Gifts for a graduate nurse?

Nurses New Nurse

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I recently graduated from nursing school and got my first job. My aunt wants to buy me a graduation gift that relates to nursing... like something that I would use or wear everyday. I don't know what to tell her. I already have a nice stethoscope, I have an assigned scrub color that all RN's must wear (I guess she could pay for some, but that's not as fun as picking out colorful scrubs with her). I do need a new pair of nursing shoes but I don't really know where to start looking for those or what kind I would want or what I'm even allowed to wear at my new job. Is there anything else she could get me? What do you guys use everyday at work that could be a gift? I don't think price is really an issue either, we're close and she's willing to spend a decent amount, most likely. Thanks!

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a subscription to a good online reference book, or a hard copy-- i think you'd like the 5 minute clinical consult. it gives a quick description of just about every disease or condition there is, diagnostics, labs, treatment protocols, and all of that. great quick reminders or starters. they have a version for your iphone too.

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i've seen a lot of young girls (and some older ones) wearing these really colorful kind of wacky clogs. i don't know the brand name of them, but they swear they are the best shoes ever. they have solid colors also, but most people seem to get some cutesy design to match their personality. i heard a couple girls talking one day about the price and apparently they are 100+ dollars so it would be a nice gift/investment, but not too expensive either.

i'm sure you could google around and find what i'm talking about. i've seen everything from hot pink/black zebra stripes to what looked like a crochet yarn print to little dogs..and then of course solid black. they have to be good shoes if so many people are wearing them. i've thought about getting some to try. i just haven't gotten around to it.

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Specializes in CCRN, ALS, BLS, PALS.

If you are going into the ICU, there is a tiny pocket book out there called "Fast Facsts" its got a rabbit on the front. Its got a TON of information that you might not know off hand. I know alot of ICU and tele nursing that swear by it. I keep mine close by at all times. There is also an iPhone app which is close to the price of the book.

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Specializes in Emergency.

A very nice watch...that is water proof, or you can actually clip on your stethoscope or your uniform. Or you know...she could just get you two some time together....AWAY from work!

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Specializes in MDS/ UR.

Some nursing magazine subsciptions? Is there a speciality you are interested in like wound care or obsetrics for a membership?

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Membership in ANA? Or as the above poster suggests, a subscription, maybe to AJN? I got that as a gift and loved it, and it's expensive.

Do you have a really nice lunchbag (insulated)? Many people carry those to work. A unique 16-oz traveler's mug is also a good thing to have at work.

My parents got me a simple, good-quality watch, and I get a lot of compliments on it (still looks good after five years). Glow in the dark is key for night shift when counting respirations or pulses.

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I got a portable Pulse-Ox reader. I love it! Especially when you need to get a reading while your patient is ambulating and you need to drag the Dynamap AND hold onto the patient at the same time. It's also handy when you want to get that reading quickly without having to go find a dynamap. They run around $75-100.

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