It’s your last day as a clinical student. You leave with a heavy heart because you have grown to love your preceptor and the program. Your time together has been fruitful, and you look forward to continuing your relationship after graduation.
But before saying goodbye, it’s only proper to thank your clinical instructor for their support, guidance and mentorship over the past few months. Thank you notes are perfect for conveying your gratitude for their support, so read on for tips on writing thank you notes after a clinical program.
What’s a Clinical Preceptor?
A preceptor is a health care professional who mentors a clinical student by providing guidance, instructions, and feedback while they are observing and participating in a clinical environment. Your preceptor can be any type of health care professional including physicians, nurses, and social workers.
In fact, your preceptor could be a physician who isn’t officially part of your clinical program, but has graciously volunteered to help you become a more knowledgeable health care professional. After a clinical program, it’s common for students to send a thank you note to their preceptor to show gratitude for their support.
3 Sample Thank You Notes for Your Clinical Preceptor
Informal Thank You Note
Dear preceptor,
Thank you so much for taking the time to help me out during my clinical rotation. I really appreciate all the help and guidance you’ve provided. You’ve been a great mentor and I’ve learned a lot from you.
I want to thank you for your patience and for taking the time to answer all my questions. I know I can be a bit of a handful sometimes, but I really appreciate all your help. I’m grateful to have had you as my preceptor and I’ve enjoyed our time working together.
Thanks again,
[Your name]
Formal Thank You Note
Dear preceptor,
Thank you so much for taking the time to precept me during my clinical rotation. I have learned so much from you and I am truly grateful for your guidance and support. I truly appreciate all that you have done for me and I will always remember the valuable lessons that I have learned from you.
You have helped me to improve my skills and have been a great source of guidance and support. You have encouraged me and helped me to grow as a healthcare professional. Thank you for your dedication to improving my skills and for your support during my clinical rotations. Thank you, clinical preceptor, for everything!
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Fun and Creative Thank You Note
Dear preceptor,
Thank you so much for being an amazing clinical preceptor! You have truly been a huge help in my journey to becoming a great nurse. Thank you for your time, patience, and knowledge. I have learned so much from you and I am truly grateful.
You have helped me to grow as a nurse and I cannot thank you enough. I will always remember the lessons you have taught me and I will never forget the difference you have made in my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
[Your name]
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Why Write a Thank You Note After Clinical Programs?
After completing a clinical program, you may be tempted to forget about the people who helped you along the way. A clinical preceptor is someone who can have a lasting impact on your career, so it’s important to keep the lines of communication open. One of the best ways to maintain contact with your preceptor after graduation is by writing a thank you note.
A thank you note is a thoughtful way of keeping your preceptor in the loop while also showing appreciation for their guidance and mentorship. Moreover, a thank you note is a great way to stay top-of-mind with your preceptor. Your preceptor may be inundated with student emails and communication requests, and they may have forgotten about you as time passes. A thank you note is a helpful reminder of your continued appreciation after graduation.
Tips for Writing Thank You Notes After Clinical Programs
When writing thank you notes after clinical programs, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, you want to make sure your thank you note is timely. While you can send a thank you note any day of the year, it’s always best to send thank you notes as soon as possible after a person has helped you. Although there’s no wrong time to send a thank you note, a prompt thank you note shows appreciation for your preceptor’s support as soon as possible.
Second, you want to make sure your thank you note is personalized. A clinical preceptor has likely helped many students, so you want to make your note stand out. You can do this by mentioning specific events or moments you’ve had with your preceptor. You can also include advice or feedback you have received from your preceptor.
Finally, make sure your thank you note is legible and error-free. You don’t want a bad grade on your thank you note.
Conclusion
Now that you know what a clinical preceptor is and why you should write a thank you note after clinical programs, looked at three sample thank you notes you can use as inspiration to write your own note.
The first thank you note is an informal note that would be perfect for a preceptor who is a friend outside of work.
The second thank you note is a formal note that can be used when writing to a preceptor you adore at work.
The third thank you note is a fun and creative note that can be used for any preceptor you want to acknowledge for their support.