Nurse Practitioner (NP) & APRN Gift Ideas in 2022

Workplace Improvement Gifts for Nurse Practitioners

Nurse practitioners often spend an unusually high amount of time at work, so any improvement on this front will be immediately noticeable. A work-related gift can also be ideal for someone starting their nursing career. 

Here are a few perennial favorites that can help bring joy to a longtime nurse and a brand new practitioner just beginning their training. 

Crocs

While their aesthetics have been hotly debated over the years, these rubber composite shoes have won a hard-fought place in the hearts of many NPs, MDs, and other healthcare professionals worldwide. Comfortable, robust, and easy to keep clean, Crocs come in a rainbow of colors and variations for every taste and foot shape. The classic white pair will match any pair of classic scrubs, and work well for work environments in which a uniform is worn. 

For workplaces with relaxed dress codes, you can also consider the addition of a few medical-themed Jibbitz, to adorn the shoe. They fit perfectly into the holes on Crocs and can be customized to all kinds of tastes and activities, including work in the medical field.

Upgraded Badge Reel

Depending on the work environment of the nurse practitioner, a badge reel may be a perfect upgrade. Some NPs report using their badges several hundred times a day—a task that becomes incredibly tedious if the badge reel is hard to pull or not functioning properly. Consider Boojeebeads as a nice little upgrade that will go noticed.

Merino Socks

Hikers, travelers, and athletes the world over have already discovered the wonders of merino wool, a natural fiber that comes from a sheep variety of the same name. Merino wool has the benefit of being naturally antibacterial, which makes items very resistant to odors. Additionally, merino wool causes much less chafing than synthetic fibers or cotton.

Since most nurse practitioners spend a lot of time on their feet and much of that moving, a good pair of merino socks may significantly improve their workday. An added benefit of wool is that it can give warmth even when wet, making this a great choice for anyone working in wet or humid environments. 

Smartwool is a popular choice with endless options for colors and styles, while Darn Tough is particularly known for its lifetime warranty. 

Premium Scrubs

Nurse practitioners working a full schedule will often spend more time in their scrubs than they will in their street clothes, so why not make sure they have the best they can get? 

Companies like Jaanuu produce high-quality scrubs made from non-itchy, pleasant-to-wear fibers, and offer a better selection of sizes and cuts than the run-of-the-mill suppliers that many hospitals and medical practices buy theirs from. Where it fits with the workplace culture, you can also choose louder and more exciting patterns than the same old shades of green, blue, and red. 

Hand Lotion

Nurse practitioners wash and disinfect their hands dozens of times daily to maintain a sanitary workplace and prevent infections to themselves and patients. The downside for NPs is that the harsh chemicals found in disinfecting solutions and other cleaning agents they encounter take a toll on their skin. Dry, flaky skin, especially on the hands, is a common side-effect of this line of work. 

A high-quality hand creme like those made by EltaMD or Keihl’s is a great gift that can be used quickly even on a short break. Consider adding a travel-sized container to your gift to allow the NP you’re gifting to keep another bottle in their car, locker, or on their person.