Nurses Recommend Gifts To Give (and Not To Give) For Nurses Week

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Have you ever received a nice gift wrapped in a newspaper? As well-intended as the gift may have been, the sentiment is lost in poor packaging.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This often happens during Nurses Week: Administration hands out free pens, and nurses feel less appreciated than if they’d received nothing at all.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To avoid any gift-giving confusion this year, we asked working nurses what gifts make them feel valued. Read on to see what gifts you should buy the nurses in your life — and which ones you should leave on the shelf.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] What Gifts to Give Nurses for Nurses Week[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After more than two years of [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/covid-19-how-its-changing-nursing//”]nurses working hard through the COVID-19 pandemic[/hen-ui-link], a common sentiment among nurses is a desire to focus on their mental health and well-being. Employers can help nurses do this by providing staff with gifts that promote self-care at work and at home.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses share what this looks like to them.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-dark”]Ria’s Whipped Shea Butter[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses’ hands go through A LOT, which is why Marie Davis, CNA, created [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ria-s-Beauty-Collection-Peppermint-Whipped-Shea-Butter/199897422?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=101040891&&adid=22222222227381607644&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=479292672422&wl4=pla-1045072590404&wl5=9011358&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=269656978&wl11=online&wl12=199897422&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAjwiuuRBhBvEiwAFXKaNJgHMUmdvLqHWR0UbMynooEu1WZ_cOPe6B-DIVYbGx87R1Wz8NLyihoCBrwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds” target=”_blank”]Ria’s Whipped Shea Butter[/hen-ui-link] hand lotion. She crafted the whipped shea butter concoction after battling eczema and is sharing her nourishing hand repair with fellow nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The relaxing lotion is available on Amazon, Walmart.com, and Etsy.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-dark”]Hair Tie Hub[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You know that feeling when you’re gearing up for a messy diaper change? You roll your sleeves up, clearing some space to double-glove, when suddenly that hair tie that was once around your wrist has disappeared.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Britney Khuu, CNA, helped create the portable hair tie holder, so nurses no longer have this problem. Check out the [hen-ui-link href=”https://amzn.to/3MBXDiJ” target=”_blank”]Hair Tie Hub[/hen-ui-link] next time you need to buy a gift for a long-haired nurse![/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-dark”]Bonuses, Pay Raises, and PTO[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We spoke to Rakiema Sellars-Pompey, an RN and nursing student working toward her DNP. As a nurse, she wants to see an increase in appreciation for the hard work of nurses beyond pizza parties and other non-useful items.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Put simply, Sellars-Pompey said the appreciation for nurses is lacking. She suggests that the administration provide bonuses, pay raises, and additional paid time off (PTO) as a way to show gratitude to their nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”More than anything, nurses want to be acknowledged and appreciated for their hard work,” she said. “Nurses are the cornerstone of the hospital system, without them, there would be no patient care being conducted.”[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-dark”]Transport Subsidies[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]McCarthy says another way to support nurses is through public programs like transport subsidies. This would help keep the prices down for nurses who rely on public transportation to get to work.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-dark”]Self-Care Gifts[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Managers can help their staff feel supported at home by gifting self-care products for nurses. Giorgio Falcão, BSN, RN, suggests giving nurses aromatherapy products or candles to help relieve the stress of a shift. A bottle of [hen-ui-link href=”https://amzn.to/3OCu1U1″ target=”_blank”]peppermint oil[/hen-ui-link] is an easy gift to hand out to staff. It’s a soothing way to relieve tension headaches during a long shift![/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”Although all gifts are appreciated, less-thoughtful gifts (like pizza for the unit or branded pens) aren’t the most useful to give a nurse for Nurses Week,” Falcão says. “In reality, gifts centered around self-care are the most important, especially in the midst of a global pandemic.”[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-dark”]Skincare Products[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Another way to promote self-care is by finding the right skincare regimen for nurses. You can help nurses take care of their skin by gifting a small bottle of [hen-ui-link href=”https://amzn.to/3MtGg3u” target=”_blank”]toner[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”https://amzn.to/3OF9huN” target=”_blank”]cleanser[/hen-ui-link] this Nurses Week.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-dark”]Massage or Facial Gift Cards[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re feeling generous this year, consider giving your nurse(s) a spa gift card. Remember, self-care isn’t self-indulgent. Treatments like facials and massages help release toxins from the body and relieve tense muscles from the physical nature of the job.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It’s a productive way for nurses to recharge on their day off and show up for their patients.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-dark”]Chair Massagers[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If spa gift cards aren’t in your budget, consider giving a [hen-ui-link href=”https://amzn.to/3rQeJl2″ target=”_blank”]chair massager[/hen-ui-link]. This could even be presented as a unit-wide gift that stays in the break room, allowing nurses to enjoy a quick massage while on break. Sanitizing the chair in between uses will keep it clean and germ-free in the communal space.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-dark”]Gifts That Support Healthy Eating[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Falcão says managers can support nurses’ well-being by helping them make healthy food choices. This may include giving nurses healthy snacks or items that support meal prep.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Managers can also say, “we respect your desire to eat well” by providing gift cards to health food stores or [hen-ui-link href=”https://eatpropergood.com/”]meal kit services[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-dark”]Gift Cards to Uniform Vendors[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Uniform stores are a one-stop shop for nurses to purchase scrubs or supplies like badge reels, calipers, and stethoscopes. If you’re considering gift cards to uniform vendors, check out which companies offer [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/national-nurses-week-discounts/”]special deals and discounts for nurses[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-dark”]Quality Scrubs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospital-supplied scrubs are good for the days when you’re covered in vomit and need a change of clothes. But for the days you want to feel fresh and professional, check out brands like [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.moxiescrubs.com/”]Moxie Scrubs[/hen-ui-link]. They make high-quality scrubs designed by nurses for nurses.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-dark”]Quality Shoes[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]High-quality shoes may be one of the most important purchases a nurse makes. Not only are nurses on their feet for the majority of a shift, but the job may require occasional running![/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re not sure of their shoe size or preference, gift your nurses with gift cards or discount codes to [hen-ui-link href=”https://goclove.com/” target=”_blank”]shoe suppliers[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-dark”]Compression Socks[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When buying [hen-ui-link href=”https://amzn.to/398A2aK” target=”_blank”]compression socks[/hen-ui-link], aim for 15-20 mmHg (the amount of pressure they’ll provide for tired legs). Compression socks are also good gifts for nurses who like to travel internationally. Experts recommend wearing them on long flights to prevent blood clots.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-dark”]New Stethoscope[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://amzn.to/3EOnEbP” target=”_blank”]stethoscope[/hen-ui-link] is a big purchase for nurses, making it such a thoughtful gift. Just be sure to include a name tag, so there aren’t any mix-ups among other nurses or healthcare staff.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-dark”]Nice Quality, Personalized Items[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Speaking of labeling nurses’ belongings, consider personalizing a gift item this year. You can add a nurse’s monogram or name to [hen-ui-link href=”https://amzn.to/3ESGPkB” target=”_blank”]reusable water bottles[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://amzn.to/3KjvyuM” target=”_blank”]coffee mugs[/hen-ui-link], or anything that has the potential to grow legs in the break room.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-dark”]Journals With Nice Pens[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Any nurse in 2022 has something to process. A dream journal or [hen-ui-link href=”https://amzn.to/3rTWz1I” target=”_blank”]gratitude journal[/hen-ui-link] is one way to tell a nurse, “I acknowledge that you are going through something, and I want to help you process it.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pair a journal with a [hen-ui-link href=”https://amzn.to/3KwMRJf” target=”_blank”]fun-to-write-with pen[/hen-ui-link]; nurses will feel seen and heard.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-dark”]Gift Cards to Amazon[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When in doubt, get a nurse a [hen-ui-link href=”https://amzn.to/38tuXcY”]gift card[/hen-ui-link] to the ultimate one-stop online store. This allows nurses to spend money on what they need most, whether it’s nursing gear, groceries, or something for home they’ve been saving up for.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″][hen-ui-icon icon=”x-circle” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] What Gifts to Avoid Giving Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Sometimes giving a poorly planned gift can be worse than giving nothing at all. Here are the gift-giving mistakes nurses warn hospitals from making.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pizza and Ice Cream in the Break Room[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rakiema Sellars-Pompey says break room events like “ice cream socials” or “pizza parties” can make nurses feel belittled.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”We aren’t in grade school,” she says.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Instead of filling the break room with soggy pizza boxes, Sellars-Pompey recommends giving gift cards for “a proper meal instead of unhealthy options.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Freebies Available Only During Working Hours[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During Nurses Week, hospitals often offer events and freebies that are only available during day-shift hours. Half of the staff will miss out when you give away items like a massage that’s only available during the day.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Avoid making that mistake by considering gifts that the entire staff can benefit from.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Unhealthy Snacks[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses shared that they don’t want to receive candy and other empty-calorie food items. If you want to help a nurse feel nourished on the job, provide snacks that will help them fuel up mid-shift, like nuts or protein bars.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Hand Sanitizer, Badge Covers, and Pens[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Basic supplies like these should be available for nurses to use on the unit year-round, not handed out once a year.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Company-Sponsored Items[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Sherry Williams, aka Nurse WOW, says managers should avoid giving out items like lunch boxes, towels, or umbrellas that have the company name on them.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”Nurses would love to be appreciated with a great gift but do not wish to be a walking billboard for the company,” she says, “even if we love the company.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Thank You Postcards With Pictures of Nursing Executives[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It’s bound to happen every year, but overworked nurses receiving a postcard with a photo of their nursing exec is a major morale reducer. Passing these out to staff for Nurses Week will get you met with eye rolls for days.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Meet Our Contributors[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Marie Davis, CNA” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale,c_fill,h_300,w_300,g_face/v1651015077/NurseJournal.org/Headshots/marie-davis.png” img-alt=”Marie Davis, CNA” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.riasbeautycollection.com/” target=”_blank”]Ria’s Beauty Collection[/hen-ui-link] specializes in skincare and hair care products for those that may be experiencing difficulties with skin and hair issues. Ria’s Beauty Collection launched in 2015, due to Davis’ skin condition with eczema. Ria’s Beauty Collection gives back to the community through donating, gifting, giveaways, vending, collaborating, volunteering, and more.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Giorgio Falcão, BSN, RN” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale,c_fill,h_300,w_300,g_face/v1651015077/NurseJournal.org/Headshots/giorgio-falcao.jpg” img-alt=”Giorgio Falcão, BSN, RN” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]Giorgio Falcão is a registered nurse and PMHNP candidate. He is a LGBTQIA asylee who has lived in the U.S. for eight years. Since 2019, Falcão has worked as a registered nurse at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in New York City. In addition to being a full-time nurse, he’s working towards a master’s in nursing at Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing in the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program. Falcão earned a bachelor’s in nursing from CUNY School of Professional Studies as summa cum laude in 2020.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Rakiema Sellars-Pompey, BSN, RN” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale,c_fill,h_300,w_300,g_face/v1651015077/NurseJournal.org/Headshots/rakiema-sellars-pompey.png” img-alt=”Rakiema Sellars-Pompey, BSN, RN” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]Rakiema Sellars-Pompey joined the Army in 2000, earned her associate degree in 2003, and graduated with her BSN in 2009. She has emergency nurse certification and is working on a doctor of nursing practice at the University of San Diego.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Sherry Williams, RN” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale,c_fill,h_300,w_300,g_face/v1651015077/NurseJournal.org/Headshots/sherry-williams.png” img-alt=”Sherry Williams, RN” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]Sherry Williams, aka Nurse WOW, is a registered nurse who specializes in hyperemesis treatment and overall preventative wellness. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nursewow.net/” target=”_blank”]Nurse WOW Health & Wellness Services[/hen-ui-link], located in Dallas, offers a wide array of holistic treatment programs with specialties in weight loss management and hyperemesis gravidarum treatment. Nurse WOW also offers essential health and wellness services with her shot bar and IV hydration treatments.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex]

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