It can be a bittersweet moment when a nursing contract comes to an end. On one hand, many folks may be excited for a chance to see what comes next or take some time off. On the other hand, it’s easy to miss the work and the people that made the job so enjoyable along the way.
That’s why, as part of your end-of-contract checklist, you should make it a point to show appreciation to your coworkers with a physical present, card, or other creative gift. Here are some ideas and suggestions that may be just right.
Creative Ways for Travel Nurses to Show Appreciation to Coworkers at the End of Their Contract:
Start With a Thank You Note
First, remember that you don’t necessarily need to go overboard or spend a lot of money to make an impression. Not all nurses will give a parting gift, so any effort will likely be appreciated. Often, even a simple but sincere thank you card will do.
You can buy cards at the store or make your own thank you cards at home. You’ll be surprised at what you can pull off with markers, colored paper, and a pen. If you’re giving a card to the entire staff, it’s best to write each one to the individual recipient so it’s more memorable.
Remember that in addition to being nice, showing appreciation is also a great way to try to stay connected. After all, you never know when the person you worked for in the past can help you in the future or vice versa. So, think about writing something nice on the card. Tell them you appreciate their work and attitude, and mention how you would like to work with them again. Don’t forget to provide your contact information.
Make a donation in someone’s name to make your card extra special. It’s a great way to show you care about them and do something nice for the world. Research the charities your coworker might like so it’s more personal and impactful.
Food and Drink Make Nice Gifts
Gifts involving food and drink are usually well-received as long as you’re sure the recipient enjoys what you get. Try healthy snacks that a busy nurse can eat while on the go. Nuts, dried fruit, and jerky can also provide a boost of energy during future busy shifts.
If you enjoy cooking, look up new healthy snack ideas and make your giftees something delicious. The sky’s the limit to what you can create. A few great dishes include a shrimp and avocado cup, spicy jicama sticks, and parmesan popcorn. Your coworkers will be delighted that you thought of them this way. You could even host a potluck. Have everyone bring in a tasty dish so the whole team can get together and reminisce one last time.
While the gift may not be for everyone, you could choose to give a carefully selected wine. Nursing can be stressful, and some people unwind with a drink after work, so this could be perfect.
However, instead of just giving everyone the same bottle, you should research ahead of time and choose the best wines to gift your coworkers. One way to do so is to consider their food preferences and try to match. For instance, most Riesling wines go well with gourmet cheese. If you’ve never purchased wine before, go with those that are universally enjoyed, such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. If you really want to leave an impression, give a memorable or limited edition wine.
Gifts That Make Life Easier
Perhaps the best gift you can give to show appreciation for a fellow nurse is something that’ll make their life and shifts easier. For instance, a great gift that most nurses will really love is a pair of gel inserts. You can buy them almost anywhere, and they’ll make a world of difference. Just try to get the recipient’s foot size first.
You can also consider gifts to help your coworkers achieve a better work-life balance, like a gift basket full of items that can help them get quality sleep at night. It can include sleep masks, ear plugs, and even a portable white noise machine. Another idea in this vein is a gift certificate for coffee, food delivery, or a yoga class.
Conclusion
It’s a lovely gesture and well worth the effort to show appreciation for a coworker who has been so nice and helpful during your time on the job with a gesture or gift perfect for them. Think about their preferences, your budget, and what would make them happy, and they’ll likely love what you come up with.
We hope you found this article on ways to show your appreciation at the end of your travel nurse contract helpful. Do you show your appreciation at the end of your contracts? What are some ways to show appreciation to those you have worked with? Comment below.
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