Nursing is a lifestyle … it’s so much more than a job. Nurses are inducted into a secret society … bound by a lifetime pact to save lives.
So, here is the ultimate list of gifts for nurses and nursing students.
We thrive on our secret language, killer sense of humor . . . and an unpredictable sleep schedule. And pots of coffee, lots of coffee.
Nurses are a rare breed with unique needs. I figured it’d be great to compile a gigantic list of best nursing student gifts ideas. I hope these ideas will help you make life easier for the budding nurse in your life.
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They need your help to crack the code and join the coveted ranks of RN.
The best gifts for nurses are in four categories (in order):
TOOLS: Nursing tools best gift ideas
ScrubCheats
It’s no secret that nurses are a fountain of knowledge. Nurses read, memorize, and understand a gazillion pages of medical information.
And that takes time and practice. Gifting a nurse or a nursing student scrubcheat is a great way to ease this burden. Not only does a scrubcheat make a fun study companion … but it also helps nurses remain sharp and knowledgeable. Makes a great Christmas or Graduation gift.
Pros
- An extensive deck with 56 cards
- Features latest medical information
- Made from durable, high-quality material
Cons
- It’s a tad bulky
The Complete Nursing School Package
It's the whole kit and caboodle, featuring a Lifetime Membership to NURSING.com, the indispensable Scrubcheats, and a splendid collection of seven top-notch softcover books.
But wait, there's more! Like the Happy Nursing backpack, the "You Can Do This" mug, and a stylish NURSING.com t-shirt. This is the ultimate package.
Pros
- Everything you need to get through nursing school
- Full collection of books
- Fun accessories as well as study tools
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IV Practice Arm Training Kit
Handling patients is a delicate task … it needs finesses, skills, and confidence. Student nurses need to practice and refine their craft into an art form to excel in their careers.
An IV practice arm training kits are the perfect gift for a student nurse. It allows them to polish and perfect the ability to hook up an IV to a patient’s arm.
Gifting a student nurse this kit demonstrates utmost care and support.
Pros
- It has a realistic feel
- Wearable design
- Hardwearing for extended usage
- Ships with all supplies
Cons
- Can’t handle heavy usage
Nursing Bag
Nurses tend to lug around a lot of stuff … they often shuffle between home, work, and school. From scrubs to shoes to notebooks to their tool of trades … they need a practical carrying solution.
Backpacks are great …. but nursing bags are better. They’re both practical and stylish, and tailored to a nurse’s specific needs.
Nursing bags are thoughtful gifts for nurses because they accommodate everything, they need heading out the door … from cellphone to coffee to go.
Pros
- Cool and stylish tote bag
- Doubles as an insulated lunch bag
- It comes with a stainless tumbler
- Made from quality durable materials
Cons
- Limited color options
Portable Pulse Oximetry
Techy and nerdy … we understand why you might hesitate to consider an Oximeter. But is promise you … a personal pulse ox is one of the best gifts for nurses.
Nurses take patients’ oxygen readings almost every four hours … every hour in the HDU and ICU setting. Having a portable pulse ox handy saves them time.
Patients are happier if you don’t keep them waiting … and it saves you an extra trip.
Pros
- One-size fits all
- Accurate and detailed readings
- Large display screen
- Remarkable battery life
- Ultralightweight
Cons
- Silicone cover tends to slip off
CAVN Pen Light with Pupil Gauge
Nurses go the extra mile for their patients … including trying to light out their world. But shining a light into someone’s eyes can be a tricky undertaking … unless you have the right penlight.
You don’t want one that shines too bright and startles the patient. Or one that quits on you after a few uses.
The best penlights find the right balance … they are classy, professional, and extremely durable.
Pros
- A perfectly balanced light beam
- Ships with batteries
- It uses a bulb instead of an LED
- Sturdy with long battery life
Cons
- Requires a little more effort to turn off
ADC Stethoscope
Let’s face it … a stethoscope commands respect on the hospital floor. You come off as a savvy professional … ready to save lives. You should, no, you must always keep one on you.
A reliable stethoscope will not only serve you for a long time … while constantly saving the day.
Pros
- Superior acoustics for seamless performance
- Compact, durable, and comfortable
- Includes accessories
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- It might be a tad heavier
BOVKE Stethoscope Holster
Nurses are tidy, organized … and short on time. You need to keep your precious tools handy … and safe.
You simply can’t have your expensive stethoscope rupturing prematurely. Or worrying over misplaced pens, thermometers, or scissors.
This stethoscope case eliminates this headache quickly … and stylishly.
Pros
- Classy, stylish, and spacious
- Pressure and shockproof
- Dust, water, and scratch-resistant
Cons
- It’s not a hard case
Uni-ball Retractable Pens
Nurses thrive on keeping accurate records … in a chaotic environment. An ordinary pen simply won’t do.
Retractable pens, preferably with pressurized, quick-drying ink, make you a superhero. You can write on wet paper from some impossible angles.
Pros
- Light, textured rubber grip
- Waterproof for seamless charting
- Retractable and smudge-free
- Fine point
Cons
- It lacks a lanyard hole
Spill-proof Coffee Mug
Nurses run around … a lot. Sometimes it feels like running a marathon. Hence, they need to stay hydrated. A spill-proof tumbler or coffee mug will do the trick.
A nurse can have their hot coffee on the go – minus the spilling or scalding hazard. Or keep their favorite beverage cold and refreshing … for hours of delicious sipping.
Pros
- Made from stainless steel
- Keeps drinks hot for 5 hours
- Keeps drinks cold for 12 hours
- One-hand grip
- Spill-proof
Cons
- It might be hard to clean
EKG Calipers
Nurses heart their patients. Corny but true… they regularly monitor heartbeats to detect anomalies. EKG calipers is a thoughtful gift for a nurse as it sharpens the ability to read and interpret charts.
Reading and interpreting EKG can be scary and overwhelming. It takes lots of practice to build the skills and confidence. Get this for a student nurse, and they’ll treasure it forever.
Pros
- Strong and sturdy
- Tight and doesn’t move around
- It comes with 3 ECG cheat sheets
- It comes with a plastic safety case
Cons
- The cards are small
Trauma Shears
Nurses are handy with scissors … they must be when attending to medical emergencies. ER nurses use trauma shears to cut away clothing from trauma patients … sometimes, they must slay stubborn EMS straps to rescue a patient.
A good pair of trauma shears make quick work of any clothing item to spare a nurses’ hands.
Pros
- Made from premium stainless steel
- Serrated blade with a razor-sharp edge
- Nonslip handle with contoured grip
- Rounded tipped to enhanced safety
Cons
- They might feel a bit light
Fashion: Best Clothing Gifts for Nursing Students
Compression Socks
Nurses spend a good chunk of their day on their feet. That gives our legs a quick workout … it’s not unusual for a nurse to walk over 7 miles in a 12-hour shift.
Compression socks are both functional and stylish. They help nurses keep their feet happy and healthy… and come in various styles and colors.
Pros
- Improves blood circulation in the legs
- Comfy and long-lasting
- Prevent cramping, swelling, and fatigue
- Unisex
Cons
- All socks are knee-high
Hand Creams
Nurses were fastidiously washing their hands long before the pandemic made it a staple … and will continue after it’s long gone. But hospitals use harsh soaps and detergents … rightly so because pesky germs aren’t welcome.
Gifting a nurse or student nurse a gentle cream helps heal, repair, and relieve their skin. It shows a deep appreciation for what the nurses endure to keep safe and sanitary.
Pros
- Repairs cracked skin
- Boost moisture levels and retention
- Delivers fast results
- Specially crafted for the working hands
Cons
- Only available in small tubes
Registered Nurse Pendant
Going through nursing school takes plenty of effort … and then some. Nurses must earn their stripes to wear these beautiful pendants.
Wearing this pendant tells all and sundry that one prides in their calling as a nurse. We’re proud to help patients regain their health and improve their quality of life.
Pros
- Made from sterling silver
- Lightweight and compact
- Classy and beautifully designed
- High-quality jewelry
Cons
- Larger than standard pendants
Comfy Nursing Scrubs
Yeah, I’ll say it … it feels nice to rock scrubs to work. They’re nice, comfy, and loose … but only if you pick the best. Nice fitting scrubs are a lifesaver.
Breathable, moisture-wicking, and easy to launder are among the best gifts for a nurse. It keeps a nurse as they respond to all manners of emergencies.
Pros
- Available in multiple colors
- Multiple pockets
- Great quality fabric
- A complete set
Cons
- Measurements vary
Nurses Watch
Ordinarily, timepieces are fashionable … but to a nurse, a watch is a tool of the trade. We need a reliable way to tell the time … we can’t afford to take chances when taking vital readings.
But not all watches make a nice gift for nurses. We prefer one that’s easy to clip on our scrub and easy to sanitize … gotta keep away the pesky germs.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Easy to clean and sanitize
- Easily attaches to a pocket or stethoscope
- Can glow in the dark
Cons
- The clip could be sturdier
Nursing T-shirt
Nurses are essential … there, I said it. We help save lives, recover from life-threatening injuries, and chronic diseases. In a nutshell … we matter.
So, it’s only fair that we take pride in our careers and let the entire world know we love our jobs … without getting in your face.
A proud nursing t-shirt is an excellent present for a nurse or a graduation gift.
Pros
- Made from lightweight, durable fabric
- High-quality printing inks and graphics
- Soft and comfortable
- Environmental-friendly
Cons
- Limited designs
Books: BestGifts That Nourish A Nurse’s Mind
Comprehensive NCLEX Review Book 3rd Edition
Finally a comprehensive NCLEX® review book is clear and concise, so you can walk into the NCLEX® feeling prepared and confident.
Unlike other NCLEX review books, the NURSING.com comprehensive review book is unique. It is written and published by a team of 25 practicing nurses who specialize in . . . and are ACTUALLY working on the floor in their specialty area.
Pros
- Color coordinated pages
- Brimming with helpful practice questions
- Improves critical thinking and reasoning
- Easy to ready
N is for Nurse
Sometimes nurses a fun and colorful reminder … why nursing is a calling more than a career. This classic picture book captures the essence of being a nurse in a fun and exciting manner.
It carries a powerful message about what being a nurse entails … it’s a must-have for every nurse.
Pros
- Highlights the core values of being a nurse
- Full-color picture books
- Available in different formats
- Authored by a Registered Nurse
Cons
- It’s only 60 pages
Nursing Mnemonics
There’s no denying it … nurses are avid, voracious readers. But there’s a ton of materials to read and memorize in nursing schools.
And we need to keep these concepts at our fingertips and rattle them at the top of our heads. This book is the perfect gift for a budding nurse … it takes away the chore from reading.
Mnemonics is just what the doctor ordered … when you need to breeze through nursing school and graduate in the top percentile.
Pros
- Customized Mnemonics for nurses
- Geared towards NCLEX-RN exam
- 100+ memory tricks
- Improves learning speed and retention
Cons
- Could a better editorial standard
The Joy of Nursing
It’s worth repeating … nursing is a calling, not a career. This beautifully written memoir gives a detailed account of what it takes to be a nurse.
Juliana Adam shares her experiences as a nurse … that run the gamut … from heart soaring to heart-wrenching. It’s the eye-opener that a fledgling nurse needs to temper expectations. Or a seasoned veteran needs to reconnect with their calling.
Pros
- A gripping and compelling story
- Based on true events
- Fun and easy to read
- Deep and insightful
Cons
- Could use higher editorial standards
140 Must Know Meds
Pharmacology is a critical part of a nurses’ toolkit. But most books … yawn … read like Wikipedia. They make you work for all information … instead of presenting it quickly and simply.
Jon Haws, a CCRN Alumnus, cuts the clutter and clears the noise in this book. With the help of this book, any nurse will breeze through the medications and pharmacology part of the NCLEX test plan.
Pros
- Concise and well written
- Detailed and useful information
- Easy to ready
- A quick guide
Cons
- Could use better editorial standards
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers
I will skip right over the double entendre … and point out that no better book explores the subjects of human cadavers with this degree of hilarity.
Aptly named funniest and most unusual book by Entertainment Weekly, this book dulls the edge of working with cadavers. It explores their … good deeds … over the centuries with a sidesplitting but educational lens.
Pros
- Funny and humorous
- Highly educational
- Well-researched
- It makes light of an otherwise dull subject
Cons
- A difficult read for some
The ICU Book
Working with ICU patients requires skills, advanced knowledge, and expertise. This book packs all the information a nurse needs to kick ass in intensive care units.
It’s a valuable gift for nurses at all stages … seasoned veterans, and beginner nurses.
Pros
- Authored by a medical practitioner
- Detailed and informative
- Explores medical and surgical facets of critical care
- Contains best practices
Cons
- Pricey
Fun: Silly Nursing Gifts
Prescription Coffee Mug
Nurses may not write prescriptions for patients, but you may very well prescribe yourself a cup of Joe. This large prescription ceramic mug is what … erm … the nurse ordered.
Pros
- Made from high-quality ceramic
- Humorous message
- Attention-grabbing
Cons
- Handwash only
I Will Stab You
We can legally stab you … with a syringe, of course. And we take pride in it but only because it’s good for your health.
Pros
- Humorous gift item
- Large carrying capacity
- Durable
- Water-resistant
Cons
- The tote bag is unzippered
Nurse Buttons
We could use a chuckle every now and then … especially when reaching into the fridge after pulling a long shift. Magnets are a fun and functional gift to a nurse.
Pros
- It comes with fun sayings
- Practical and useful
- A set of four buttons
What Do You Meme? Nurses Edition
We are a fun bunch … our sense of humor is different but trust me, we are humorous. And we love memes that we can relate to every day.
Pros
- Fun and humorous gift
- Great way to bond with family
- A perfect way to unwind
- 300+ cards
Cons
- Pictures could be better
Shot Glasses
Not to brag but nurses down shots bought with money made from wait for it … saving lives. These shot glasses make a great souvenir.
Pros
- Fun and practical gift
- Holds two ounces
- Dishwasher safe
- Durable branding
Unbreakable Wine Tumbler
A little wine is always welcome as we soak in the tub or catch up on light reading. Unbreakable wine tumbler? Yaay, we’ll treasure it forever.
Pros
- Fun and thoughtful gift
- Durable and cute
- Practical and functional
- Thoughtful accessories
Conclusion
And there it is … a solid list of ideas for best gifts for nurses and nursing students.
Nurses can be hard to crack, but any pick from this thoughtful list will do the trick.
