Nursing Graduation Party Ideas: 55+ Wonderful Ways to Celebrate
Amazing Graduation Party Ideas for Nurses You’ll Want to Steal
Whether you’re getting your LPN, RN, BSN, ANRP, or anything in between and beyond, surviving nursing school is an accomplishment worth celebrating!
Despite being one of 2022’s most in demand professions, it’s not for the faint of heart. So yes, with a 1 in 5 national dropout rate for nursing programs, surviving is an apt description.
Mental (and physical) strength, critical thinking, and a breadth of medical knowledge are just as important as compassion and empathy. To say the least, nursing is hard work.
It honestly takes a special kind of person to rise to the challenge. As such, obtaining a nursing degree is a milestone that calls for a memorable celebration.
Down below are 55 nursing graduation party ideas that will make it one for the books!
Nurse Graduation Party Ideas
Invitations & Announcements
Pill Bottle Silhouettes
I love these handmade invites, they’re creative and so cute! All the little details make this idea stand out–notice how the name of the pharmacy has been personalized.
Kayla used her silhouette machine to cut out the pill bottle shape, so if you have a Cricut you could easily create something similar. Read more about how she made them here.
Floral Nursing Invites
Graduating in the spring? Announce your grad party in style with a pretty floral design like this!
All the elements in this pretty design by SweetStoryStudio are editable–including the letters next to the caduceus symbol. The”RN” can be swapped out with BSN, LPN, or CNA.
Medical Scrubs
These medical scrub look-a-like cards are beyond cute and fit the theme exactly. You can even pick the scrub top color to match your graduate’s favorite!
Retro Nurse Postcard Invites
The throwback style of these postcards sure is neat! Retro nurse and martini graphics are a perfect way to invite guests to your graduation party for a good time.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find who makes these *exact* invitations. But if you happen to know please leave a comment because I’m so curious!
Maybe they’re custom made? In any case, I’m sure you could DIY something similar!
Graduation Caps
It only makes sense to announce a graduation with a card shaped like a graduation cap. The fact that the other side looks like a degree is a really nice touch, too.
And if you’re feeling crafty, I’m sure it wouldn’t be hard to DIY!
Rose Gold Invitations
And of course, you can never go wrong with a simple, elegant announcement like this!
The design is timeless and sure to elicit compliments. And if rose gold isn’t quite the look you’re going for, it’s also available in yellow gold.
A life-size game of Operation is a such a cool decor idea! It totally nails the theme, adds an element of nostalgia, and it can even double as a fun party game.
Here’s a tutorial on how to make a DIY operation game. You can use the same concept and simply scale it up to create a giant version.
When in doubt, go with red and white. This color combination always works!
Along the same vein, anything reminiscent of the old school nurse uniform is sure to be a hit.
A fake prescription pad is awesome alternative to a guest book! Alas, Knock Knock has discontinued that tear pad design.
However, these “Prescription for Success” cards capture the same vibe.
When it comes to decorating, never underestimate the power of string lights. They have a magical quality that’s so easy to incorporate.
School colors are tried and true color scheme perfect for any post-graduation gathering.
Nurse Balloons
If these balloons don’t scream Instagram worthy, I don’t know what does!
They’re so pretty and make a nice backdrop, too. Everyone will want to snap pics to remember the event.
This nurse scrub top balloon is perfection! I don’t think you could find a more perfect balloon if you tried.
It’s definitely a must-have decoration for any nursing school graduation party!
If the nursing student you’re planning a graduation party for is graduating as a registered nurse, then these are the party balloons for you.
The letters are available in gold, rose gold, pink, and hot pink. They come with string so you can easily them as a banner.
There’s also options for BSN balloon banners if your soon-to-be nurse is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing!
Nurse Confetti
Stethoscopes, scrubs, syringes, and medical face masks, oh my!
Jazz the tables at your graduation celebration with colorful, on the nose confetti like this.
Banners & Garland
This sparkly gold banner looks AMAZING with all the greenery. It’s a tasteful pick no matter what kind of theme you land on.
Pill bottle garland is a great way to give old prescription bottles new life!
This type of nursing school graduation banner is an ideal pick to compliment a throwback theme.
Crisp letters and cute nurse cap graphics go a long way. This style of banner is always a popular pick!
This banner is made out of burlap and I’m obsessed.
Food & Snacks
Embrace puns with a fun candy buffet like this. It’ll entertain guests and satisfy their sweet tooth at the same time.
I couldn’t help but laugh at this snack idea, it’s definitely clever!
If you want to use something other than candy, strawberries are another idea you can use for “enlarged hearts.” Tanghulu would really WOW.
If you’re not a professional baker, cupcake toppers are where it’s at.
Pop these adorable nurse themed toppers into cupcakes (or dessert of choice) to instantly make your graduation party more festive! You can even choose from a variety of colors so everything will coordinate with your other decorations.
Thermometer pretzel sticks, bedpan chocolates, pee samples, jello shots – this RN grad party spread has it all!
Nursing graduation party ideas à la Pinterest never fail to deliver.
I mean LOOK at this creative spread of finger foods, everything about it so picture perfect!
Nothing makes Twizzlers more appealing than comparing them to clogged arteries. 😉
It’s amazing the depth of detail bakers create these days! These cupcakes are to die for, I don’t know that I’d want to “ruin” one by eating it!
Apple juice is the popular liquid of choice to fill the specimen cups, but I’m sure there are more yellow drinks that would work. Perhaps mountain dew?
Yes, even water can be dressed up to fit the medical theme!
Centerpieces
Nurse Uniform Floral Arrangements
I cannot get over how CUTE these centerpieces are. I love how each one has its own stethoscope.
Decorative Wine Bottle Coats
Okay, these ones take the cake when it comes to nurse graduation party decor! The little wine coats are absolutely adorable.
Pretty Paper Crafts
This lovely dowel arrangement is a no-brainer. Simplify your party supply shopping by getting the matching banner and cake topper.
This idea is DIY friendly and budget friendly. You can find mini buckets, crepe paper, and metallic shreds at your local dollar store!
Cookie Bouquet
Show off those cookies that are almost too pretty to eat by arranging in a vase.
These band-aid shaped cookies on a stick are simply darling.
Textbook Stacks
Textbooks aren’t cheap, take every opportunity you can to squeeze more value out them! Spruce up a stack with a flower arrangement plus giant mache letters and you’re golden.
Backdrops
In recent years, the popularity of photo booths at grad parties have EXPLODED. Which is probably due to how irresistibly instagram-able they are!
From unique selfies to priceless memories with friends, group photos of guests and more, a fun backdrop can add extra enjoyment to your celebration.
Here are some ideas to help you find the perfect nurse graduation party backdrop:
Giant Roses
Imagine making your post-nursing school debut with the air of elegance this backdrop delivers. It is straight up gorgeous.
Not to mention, the color would work seamlessly with any nurse themed party decorations.
And to top it all off:
You can easily make a giant rose background like the one above for cheap. How great is that??
The Sorry Girls really nailed it with this idea! Check out their DIY tutorial here or watch the video below for all the how to details.
Video: DIY a Photo Backdrop
Tassel Garland Photo Booth
You can go with an intricate backdrop, but there’s honestly no need to overthink it. Simple, colorful tassel garland is sure to be a huge hit.
Boxwood/Hedge Wall
Boxwood and hedge walls are suuuuper trendy right now.
You can even DIY one yourself if you’re feeling up to it! Here’s a tutorial with the how-to info.
Balloon Grid
Minimalism is another in vogue trend you can tie into your graduation celebration. This balloon grid backdrop is certainly a sleek and sophisticated idea.
Party Favors
Blood Bags
Who doesn’t love a good party favor? Especially when they’re as cool as these gag blood bags.
You can fill them with strawberry soda or any drink you like! As long as it’s something clear you can add food coloring to make it red.
OR:
Blood bag body wash is a thing. And it’s kind of, pretty much a perfect graduation party idea for nurses.
Chill Pill Soap
Aren’t these chill pill shaped bars of soap cute? This is one of my favorite party favor ideas for 2022.
You could wrap each on yourself with cling wrap or you can find individually wrapped chill pill soaps here.
First-Aid/Wellness Kits
Little wellness kits or gift baskets are a fun and unique party favor idea for a nurse graduation party!
Here’s what’s in the example picture:
- Small first aid kit
- Acetaminophen
- Manicure set
- Hand sanitizer
- Kleenex
- Antibiotic ointment
You can pick up plastic baskets like the ones pictured above at the Dollar Tree, as well the health care items.
But depending on how many guests you’re expecting, this idea could get spendy. Even if each items is $1.00 it adds up quick. So instead, you could include 2-3 items (like pocket hand sanitizer or tylenol packets) per kit.
Dance Potion/Happy Pills
“Happy pills” are a classic joke at nursing school celebrations. You can fill prescription bottles with mints, tic-tacs, m&m’s, or anything else small and roundish!
Snag some custom labels here.
Syringe Jello Shots
No nurse themed graduation party would be complete without the JELLO “shots!” Even better, it’s an easy DIY favor.
All you need are these plastic syringes and a box of jello.
Prescription Chocolate
Chocolate is good for you, right? Send guests on their way with a prescription for happiness.
Simply fill with the chocolate candy of your choice for guaranteed smiles! And for a more eco-friendly choice, opt for paper soup cups over styrofoam.
Final thoughts on party ideas for nursing school graduation
Nursing shortage headlines are plastered all across the internet and articles warn that the need for these important healthcare workers will only continue to grow. Those who are stepping up are making a real difference in the world.
I hope these ideas nurse graduation party ideas help you make the nursing student in your life feel celebrated and appreciated!
Related:
- Cool Male Nurse Graduation Gifts He’ll Actually Use
- 45 Absolutely Wonderful Nurse Grad Cap Decorating Ideas
- 33 Brilliant BSN Designs for Your Nursing School Graduation Cap
- RN Graduation Caps: 22 Insanely Good Ideas
About Charlie
Charlie is the co-founder of College Life Made Easy and author of the book 175+ Things to Do Before You Graduate College. She’s a 2015 graduate who teaches overwhelmed students and parents of students how to confidently navigate the whole college thing. As a former broke college kid, she’s passionate about helping students develop the skills they need in order to thrive (instead of just survive), stress less, and actually enjoy the full college experience.