Sophia Metrakos, RN

Reading informative articles on a blog is a great way for nurses to learn and grow within the profession. There are blogs and forums out there that cover just about anything related to nursing, from renewing your license to finding your next travel contract. 

This article shares the names of some of the best nursing blogs to follow and what they have to offer. The topics of blogs we will cover are:

• Nursing updates/staying current
• Lifestyle
• Studying
• Nurse humor

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Nursing updates/staying current

Daily Nurse

Everything that nurses need to stay in the know is offered by Daily Nurse, featuring topics such as current nursing issues, career tips, and more. In addition to being an informative blog, Daily Nurse also offers career resources and prep materials for certification exams. 

Daily Nurse is owned by Springer Publishing Company and has a team of nurse writers and other healthcare professionals who contribute regularly. 

ANS

Advances in Nursing Science (ANS) is a blog dedicated to the development of nursing practice. This informative website aims to advance the practice of nursing by offering the latest in nursing research and news. ANS also shares studies and other scholarly articles that relate to all health professions. 

ANS was founded by Dr. Chinn and the Editor is Peggy Chinn, a Doctorate prepared RN.

Off the Charts

Off the Charts is owned by the American Journal of Nursing and regularly publishes articles about current nursing news, clinical information, and common career challenges. They also feature moving personal accounts from nurses and patients. 

Written by contributing writers, the team behind this blog includes nurses, AJN editors, patients, and other healthcare professionals. Anyone can submit article ideas to AJN.

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Lifestyle 

Nurse Abnormalities

Owned by an experienced nurse practitioner, Nurse Abnormalities is a blog and social media platform that gives a voice to nurses from all experience levels through inspiration and education. 

Through her blog and Instagram posts, Danielle LeVeck acknowledges some of the aspects of nursing that only nurses can appreciate. The content on Nurse Abnormalities spans from current nursing issues and controversies to educational resources, such as an ICU drip titration guide. 

Travel Nursing Blog

Many nurses have decided to try out travel nursing recently, and for good reason. If you’re a travel nurse or interested in travel nursing, then Travel Nursing is a great resource.

Follow this blog for information relating to travel nursing salaries, different locations where travel nurses are needed, and COVID updates for travel nurses. The team of writers behind this blog is made up of experienced registered nurses.

FreshRN

FreshRN is a nursing lifestyle blog owned by Kati Kleber, a master’s prepared registered nurse. This blog shares career tips and other helpful resources for nurses, such as nursing school tips and information about different nursing specialties. With a podcast component, FreshRN is more entertaining and accessible than other nursing blogs. 

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Studying

Straight A Nursing

This nursing school-focused blog offers informative articles relating to each nursing class including Med-Surg, Pediatric Nursing, Pharmacology, and Women’s Health. With tips and advice for nursing students, Straight A Nursing is a one-stop-shop for nursing students who need extra study resources such as study guides and online courses. 

Straight A Nursing is owned by Nurse Mo, an experienced ICU nurse. 

Registered Nurse RN

Registered Nurse RN offers informative blog posts and videos for nurses and nursing students. This blog has resources for nursing students who are still in school, those who are preparing to take NCLEX, and even experienced nurses. The associated Youtube channel is an amazing resource for students, offering an easy-to-digest presentation of complicated nursing-related concepts. 

Lecturio

Lecturio is a blog designed specifically for nursing students to help make the nursing school journey a seamless process. This blog shares helpful tips for nursing students such as how to prepare for nursing interviews and insight into the hardest nursing school classes. Additionally, Lecturio offers online courses for nurses to help make nursing school a bit easier. 

The team behind Lecturio includes a mix of educators and healthcare professionals. 

RNCareers.org

RNCareers.org is devoted to nursing schools and careers. They’ve developed their own RN Nursing School Guides to help aspiring nurses jumpstart their education. They collect data from every nursing program in the country to provide detailed information on top programs nationally and by state.

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Nurse humor

NurseBuff

“Nurse humor and lifestyle blog” is the tagline of NurseBuff. However, this website offers more than just humor. 

From inspiring quotes to recommendations for the best nursing shoes, NurseBuff offers a wealth of information as well as some comic relief for nurses. If you want to laugh and even cringe a little, check out this post about new nurse mistakes that we can all learn from. 

Nerdy Nurse

Nerdy Nurse features helpful nursing information and funny material in the form of nurse memes. Owned by a Bachelor’s prepared registered nurse, Nerdy Nurse offers advice for nurses from an experienced standpoint. From health tips to study materials to blogging resources for nurse writers, there are useful and entertaining blog posts for any nurse on Nerdy Nurse.  

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Following the right blogs will give you an inside look into life as a nurse or nursing student. Reading blogs regularly also provides useful information to keep you one step ahead of the game.

Also, be sure to check out our blog for more resources and recommendations!

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Personal Finance / Nursing Graduate Gifts

If you have a nursing graduate in your life, then you know they deserve some recognition. Becoming a nurse is no small feat. So, it’s important to show the nursing graduate in your life how proud you are. 

Getting a gift for your favorite nursing grad can help you extend your love and appreciation to them all while giving them a practical and useful item. 

Below, we’re sharing our top 10 best gifts for nursing graduates. 

• Stethoscope Name Tag
• Wellness Journal for Nurses
• Quirky Compression Socks
• Stainless Steel Tumbler
• A Good Read About Nursing
• Alex and Ani Nurse Bracelet
• A Cute or Fun Badge Reel
• Multicolored Pen
• Large Water Bottle for All Day Hydration
• Nurse Mug

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1. Stethoscope Name Tag

Caption for foto: Photo from 3LittlePixiesShoppe’s shop on Etsy.

• Cost: This stethoscope tag ranges from $9.95-22.95, depending on the metal of the tag you choose.

This personalized stethoscope tag is the perfect graduation gift for any nursing graduate. You can choose the metal color and have a large variety of fonts to select, making this a unique and special gift that will actually get plenty of use. 

2. Wellness Journal for Nurses

Caption for foto: Photo from Kay Kennedy’s “Shifts” listing on Amazon.

• Cost: $14

Shifts is a wellness style journal for nurses. It encourages nurses to reflect on experiences and to carve out valuable “me” time. Nursing school may be challenging but the challenge that lies ahead for new grads has only just begun. 

Keeping mental health in check as a new nurse is absolutely vital and this journal is a great way to help do so. 

3. Compression Socks

Caption for foto: Photo from Fig’s Solid Compression Socks.

• Cost: Low cut compression socks: $12; High cut compression socks: $28

Every nurse could use a good pair (or 2) of compression socks. 12-hour shifts are no joke and wearing compression socks is a great way to maintain circulation to prevent foot swelling. 

These FIGS compression socks are not only high-quality, but there is also a good variety of socks to choose from. Figs offers low and high cut compression socks. There are many patterns that are cute and fun. Or, if you prefer solid colors, those are available as well.

4. Stainless Steel Tumbler

Caption for foto: Photo from Yeti’s Rambler® 10 oz Tumbler.

• Cost: $20

We know that nurses love their coffee. This is why a stainless steel tumbler is always a good gift for a new graduate nurse. Hot coffee and water cold go a long way on those long nursing shifts. 

5. A Good Read About Nursing

Caption for foto: Photo from Lee Gutkind’s “I Wasn’t Strong Like This When I Started Out” on Amazon.

• Cost: $12 

“I Wasn’t Strong Like This When I Started Out” is a collection of true stories written by nurses. This book can help new graduate nurses feel seen and heard by offering relatable and entertaining stories from nurses’ perspectives. 

6. Alex and Ani Nurse Bracelet

Caption for foto: Photo from Alex and Ani’s Wear for Honor collection: Medical Charm Bangle

• Cost: $34

This nurse theme bangle is a sentimental and stylish gift for nursing graduates. The expandable bracelet can be purchased in silver or gold and features a charm with the caduceus symbol on it. 

7. A Cute or Fun Badge Reel

Caption for foto: Photo from mandag433’s Etsy shop.

• Cost: Starting a $9.99

Badge reels are a fun way for nurses to spice up their everyday outfit and show off what specialty they work in. Etsy has tons of badge reels that are cute and fun for nurses, including specialty specific ones like “cardiac” and “ER”. 

8. Multicolored Pen

Caption for foto: Photo from 4 Color Fashion Ball Pen by the BIC Store.

• Cost: $7

Multicolored pens are a practical gift for nursing graduates because they are useful for taking nursing notes throughout a shift. Having multiple colors on just one pen makes it easy to hand write notes throughout a shift, such as tracking changes with a patient. 

9. Large Water Bottle for All Day Hydration

Caption for foto: Photo from HydroJug’s Neutral Pro Jugs.

• Cost: $22

Staying hydrated for a 12-hour shift is challenging to say the least. Having a large water bottle makes it a little easier though. This half- gallon water bottle comes in so many cute colors and is a useful gift.

10. Nurse Mug

Caption for foto: Photo from Zazzle nurse mug.

• Cost: $18

A lot of nurses love coffee on shift, as well as off. This nurse mug is the perfect way for your favorite nursing graduate to sip their favorite coffee or tea during their downtime. It has a simple hospital themed pattern featuring bandages, stethoscopes and pill bottles. 

What’s important for nurses when choosing a gift for a nursing student?

• Utility: The best gifts are the ones that actually get used. Think about how often the gift you pick will get used. Anything versatile and functional is always a great idea.
• Sentimentality: Graduating from nursing school is a major accomplishment so you should try to select a gift that has some degree of sentiment. 
• Fun factor: It is hard to go wrong with a funny or silly gift. Picking a fun gift like colorful compression socks or a cute badge reel is sure to put a smile on the face of your favorite nursing graduate. 

Next steps

It is important to make sure that nurses know how appreciated they are. Even nurses who have just finished school have done a lot of work to get to where they are. Take some time in selecting the best gift for your favorite nursing graduate. A gift is the best way to say thank you and let someone know how appreciated they are. 

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Personal Finance / Best Nikes

It’s no secret that nurses spend a lot of time on their feet. So having the right work shoes ensures that you stay comfortable for those long, 12-hour shifts. Nikes are a standard go-to athletic shoe that many nurses choose to wear to work. There are seemingly endless Nike designs, so keep reading to find out some of our favorites. 

• Nike Zoom Pulse White
• Nike In Season TR 9
• Nike Downshifter 11 Sneaker
• Nike Flex Trainer
• Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36
• Nike Free RN Flyknit
• Nike Air Monarch IV

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1. Nike Zoom Pulse White

If you’re looking for a classic white nursing shoe with a modern design, look no further than the Nike Zoom Pulse. With a flexible, supportive, and durable design these Nikes are ideal for long shifts spent on your feet. This slip-on shoe is free from laces and easy to take on and off. They’re also made from a durable material that is easy to clean and maintain. 

• Feel: Flexible and supportive
• Durability: Durable, water-resistant material 
• Styles: Slip-on design, multiple color options

Cost: $120

Where to buy: nike.com, Amazon

2. Nike In Season TR 9 

This pair of Nikes features a rubber strap around the top that offers added support and comfort. With a lightweight, breathable mesh design these shoes are flexible and comfortable. They make great work shoes because they have a strong rubber tread and durable mesh. 

• Feel: These shoes feel stable and supportive with lace-up closure and a stretchy rubber strap that fits around the foot. 
• Durability: The quality and durability of these shoes are discussed often in the reviews. They work well for long shifts and last a long time. 
• Styles: These shoes are only available in black and white on the Nike website but there are a variety of different colors on Amazon. They have a stylish and trendy appearance. 

Cost: $75

Where to buy: nike.com, Amazon

3. Nike Downshifter 11 Sneaker

These lightweight sneakers are supportive, comfortable, and durable. They are made with a mesh material and a rubber sole. The flexible sole moves with your feet for a natural type of comfort. These shoes have a neutral and simple style, making them great everyday work shoes. 

• Feel: Natural, flexible and lightweight. 
• Durability: Running many miles in these shoes may not stand the test of time, but wearing them for day-to-day walking (like that which you’ll be doing at work) is perfectly feasible. 
• Styles: These are available in a variety of different colors including neutrals such as tan, white, gray, and black.

Cost: $55 

Where to buy: nike.com, Amazon 

4. Nike Flex Trainer

The Nike Flex Trainer is designed to offer flexibility and traction–two features that are ideal for nursing work shoes. The strong gripping sole works well for walking on sleek hospital floors and the mesh material is lightweight and comfortable. These shoes apparently work well for narrow and flat footed individuals. 

• Feel: These shoes fit well around the foot with a more snug fit. They are also made with a lightweight material that makes movement easy. 
• Durability: Comfortable and supportive for all day wear. 
• Styles: They are available in a variety of color options ranging from neutrals all the way to bright pink. 

Cost: $70

Where to buy: nike.com, Amazon

5. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36

These supportive sneakers have a thick sole and they are designed to offer responsiveness and stability. The durable outsole will help ensure that you get plenty of use out of these shoes before needing to replace them. 

• Feel: Supportive and responsive to movement. 
• Durability: Many athletes who use these shoes for strenuous exercise report that they last a while. So, when used for work they’re likely to last even longer since you’ll mainly be walking and standing in them. 
• Styles: These shoes are available in many different bright and funky color combinations. 

Cost: $90

Where to buy: nike.com, Amazon

6. Nike Free RN Flyknit

The Nike Free RN are the perfect lightweight work shoe, with a fitted mesh design and a lightweight thinner sole. These shoes are supportive and flexible. 

• Feel: These Nikes feel snug around the foot and the material and sole are lightweight. 
• Durability: The thick mesh material is durable and easily washable. 
• Styles: These shoes have a classic and simple design. They are available in black or white. 

Cost: $120

Where to buy: nike.com, Amazon

7. Nike Air Monarch IV

These well-cushioned men’s sneakers are made from durable leather and a solid rubber sole. The leather top of these sneakers makes them safe and practical for a nurse. 

• Feel: These shoes definitely have a bulkier appearance when compared with some of the others but they still have a soft and supportive feel. 
• Durability: The leather top and thick sole give these sneakers a highly durable design. 
• Styles: As stated above, these sneakers have a bulkier style, but some people prefer that look. They come in a variety of different black, white, and gray combinations.  

Cost: $75

Where to buy: nike.com, Amazon

What’s important for nurses when choosing Nikes and nursing shoes?

When sifting through all of the different options for Nikes for nurses, you’ll want to focus on a few key features, including comfort, utility, and slip resistance. 

• Comfort: This should be your top priority when it comes to selecting a pair of Nikes to wear to your nursing job. Uncomfortable shoes are more than problematic when you’re working 12 hours at a time. 
• Utility: Consider what type of features matter most to you in a work shoe. Are you needing more arch support? A narrower fit?
• Slip resistance: Hospital floors are sleek and you never know when you’re going to be speed walking or running unexpectedly. So having slip-resistant soles is super important to prevent a fall. 

Next steps

Did you know that some shoe companies offer shoe discounts for nurses? This is great, assuming that you may end up going through a couple of pairs of sneakers before you land on your perfect work shoe. So make sure to check out any nurse-specific sales or nurse’s week freebies before making your final decision. 

Some Nike styles may require you to size up or down, depending on the fit. Once your shoes do arrive, be sure to test them out before wearing them to work for a full shift. There may be a short “breaking in” period required before you’re comfortable wearing your new shoes for a full 12-hour shift. 

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