The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Nurses
If you think you are stressed, talk to a nurse. Nursing is consistently listed as one of the top ten most stressful careers in healthcare and, if you were to follow a nurse around for the day, you would appreciate exactly why this is the case. The special nurse on your shopping list is likely feeling the stress, and these gifts are a lovely pick-me-up for any special occasion. These also make great “thank you” gifts for any nurse who has had a positive impact on your life.
A Good Book
Reading is an excellent stress-relieving pastime. While the latest bestseller is usually a safe bet, these nurse-themed page-turners may be the perfect choice for your bookworm.
- The Language of Kindness: A Nurse’s Story by Christie Watson
This beautiful memoir tells the story of a nurse’s life in the United Kingdom.
- Bedlam Among the Bedpans: Humor in Nursing by Amy Young
A little levity goes a long way these days. Any nurse will love and relate to the hysterical stories in this collection.
- The Nerdy Nurse’s Guide to Technology by Brittney Wilson
Developments in technology are changing the path of many careers, and nursing is no exception. This guide can help the nurse on your list keep ahead of the curve on what technology is available to improve their patient care.
- The Nurse’s Social Media Advantage: How Making Connections and Sharing Ideas Can Enhance Your Nursing Practice by Robert Fraser
Social media is a tool that can have far-reaching effects that can help anyone get ahead in their profession. This is a fantastic book for the tech-savvy nurse who would like to learn how nursing and social media go hand-in-hand.
Shower Bombs
Thanks to their recent explosion in popularity, you have probably heard of bath bombs. The scented, fizzing bombs turn any tub into a luxurious at-home spa when placed in a warm bath. Shower bombs follow a similar principle but are designed for use in the shower for those of us who do not have the time for a luxurious bath, such as nurses. Shower bombs are held in the hand during a shower and release foam and soothing scents that can ease stress and grant a little window of much-need calm. The large variety of different shower bombs available at Lush come in assorted scents and colors, and you are sure to find the perfect one for your recipient.
Spa Certificates
Any nurse could use a little pampering, and spa certificates are a great way to show you care about a nurse’s well-being. Most spas offer a wide variety of services, from massages to manicures. Pick up a gift certificate from your favorite local spa that allows the recipient to choose which service they would most enjoy.
Scrubs and Accessories
The holidays are the perfect time to give some of the items a nurse needs to be successful and stylish at the hospital or in the office.Scrubs are staples of the healthcare profession, but that does not mean they have to be the boring faded blue uniform that people typically associate with nurses and doctors.The huge variety of scrubs available online today are a great way for nurses and doctors to express themselves while maintaining the comfort and practicality the healthcare professions demand.
An amazing selection of nursing scrubs in various colors, designs, and sizes are available online that make a great addition to any nurse’s wardrobe. But don’t stop there! You can also find a great selection of other healthcare professional-wear products online that make for thoughtful gifts, such as the Kickstart 10-15 mmHg Support Socks. These socks not only offer support and comfort for tired feet, but a little flair and style as well.
Apple Watch
Nurses are required to wear a watch with a second hand for tracking and recording patient vitals, administering medication, and lab charting. An Apple watch makes a great holiday gift for nurses who are also technology enthusiasts. Apple watches can help them accomplish their important work, but they also make day-to-day life a little simpler as well. The easy-to-read face can help them track their steps throughout the day, set timers and goals, and even quickly respond to messages and emails without distracting them from the job.
Stethoscope
There are lots of stethoscope models and types to choose from, so it is best to do a little research before making your decision. Make sure you choose the best model for your nurse’s particular line of work. For example, does he or she work primarily with children? Consider giving them a stethoscope with fun colors or characters their younger patients will enjoy. There are also many customizable options to get their name, initials, or even a favorite quote printed on it.
Coffee & Water Tumblers
As busy as nurses are all day, they may forget or find it hard to stay hydrated (or perhaps, caffeinated.) Tumblers are an excellent and inexpensive gift option. Many models can be used to keep beverages hot or cold, which makes it a gift that can be appreciated by anyone. Yeti is a popular brand that comes in various sizes, styles, and colors and with an assortment of accessories. Any insulated thermos is a great, and practical, gift for nurses to keep their beverages in throughout their shifts.
Nurse Phone Cases
Help your nurse show pride in their work with a practical and customized phone case. No matter what brand of phone they carry, there is a phone case to cover it, and there are many designs available online that highlight his or her specific line of work, from the NICU to cardiac care.
Nurse Coloring Book
A Humorous, Snarky & Unique Adult Coloring Book for Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and Nursing Students for Stress Relief and Relaxation
Adult coloring books have become popular in recent years. The Nurse Coloring Book for adults is a relaxing and humorous choice when it comes finding a unique gift. Complete the gift with some markers and coloring pencils, and they will be laughing the stress away in no time. Nurses do not have a lot of down time on their shifts, but sometimes it can be nice to be able to zone out and focus on coloring even if it is just for a few minutes. Also, when they are off, it can be nice to look at something other than a screen when passing the time.
Final Thoughts
With their crazy, exhausting hours it can be difficult knowing what nurses want when it comes to leisurely gifts. This list provides good examples for both in and out of their job; whether you are looking to help them along in their career, afford some much-needed relaxation, or just bring a smile to their face, remember to show your appreciation for the nurse in your life. You can choose one of these gifts or a combination of several to make nurses feel appreciated.
Author Bio:
Adela Ellis is a full-time nurse and part-time ambassador for Infinity Scrubs. Adela attended the University of Arizona and has been a travel nurse for the last 6 years. She enjoys working with different doctors, nurses, and patients from all over the country and blogging about her experiences. In her free time, she loves true-crime podcasts and cooking for friends and family.
10 Brilliant Ways for Nurses to Find Positivity in Stressed Environments
Nursing is one of the most stressful jobs imaginable. There’s the constant hum-drum of the hospital or office, patients to take care of, medicine to pass out, vital signs to take, charts to fill in, IVs to start, meetings to make it to, and doctors to answer to. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Nurses also work longer hours with salaries which don’t reflect the amount of hard work that they put in.
With odds like these, how on earth is a nurse supposed to stay afloat in stressed out environments?
Here are 10 brilliant ways for working nurses to find a little bit of peace and positivity amidst all the craziness.
1. Practice Deep Breathing
This simple trick can do wonders to reduce your stress levels. Not only are deep breathing relaxation techniques good for reducing stress, they also lower tension levels thereby reducing body aches, and also release endorphins. These are a group of hormones in the brain and nervous system, which, when released, trigger positive feelings in the body and mind. In fact, endorphins have the same molecular makeup as morphine!
To get your dose of this natural feel-good ‘drug’, all you need to do is practice mindful, deep rhythmic breathing. Inhale deeply through your nose and count up till four; hold your breath in for 1-2 seconds and then slowly breathe out through your mouth to the count of four. You can do this whenever you feel stressed or overwhelmed.
2. Meditate
Mediation is an excellent way for you to quiet your mind, relieve stress, and ground yourself in the moment. You can download guided meditation apps on your smartphone or practice a combination of techniques such as visuals and guided breathing.
Find a quiet spot and take 10-20 minutes out to mediate. This will help lower your blood pressure, heart rate, and tension
3. Have a Laugh
The old adage ‘laughter is the best medicine’ could not be more true. Numerous studies have been done about the therapeutic benefits of laughing. One of the reasons why laughter is considered to be so therapeutic is because the act of laughing releases endorphins, or the ‘happiness hormone’. What’s more, laughter is a type of medicine which has no side effects, is abundant in supply, and is absolutely free!
Go through old photographs, visit a funny website, or recall a funny story; whatever makes you laugh, seek it out!
4. Stay Healthy
Never underestimate the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially when you’re working under stressful conditions.
In order to stay healthy, make sure you eat regular meals, drink plenty of water, and keep healthy snacks with you such as nuts or fruit.
If you eat well and maintain a healthy diet, your efficiency, concentration, energy levels, stamina, and patience will all be greatly benefited.
5. Get Some Exercise
Getting some exercise is an integral part of leading a healthy lifestyle. In addition to the wealth of physical benefits that exercise affords, it also has a profound effect on your emotional well-being.
Getting regular exercise can help you:
• Reduce anxiety
• Relieve stress
• Cope with and reduce depression
• Improve your mood
• Aid in memory and concentration
• Help you get proper sleep
When you’re working, you can incorporate a little exercise into your routine by talking a walk or climbing up and down the stairs.
6. Make Sure You Get Enough Sleep
Numerous studies have been done into the importance and benefits of getting enough sleep. Experts recommend that adults should be getting between 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Anything less can cause a host of problems.
Getting the right amount of sleep:
• Ensures that you’re fresh and alert
• Boosts immune function
• Aids in memory and concentration
• Keeps you in a better mood
• Boosts your metabolism
• Helps in learning
• Increases your lifespan
7. Take a Break
Although it may be hard to take a break when you’re swamped with work and you’re dealing with patients, breaks are an important way to combat stress.
Ask one of your colleagues if they don’t mind covering for you for a couple of minutes so that you can catch a bit of a breather. Taking short breaks like this will help you become more relaxed and stress free when carrying out your duties.
8. Make Friends with your colleagues
Having friends in your workplace can also help you reduce your stress levels. Other nurses and doctors in your place of employment are likely to be familiar with the rigors and demands of the job. They therefore know firsthand how stressful the job can be.
By making friends with others around you, you’ll have their companionship to look forward to at work. You can grab lunch together, hang out during breaks, cover for each other, share a few laughs, and even vent your frustrations.
9. Think Positive
This might sound clichéd but thinking positive thoughts is very important when it comes to coping with stressful environments and situations. Your attitude determines your experiences. If you think positively and expect positive things to happen, you’re likely to receive positive outcomes.
When you develop a positive attitude at work, your experience will reflect your most dominant and prevalent thoughts.
Always remember: you can’t always control what happen to you, but you can control your reaction to it.
10. Stay Organized
Staying organized will help you avoid many potential freak-outs. If you have an organized work space and routine, you can begin your day on the right foot. You’ll also likely be in a better frame of mind at work knowing that you’re organized.
Nursing is a profession which has its fair share of stressors, including environments and situations. As a nurse, you’re expected to find a way to deal with all of this on your own. If you incorporate certain tips, tricks, and strategies for stress management and positivity into your routine, you can make your work life a lot less overwhelming.
Kim Lee is an online education and career reporter in college and has been working as a freelance writer for Excite Education
Best Shoes for Nurses – Tips to Avoid Foot Pain
Nursing is a job done on your feet all day long often with long shifts and few breaks. Surgical nurses stand for long hours with no breaks and ER and trauma nurses not only stand, but may have to run. The best shoes for nurses is hotly debated among healthcare professionals, but for on-the-go and on your feet all day activity, you need a practical choice to protect your feet from pain and wear and tear problems.
Are You a Life Saver?
As a nurse, lives are constantly placed in your caring hands. When faced with a time-sensitive emergency, do you have the confidence it takes to save a life? A patient in cardiac arrest has only four minutes until brain damage begins to occur. If your patient is brought to you having already been in cardiac arrest for a substantial amount of time, you must be equipped with the knowledge to ensure your CPR abilities are up to task.
You may see many cardiac arrest victims arrive when working in a hospital, surrounded by equipment and colleagues. However, you must be prepared for an emergency, as cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time. If a critical situation occurs in public, you have the advantage of being a nurse. Unfortunately, over time, simple facts learned in medical training years prior begin to fade. Refresh your memory with these quick and easy facts to become a better life saver now.
How to know that nursing is your calling?
Remember the time you were admitted in a hospital? Who was the first person to attend to you? The person who waited with you till the doctor came? It’s the same person who was there to hold your hands, when you got injection in middle of the night. Yes, it was a nurse who took care you. Do you see yourself as doing something to similar nature in the future? If the answer is yes, know that irrespective of what salaries and perks you will get, nursing is not an easy task. If you too are one of those who have heard glorious things about the work, but are still unsure if that is you, this article might help in deciding. Here are a few things that nurses do every day, let’s see if you can do them too.
