My niece is graduating from nursing school and things are so different today than they were when I graduated, I am at a loss for what to get her for a graduation gift. Any ideas of what might be most appreciated/useful/practical in today's fast-paced, electronic world of nursing? I want to get her something personal and thoughtful, but maybe also something a new grad would want to use in her new practice.
I got my best friend's daugther a Vera Bradley lunch box/bag and filled it with some cute nurse socks, a Tervis cup with a lid and straw, scissors and hemostats.
So the Vera Bradley bag sounds really nice & I could fill it with goodies. Which style bag/tote would be good? Does anyone out there have the mailbag style? I think it looks pretty neat, but how is it size wise for nursing stuff? Also, the stethoscope seems to be at the top of the list. It could go in the bag/tote. Getting it engraved would be perfect!
This forum is awesome! I was freaking out about choosing a cool, meaningful, useful gift & now I feel so much better. I'm loving all the input! I want to buy it all!
Depends on your price range. I "veinlite" would be a marvelous gift for the new grad- but it is pricy $200-$600. They don't teach IV skills now-a-days as well as they did 30 years ago when I was in school. 30 years ago as a new grad I couldn't start an IV to save my soul for the first 6mos I was in practice. I can't think of any other gift I would have appriciated as much. When my granddaughter graduates next year that is what I plan to get her. A good steth is often a waste of time for a new grad or on many floors, and I'm sure they had an adequate steth to get through school. Hemostats, scissors, various "pocket doodads" are OK, but I lose them as fast as I collect them. A nice pen- I lost 5-6 "nice pens" this year. All else fails- a certificate for a massage at a local provider, or a "spa day" if one is affordable in your area may be a good choice. Lets face if- starting out in this profession is very stressful and a bit of pampering may be just what is needed the most.
When I graduated my brothers bought me a Litmann with my name engraved and RN after it. They bought it online at AllHeart. I love it and use it every day.
I've pretty much narrowed it down to engraving a Littman stethoscope with her name & RN on it. Now, I still have to decide what to add to it, since this is a joint gift. Tote, lunch box, gift card, massage, penlights, socks, cup, hemostats, etc. ??? Decisions! I'm still so appreciative of any & all advice!
Tervis has nice tumblers or water bottles with nurse designs that can be personalized with her name. They have a lifetime guarantee and can be used for hot or cold liquids. They are very popular at my workplace.
brandy1017, ASN, RN
2,910 Posts
A Littman or Sprague stethoscope in her favorite color!
I also like the massage gift certificate idea.