What are things that you always need? Graduation gift ideas...

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I did a quick search to look for gift ideas for graduating nursing students, but the majority of the answers are way too expensive. She is a very good friend of mine, and I would like to get her something practical.

Besides pens and paper, what are some items that you always need/always need to buy?

Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.
I really hope I don't get a bunch of "nursing" stuff when I graduate. Honesty gifts would not be necessary, but a card that expresses admiration for what I have accomplished would rock. So would the above mentioned ways to pamper myself. My world has been saturated in "nursey" stuff and there has been a serious dearth of self care and fun during school. I would rather get something that helps me celebrate and start being good to me again. Family and friends may want to get something with "nurse" involved, but I hope they would remember that is about them and a gift is meant to be about the recipient.

How about two bottles of champagne-one to open the day you graduate, and then another to open on your first graduation anniversary!

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

That would work for me! Lol!

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Specializes in CVICU.
I hear you, and understand you wanting to buy your own nursing supplies. But to many who know and love you, they too want to buy you something with "nursing" in it, on it, around it...you get my drift. To some, this is the fun part, so, with that in mind, is there anything "nursing" you may not mind getting?

Those who know and love know I would take a pedi/wine over a coffee mug with "Nurses are angels" or whatever on it ;) as I don't drink coffee or tea.

If they knew out my fave pen, I would appreciate a giant pack from staples.

But you know what I would LOVE!! And would be 1000 times better than a pack of pens? Is a book pertaining to whatever field I get hired into too. For example, I have an interview for a CVICU that takes fresh open hearts. If I do get the job, I have heard a lot of good things on allnurses about Bojars Manual of PeriOp Cardiac Care. I woul love love love if someone bought that for me (Its about 40-50 bucks), because otherwise I will buy it for myself, and it would be something I use All. The. Time.

If the OP know's if the graduate has a job lined up, I would suggest finding out what "field" (psych, cardiac, nephro) the job is in and get a gift pertaining to that. Practical and I'm sure it would be much appreciated. :heartbeat:yeah:

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Specializes in Obs & gynae theatres.
I did a quick search to look for gift ideas for graduating nursing students, but the majority of the answers are way too expensive. She is a very good friend of mine, and I would like to get her something practical.

Besides pens and paper, what are some items that you always need/always need to buy?

In the UK it's traditional to give a graduating nurse a silver nurses belt buckle. I have one that I cherish, although I'll never wear it as I work in the OR.
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Thanks for all of the great responses everyone!!

For the pedicure/manicure idea, does this mean a gift certificate, or those lotion sets?

She'll be working in the cardiology department, but I think making my own gift using hearts would be too cheesy.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.
those who know and love know i would take a pedi/wine over a coffee mug with "nurses are angels" or whatever on it ;) as i don't drink coffee or tea.

pinot noir or a nice malbec would suit me just fine as well! it wouldn't be beneath me to sip these fine choices from a "nurses call the shots!" mug.

but you know what i would love!! and would be 1000 times better than a pack of pens? is a book pertaining to whatever field i get hired into too. for example, i have an interview for a cvicu that takes fresh open hearts. if i do get the job, i have heard a lot of good things on allnurses about bojars manual of periop cardiac care. i woul love love love if someone bought that for me (its about 40-50 bucks), because otherwise i will buy it for myself, and it would be something i use all. the. time.

what a wonderful idea!!!! this is practical and it shows that you are a thoughtful friend. nice suggestion!

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Wow what awesome ideas...on the fun side...like a half hour massage is about thirty dollars and that would be awesome. Every nurse needs a GOOD stethascope, but she should pick that out, perhaps a gift card for that? On the practical side...how about a pretty basket, you can get one at the dollar store. Fill it with basics such as bandage scissors since you cannot have enough of those, pen light, pocket timer, pens, pocket size note book, maybe a book like chicken soup for the nurses soul, coffee mug u can get a cute nurse one if u like, a back of assorted tea or coffee, and of course SOMETHING CHOCOLATE! You could really have fun with this idea. Ohhh one last thing a stethascope name tag!

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Specializes in CVICU.
Thanks for all of the great responses everyone!!

For the pedicure/manicure idea, does this mean a gift certificate, or those lotion sets?

She'll be working in the cardiology department, but I think making my own gift using hearts would be too cheesy.

If she is going into cardiac, maybe a "EKG's made easy" or "cardiac nursing" reference book? EKG calipers, nice pens and pen lights tend to "grow legs". And using hearts would not be cheesy! I think it would be super cute! We get to decorate at the current hospital I'm a NA at. A lot of the nurses decorate the outside of their locker with pictures and other things. MAybe you could make a cute heart something or other and write "Her Name, RN" in pretty letters/glitter letters with a picture of her in her scrubs from school, or if she took a traditional white dress and nurse cap portriat :nurse: like my school did, put that picture on there?

Pedicure wise, I don't know what area you live in, but an hour long pedicure in a newer salon with a nice long leg/foot massage, delicious smelling salts in the hot bubbling water, warm towel wrap, and not to mention an AH-MAZE-ING massage chair is about 25/30 bucks plus tip in eastern NC. I would buy her a gift certificate to a reputable salon (ask your friends or yelp.com) if that is a price point you are comfortable with.

I love spending other peoples money :D

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Specializes in Peds and PICU.

Hey, I live in Eastern NC too!!!

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Specializes in FNP.

Subscription to a good journal.

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Specializes in Peds Medical Floor.

I got a gift certificate for my pedicure! Someone gave me a Christmas ornament with my name and RN written on it. Maybe a cardiology nursing book?

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Love the Christmas ornament idea!

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