We all know an exceptional nurse, one whose love for their job is only outshined by their love for their patients. Out of thousands of medical professionals in Australia, nurses are often under-appreciated and overlooked.
If you’re looking for gift ideas for your favorite nurse, we’re here to help. We’ve rounded up a list of the best gifts for nurses. Whether you’re looking to treat a graduating nursing student, a retiring nurse manager, or the nurse who just tended your bedside after a surgery, we’ve got you covered.
Gifts for Appreciation
Sometimes, a simple thank you card doesn’t feel like enough to convey your feelings after a nurse has touched your life. These tokens of appreciation can help tell the nurse in your life that you are grateful for them and the work they do.
Coffee mugs
What nurse doesn’t love coffee? From long shifts to early wake-ups, nurses are constantly on the go. A coffee mug is a great way to tell a nurse that you see their struggle and you want to help.
We recommend going with something easy to carry and portable. A nice travel mug can hold the fuel that will get a nurse going for a long day on the floor.
Water bottles
As much as nurses might love coffee, they also need plenty of water to stay hydrated during long shifts. You might consider grabbing a nice water bottle for your nurse to send the message that you care about their health.
These days, there is no shortage of options when it comes to water bottles. You can’t go wrong with an insulated bottle that can keep their water ice cold all day long.
Foot massager
If we know one thing about nurses, it’s that they’re on their feet – a lot. When you spend as much time on your feet as nurses do, it’s important to take excellent care of your feet to keep them ready for anything.
A foot massager can be a fantastic way to give a nurse the gift of self-care. There are fancier options, like electric foot baths with vibrations that help relax the muscles of the feet. Or you can go with a simple foot roller that can work out the kinks that come with constant use.
Practical Gifts for Nurses
Perhaps you would prefer to purchase something practical that the nurse you’re shopping for can use in their day-to-day life. Gifts that can be used on the job are always appreciated, especially because their equipment gets a lot of use.
These options are great for the nurse who might not think to update the same old stuff they’ve been working with their whole career.
Stethoscopes
A stethoscope is a nurse’s best friend. Used dozens of times a day, these gadgets get tons of use by healthcare workers, and grabbing a new one is a great way to show you care. We’ll get into how you can make a stethoscope gift extra special a little later on.
Scrubs
Scrubs can be a perfect gift for the nurse you love. Many nurses go with basic options, but did you know there are tons of scrubs on the market with features that will make any nurse more comfortable at work?
You can choose stylish scrubs for the fashionista nurse, or go with scrubs made from cooling fabric for nurses who work in warmer climates. Since nurses wear scrubs every day, a great set of scrubs is a practical and thoughtful gift.
Compression socks
Okay, we’re probably harping on this…but we really can’t overstate how important it is for nurses to take care of their feet. Compression socks help prevent swelling, which can happen when someone spends a lot of time walking or standing.
If you’re on a budget, compression socks are a great nurse gift that is practical and won’t break your bank.
Personalized and Custom Gifts
Personalized gifts can be a great way to make a nurse feel special. The options are truly endless, but we have a couple of ideas for you.
Engraved stethoscopes
Remember when we mentioned stethoscopes earlier? They make a great gift as they come, but engraved stethoscopes take it to the next level. Adding a nurse’s name or initials to their stethoscope helps set them apart from the countless others that can be found in a healthcare setting.
Monogrammed tote bag
Anyone can get a nursing bag, but have you considered having one customized to show a nurse that you’re paying attention? You can have just about anything put on a bag, from their initials to a photo of their beloved pet.
Tech Gadgets for Nurses
If you have a little more to spend, tech gadgets are an extra cool way to show appreciation to a nurse. These options will give you the best bang for your buck.
Pulse oximeter
Consider grabbing a digital pulse oximeter that nurses can carry in their pockets for easy access and recording of vital signs. Some come with lanyards and even have memory storage, so that’s one less number they have to remember.
Smart watch
From keeping track of steps to timing blood pressure measurements, a smart watch has tons of uses on the wrist of a nurse. These are a little pricier than some other gift options, but could make a great graduation gift if you’re looking for something special for a new nurse.
Gifts for Nursing Students
For students just starting out their nursing education, these gifts can help with organization and focus.
Planners
Staying on top of their courses and clinical assignments can be difficult, so a nice planner that spans at least a full year is a great option for helping nursing students stay on track. It’s easy on the budget, too!
Flash cards
Flash cards are a must for students who have tons of new information to memorize – the human body is complex, and so are those nursing exams.
Pens
Nursing students take notes like their lives depend on it, so a set of pens that write well and last would be a great investment for their education.
Gifts for Celebrations
There’s no shortage of things to celebrate when it comes to a nurse’s career. From graduation to promotions to retirement, there will always be a reason to acknowledge a new accomplishment. These gifts can do just that.
Pins
Nurses often wear pins to showcase their role and qualifications. The pinning ceremony is an important part of becoming a nurse. You can buy specialty pins for your favorite nurse to wear proudly as part of their daily uniform.
Lanyards
It may not seem like much, but a great quality lanyard is the gift that keeps on giving. It can hold a nurse’s ID badge, decorative pins, and help them keep track of things like portable pulse oximeters and pens.
Name Plates
If the nurse you’re shopping for has a desk, you could consider having a personalized name plate made to show visitors who they are and their credentials.
Guidelines Regarding Gift Acceptance
Buying gifts for your friends or family members who are nurses is one thing, but if you’re purchasing a gift for a nurse who treated you or someone you know, it’s important to know the guidelines they have to follow regarding gifts.
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia sets a code of professional conduct for nurses which outlines the circumstances under which nurses can accept gifts. Most modest gifts are okay, but cash is not allowed.
Nurses are allowed to receive “token or inexpensive gifts” as long as they don’t accept them in exchange for anything. In most cases, they’re required to report the gifts they receive from patients.
Conclusion
There are endless ways to show the nurse in your life that you’re thinking about them. The work they do is priceless, but a token of appreciation goes a long way. We hope these gift ideas will set you on the right path to thanking a nurse today!