civility and a gesture of gratitude.

Let's Begin --

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies.

I keep packages of notes in my desk at home and school. For school notes, you can often find university specific cards in the bookstore to add a focused touch.

Step 2: Be Thoughtful and Specific.

Be clear about what you are expressing gratitude for and try to give a specific example(s).

Step 3: Write Legibly & Be Professional.

Ensure that you write legibly and with complete sentences. The note is not a text message. For professional notes, I would recommend against use of drawings and/or slang phrases.

Make sure to include a date, greeting, the body of the note, closing phrase, and your name.

Step 4: Address the Envelope Properly.

It is appropriate to hand-deliver the "Thank-You" Note. If the note is mailed, make sure to address the envelope properly.

(I assume this is still taught in primary school, but just incase.)

Of course there are lots of reasons to write a note. To say congratulations, good-byes, or to simply offer a compliment. There is power in the boost to mood these notes give. I keep all of my notes from students and colleagues in my desk. It lifts my spirits to read them when I am having a hard day (some pictured in photo above). To read more about the psychological benefits, see the additional links to the blog below.

To refocus, our nursing preceptors deserve acknowledgement for their work. Use of "Thank-You" Notes can strengthen relationships, improve the psyche of both parties, and demonstrate civility and gratitude. How do you show thanks to your preceptors?

Send me an email at: dnpmollyb@gmail.com.

To learn more about me and my projects, please visit my website dnpmollyb.org.

Molly J. Bradshaw DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, WHNP-BC

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Dr. Bradshaw is an Associate Professor and DNP Program Coordinator at Eastern Kentucky University. She is a practicing nurse practitioner at First Choice Immediate Care, in Columbia, KY. DNPmollyB, LLC is dedicated to helping others be successful by sharing knowledge and experience.

References & More Reading:

American Nurses Association. (2015). Incivility, Bullying, and Workplace Violence: A Position Statement. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/official-position-statements/id/incivility-bullying-and-workplace-violence/

Montgomery, K. (2016). The Power of Saying, 'Thank You.' https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-power-of-thank-you_b_8557810