Nurse week gives everyone a chance to recognize the vast contributions and positive impact of America’s 4 million registered nurses. One study showed nurses play such an important role in patient care that mortality increased 3 percent for every day a patient experienced RN staffing targets. We definitely need this next week to give back to the people who give so much to us.

When is Nurse Week?

May 6-12 as the national week to celebrate and recognize the nursing profession.

History of Nurse Week

In 1993, the American Nurses Association declared May 6-12 as the national week to celebrate and elevate the nursing profession. Florence Nightingale’s birthday is May 12, which marks the end of Nurse Appreciation week.

This week gives everyone a chance to recognize the vast contributions and positive impact of America’s 4 million registered nurses. One study showed nurses play such an important role in patient care that mortality increased 3 percent for every day a patient experienced RN staffing targets. We definitely need this next week to give back to the people who give so much to us.

Nurse Appreciation Quotes

Nurses make such a impact on our everyday life and sometimes it’s hard to put that into words. Here are my favorite nurse appreciation quotes to inspire other words of gratitude.

“It is not how much we do – it is how much love we put into the doing.”
– Mother Teresa

“Nurses dispense comfort, compassion, and caring without even a prescription.”
– Val Saintsbury

“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.”
– Dale Carnegie, American writer

“Constant attention by a good nurse may be just as important as a major operation by a surgeon.”
– Dag Hammarskjold, diplomat

“As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul and body of our patients, their families and ourselves. They may not remember your name but they will never forget the way you made them feel.”
– Maya Angelou

“Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them.”
– Marvin J. Ashton

“To do what nobody else will do, a way that nobody else can do, in spite of all we go through; is to be a nurse.”
– Rawsi Williams

Gifts for Nurses

Handwritten Note

Although there are tons of great gift ideas out there for nurse week, just remember a simple thank you can go such a long way! Use some of the nurse appreciation quotes for inspiration and a have a handwritten note as a standalone or include it with another gift.

Coffee Mug for Nurses

This coffee prescription mug is a hilarious gift, and what nurse doesn’t need a bit of humor in their daily routine.

Personal Massager

After a long shift, this personal massager comes in handy to relieve knots, tension, spasms, aches, and pains.

Yeti Tumbler

It happens every time. They go to make a nice hot cup of coffee then get called in and forget all about it. Hot coffee is a very rare treat, but with a Yeti Tumbler they might get it a little more often.

Stethoscope

This is a great gift for nurses just starting out. This stethosope is a dual-headed, high-performance scope. The tunable diaphragm makes it super easy to alternate between frequencies and can be used with pediatrics and adults.

There is also a rose-gold option for that extra special nurse.

Ninja Coffee Bar Brewer System

The perfect coffee system. It makes gourmet coffee quick, in all sizes and without the wasteful pods. It comes with a carafe or can be poured directly into a travel mug. With a built-in frother and advanced thermal flavor extraction system – it lacks nothing.

Scrubs

A nurse can never have too many scrubs. You can get a gift certificate for their favorite scrub shop or purchase them online.

Superheroes Wear Scrubs

This t-shirt is the perfect gift for your favorite hardworking nurse!

Personalized Gifts for Nurses

Gift Box

There’s nothing better than receiving a gift box that has been created with love and thoughtfulness! Start here to build and create your own gift box with over 70 add on options you know they will adore.

Personalized Stethoscope ID Tag

Stethoscopes are not cheap and unfortunately, they can be easily misplaced or accidentally taken. Stethoscope ID tags help prevent that, while adding a little style and fun to any scope.

Custom Stethoscope Necklace

This necklace is beautiful and perfect for women nurses. You can get her name added on the pendant.

Engraved Stethoscope

Engraving is a great way to protect your investment and make your stethoscope one-of-a-kind! This website also has embroidery for scrubs, lab coats and much more.

Appreciating Nurses

You’ll find there are so many creative ways to celebrate nurse week. Download these free SVG files for your die-cutting machines. They’re perfect for personalizing t-shirts or tumblers for your favorite nurses.

If you’re looking for other special gifts, check out these gift ideas for teachers, men and gardening gifts for mothers.