This article is sponsored by Healthtrust Workforce Solutions.
The holiday season is fast approaching, and now is the time to show the travel nurse in your life just how much you appreciate them, especially after all of the heroic contributions they have made during the pandemic. So what exactly do you get for someone who travels and moves to a new destination every 13 weeks or so? Many travel nurses travel with as little as possible, so the best gift ideas are those that don’t take up space. Below you will find our top 5 hand-picked gift ideas for travel nurses for the 2021 holiday season.
Gift Cards
Gift cards are an excellent option for travel nurses. They don’t take up space, and many can be used anywhere. Many stores and restaurants sell their gift cards at Walmart, CVS, Sam’s Club, and Costco, to name a few places. According to wallethub.com, the top gift card for 2021 was Starbucks, which is a great option for travel nurses as many are coffee drinkers and rely on caffeine to help fuel their day. Another great option would be an Amazon gift card if they forgot something or need something while on assignment, especially when they first arrive in their new location and aren’t familiar with the area. Let’s face it, who doesn’t love Amazon?
Compression Socks
While this may seem like a strange item, many travel nurses and healthcare workers swear by them. There are many benefits of compression socks, including fewer leg pains, better circulation, less swelling in the legs and feet, and they can help with joint pain.
They are also a great option because they don’t take up a lot of room, and they are something nurses can and do use for work. There are many options and styles. Travel nurses were polled, and some of their top choices are listed here.
Money
Money is another great option. While it may not feel very personal, it doesn’t take up a lot of space and can help them purchase items while on assignment. It can also help them build up their emergency fund or build up savings. An emergency fund is a very important thing to travel nurses and healthcare workers. They keep one just in case their contract is canceled and they have a gap in assignments. It also allows them to buy whatever they want or need.
Tote/Bag
Travel nurses tend to take a bag to work with them to hold the items they need for their shift. Another great gift item would be a tote bag or bag. Personalization would be a great option for the tote or bag as well. Respiratory Therapy Zone put together a great article on the Top 10 Bags for Nurses and Healthcare Workers. There is truly something for any nurse, travel nurse, or healthcare worker on the list.
The top 10 are:
2. KOI Medical Unisex Nurse Bag
3. ADC Nurse/Physician Medical Bag
4. NGIL 18″ Large Utility Tote Bag
5. ESVAN Floral Water-Resistant Bag
6. Vera Bradley Crossbody Purse
7. Lekesky Laptop Backpack Work Travel Bag
8. Everest Luggage Deluxe Shopping Tote
9. Himawari Travel School Work Backpack
10. MOSISO Sling Crossbody Backpack
A gift with thought behind it
When asked, many travel nurses will tell you that any gift would be great; it is the thought that counts. You know your friend or loved one, you are sure to know something that fits their need and personality. Keep in mind that they are often moving, so smaller items are better or easy to move. You could purchase an item that is collapsible or can be folded. They will appreciate that you thought of them.
Happy Holidays to all of the hard-working, patient-focused travel nurses across the nation!
HealthTrust Workforce Solutions is a wholly-owned subsidiary of HCA Healthcare, the nation’s largest health system. We help travelers find high-pay, rewarding assignments across the country. We offer both traditional travel contracts and full-benefited, full-time travel positions, as well as local contracts. Click here to learn more.
Are you looking for your next assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need to find housing for the next adventure? Click here to search our housing page.
