Since nursing is such a tough profession, RNs tend to bond with one another while working at hospitals, clinics and other facilities. If you work as a nurse, you have probably already made friendships that will last a lifetime. However, you may be stumped about what to give your nursing friends for their birthdays, holidays and other occasions.
If you are stumped about what to get your nursing colleagues for various occasions, this list of 12 popular gifts for nurses is sure to help.
1. Stethoscope
Sure, it may not be very glamorous. However, it's a tool that nurses rely on throughout their shifts, so it's sure to be well-received. Whether the recipient is just starting out as a nurse or has been in the profession for some time, they are sure to be thrilled by this thoughtful gift. Even if they already have one, having a backup is great.
2. Two-Hand Watch
One of the most difficult things about being a nurse is staying organized and punctual. While most people have ditched wristwatches for smartphones, nurses can't carry around such devices during their shifts. Bestowing your nurse friend with a beautiful two-hand watch is a great idea. From monitoring patients' vital signs to keeping precise track of time for various duties, a well-designed watch is a thoughtful gift idea for any RN.
3. Professional Nursing Shoes
Nurses are usually on their feet throughout almost their entire 12-hour shifts, so it comes as no surprise that comfortable shoes are an absolute must. Curiously, many nurses don't bother to treat themselves to truly high-quality nursing shoes, so why not get some for your nurse friend? Many shoes are specifically designed with nurses in mind, so you can take your pick from many stylish options.
4. Bag or Backpack
Does your nurse friend struggle to remember to bring the right things to work with her? Does it seem like she's perpetually unorganized? If so, she could probably use a decent bag or backpack. There are many bags that are actually designed for nurses, but any decent travel backpack or bag will do. Choose something that has a lot of pockets and compartments for optimal organization.
5. Amazon Gift Card
If it seems like your nurse friend already has everything they need, why not give them a gift card for Amazon? Odds are that they have at least a few items that they would like to buy but haven't been willing to spend the money on. You can buy practically anything on Amazon, so this is a very thoughtful idea for any busy nurse.
6. eBook Reader
It is important for busy nurses to make the most of their breaks and of any lulls during their days. Escaping into a great book is always good, but lugging books to and from work isn't very practical. With an eBook reader like a Kindle, your nurse friend will have easy access to a practically unlimited supply of books. These devices are more streamlined and lightweight than ever too.
7. Reference Cards
Pocket-sized, laminated reference cards for nurses are readily available online. These make great gifts for new nurses especially, as they provide a variety of crucial information at a glance. The best ones are color coded by category and are designed to fit easily into the pockets of a pair of scrubs.
8. Nursing Clipboard
Every hard-working nurse deserves a well-designed nursing clipboard. The best ones fold open to reveal small storage areas where you can keep pens, scissors and other supplies. The market is flooded with clipboards that are specifically designed for RNs, so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding something. Look for one that has nursing reference materials printed right on it so they can get the information that they need quickly.
9. Compression Stockings
Being on your feet all day can take a major toll on the body. The legs, in particular, can become susceptible to varicose veins and other problems. Nurses are all too familiar with this issue, which is why so many of them use compression stockings. Thankfully, it is easy to find compression stockings that ward off fatigue and varicose veins but that are also stylish.
10. Pocket Organizer
Nurses keep all kinds of things in their pockets. Scrub pockets are large and deep, however, so stuff tends to get lost in the shuffle. Help your nurse friend out by giving her a pocket organizer. You can easily find pocket organizers that are designed to fit perfectly in scrub pockets. Look for one that is made out of strong nylon or another durable material. Some include various tools as well, which is a nice bonus.
11. Nursing Books
Regardless of where they are at in their nursing career, nurses can always benefit from studying up in their free time. Buy your friend something like the "New Nurse's Survival Guide" by Genevieve E. Chandler if they are a newbie. They will love reading about others' experiences and will appreciate getting a head's up about various aspects of nursing.
12. Spa Gift Card
As busy as they are caring for others, nurses often forget all about caring for themselves. Many simply won't take the time to relax and rejuvenate themselves, so giving them a gift card for a local spa is always a great idea. Your nurse friend will appreciate having an excuse to be pampered for a little while, and it will help them return to the job feeling refreshed and ready to go.
There's nothing quite like surprising a good friend with a thoughtful gift. If you work as a nurse and have good nursing friends, you can brighten up their day by giving them one of the above gifts, so find the perfect thing and surprise your friend today.
