What to give a nurse when they retire?

[psychnurse25]

Hello All,

I have a coworker that is getting ready to retire soon and I am not sure what to give her as a retirement gift. I want to give her something as a keepsake, but I do not want to break the bank. Anyone have any ideas?

[MinnieMomRN]

A well written letter, card, scrap book/photo journal if you really want someting tangible. Otherwise, I like the massage idea. Even at my age (I still feel young!) I have WAY too many nursing knick-knacks. There are 5 on my desk at the moment -- all given to me by people I care deeply about, but of the knick-knacks only 1 that I really like! I have them out, because I know they were expensive for the people who bought them and I didn't want to hurt their feelings. Whoever said we tend to get rid of things as we age was absolutely right!

[imintrouble, BSN, RN]

All the suggestions are so creative I feel silly posting my suggestion.

It's a cliche. It's plain. It's unimaginative.

A coffee cup.

I got one from my classmates when I graduated. There were only two of us in that rotation that graduated from that class. After 16 years I still pull it out of the cabinet, I use it, and I am reminded of the thoughtfulness of my classmates every single time.

[rn/writer, RN]

All the suggestions are so creative I feel silly posting my suggestion.

It's a cliche. It's plain. It's unimaginative.

A coffee cup.

I got one from my classmates when I graduated. There were only two of us in that rotation that graduated from that class. After 16 years I still pull it out of the cabinet, I use it, and I am reminded of the thoughtfulness of my classmates every single time.

Not silly at all. A coffee cup with some treats and a gift card inside is a lovely gift. You can even have a cup made with a picture of some of you.

[pca_85]

A gift certificate for a massage. Or several. Or a dozen.

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

Cash, a nice card, a poem about work written by you and other coworkers, take her out to eat. Or have a little dinner at your home for her and coworkers. Each person can bring some food. Do a "This Is YOur Life" style surprise presentation, complete with important people from her life appearing.

I know this is an old thread, it's relevant to me re: retirement looming.

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

One of those very nice four wheeled walkers with a seat. Or a walking stick. She's bound to be sore and achey, and you want her prepared for her dotage.

[caliotter3]

Anonymous gift of cash. Most old people need it.