Do you know a dedicated certified nursing assistant (CNA) committed to providing patients compassionate and quality care every day? Then this week happens to be the best week to show a nurse assistant your appreciation by choosing a special gift that honors their hard work and dedication in the field of nursing.
What Gifts Do CNAs Really Want?
Certified nursing assistants are some of the most hardworking and dedicated healthcare workers out there. They are expected to work long hours and are generally the primary caregivers for patients in long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and more. A certified nursing assistant typically works under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) and assists with basic care activities such as bathing, toileting, feeding, and dressing patients. As long as a CNA is on shift, their work never slows down.
CNAs are expected to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. So, what’s a good thank-you gift for nursing assistant staff? From comfy scrubs and stethoscope accessories to coffee mugs and chocolate, here’s a list of some of the best gift ideas for CNA week:
A Nurse Lunch Bag
Okay, okay, so a lunch bag may not sound like the fanciest of gifts to show your appreciation for a dedicated CNA, but it’s certainly a logical one. And if there is one thing we know about nurses, it’s that they appreciate practicality and gifts that will make their nursing shifts more comfortable. With that in mind, gifting a durable and insulated lunch bag can help nursing assistants keep their food fresh and easily accessible during their shifts. Look for a bag with plenty of compartments to hold snacks, drinks, and utensils. We love these lunch bags by OPUX, which are insulated, have plenty of pockets, and—perhaps most importantly—are leakproof!
A Scrub Set
Any nurse or nursing assistant will tell you that a good pair of scrubs is worth the investment. Scrubs can cost anywhere from $15 to over $60, depending on the brand and quality. Considering that most CNAs are required to wear a scrub uniform at work and that work shifts can be twelve hours long, comfort is everything. That’s why gifting a warm and cozy scrub set can help nurses stay comfortable during their shifts, especially in colder months.
Personalized Badge Reel
Badge reels are a necessary accessory for CNAs, but they don't have to be boring. As it happens, badge reels these days come in all types of fun designs and colors. And since personalized badge reels can be a great way to spruce up an everyday scrub uniform, a badge reel is a perfect gift to give your favorite CNA. Check out these healthcare retractable badge reels available on Etsy that come in a variety of super cute nursing designs!
A Water Bottle
It’s a fact: Staying hydrated is important for everyone. For CNAs who are constantly on the go and may be working twelve-hour shifts back to back, staying hydrated is critical. A durable and reusable water bottle, therefore, is a practical and thoughtful gift. While there are many high-quality and long-lasting water bottles now on the market, we still love a classic Nalgene water bottle, referred to as “The Original Water Bottle.” Additionally, Nalgene water bottles can be customized by choosing a color and a design that matches your favorite nursing assistant’s personality! Check out all the colors and designs at Nalgene here. Check out the most popular ways to stay hydrated on the job in our post about the best water bottles for nurses.
A Thank-You Note
Sometimes it’s the simplest acts of kindness that mean the most. That being the case, a heartfelt note or thank-you card can be a great way to show your support for a CNA that is dedicated to the nursing profession. A thank-you card can also be paired with a bar of chocolate or a small bouquet of flowers. Either way, a thank you note is a straightforward yet thoughtful gift to give to a nurse assistant during CNA week.
Nurse Assistant Appreciation
Certified nursing assistants are important because they provide hands-on care to patients. Without the work of CNAs, efficient and compassionate patient care would be impossible. Want more information? Learn the differences between CMA vs CNA.
You can start gearing up for CNA Week and be inspired by the gifts listed above, or simply let your favorite CNA know how thankful you are for their work.
Find out which are the best water bottles for nurses and what brands of scrubs are most popular for men and women.
