• Nurses deserve recognition and thanks.nurse chris image by John Keith from Fotolia.com
  
  Whether your special nurse is a family member, friend or caretaker, providing her with a gift of thanks lets her know she has made a difference in your life. Although there are numerous novelty "nurse" items available, including T-shirts, coffee mugs and plaques, your special nurse has probably got a box filled with cute nurse items she never uses. Make your gift more memorable by going the extra mile to give her something that celebrates her profession in a unique way.
  
  

Jewelry

• The medical or "nursing" insignia can be found on watches and rings.insigne m??dical image by Strikker from Fotolia.com
  
  Nurses are used to giving of themselves, so a little "bling" can show her how much you appreciate her caring nature. Nurse-related jewelry items are available at nearly any price point and can include a charm bracelet with nursing-related charms or earrings with the medical insignia.
  
  Rings are available for male or female nurses in a number of symbolic colors and designs. A simple "black band" ring offers the sparkle without sharp edges that may hinder a nurse in his duties, while a "blue ribbon band" can be presented to a licensed practical nurse.
  
  Watches are also available with nursing-related face designs, including medical symbols and icons such as stethoscopes, needles, hearts and scissors. Fashioned for both men and women, a gift watch for a nurse is a useful accessory.
  
  Dress up the daily scrubs by gifting a jeweled ID badge necklace or name tag holder. Nurses will appreciate the extra individualized touch they can give their uniform, taking them from ordinary to fabulous while maintaining the standard uniform necessities.
  
  

Books

• A book gift is a thoughtful idea for a voracious reader.woman reading image by studio vision1 from Fotolia.com
  
  If your special nurse has her nose buried in a book during her break time, a book of inspiration or humor may be the best gift. Titles including "Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul: 101 Stories to Celebrate, Honor and Inspire the Nursing Profession" by Jack Canfield and "First Year Nurse: Wisdom, Warnings, and What I Wish I'd Known My First 100 Days on the Job" by Barbara Arnoldussen will inspire and delight a nurse and give her needed advice and support on those especially rough days.
  
  For the more serious reader, a biography of nursing hero Florence Nightingale may be in order, A copy of "Fannie Beers' Civil War: a Confederate Lady's Experiences of Nursing During the Campaigns & Battles of the American Civil War" by Fannie A. Beers would give a nurse a sense of history and pride in her profession's early leaders.
  
  

Pamper

• A massage is a great gift for a male or female nurse.massage image by fderib from Fotolia.com
  
  Nurses are some of the most giving people around, so a gift that will pamper is well-deserved. A gift card to a day spa for a facial or massage will be a highly anticipated treat after a grueling shift, and a gift basket of bath beads, aromatherapy oils and candles can provide a welcome respite from daily woes for months to come.
  Male nurses will also relish a massage appointment or could also benefit from hand lotions to ease the dryness from frequent washing.