12 Nurse Essentials I Can’t Live Without (Updated for 2023)
*This post contains affiliate links. Updated from original post on 5/7/19
In the dynamic realm of healthcare, where the stakes are high and challenges abound, every nurse strives to maintain their edge. I am a registered nurse who has worked in several departments in the hospital setting, taking care of ER, Med Surg, and ICU patients. As a result, I have seen it all and then some!
I wrote this article a while back, and I was so excited to unveil a compilation of my all-time favorite nurse essentials. These were the secret weapons that empowered me to conquer each day, no matter what it threw my way.
So, whether you’re a seasoned nurse wanting to revitalize your arsenal or a student nurse just trying to figure out what you need, this may be a great read for you. Thanks for reading!
12 Nurse Essentials I Can’t Live Without
#1. Littman Stethoscope
Why I Love This
I bought a 3M Littmann Classic in nursing school, and I have been using it ever since. They are available in many different colors and have a “non-chill” rim, so you don’t shock your patients with a cold stethoscope.
Whether you are trying to obtain a manual blood pressure or listening to lung sounds, every nurse needs to have a stethoscope.
#2. Koala-Qlip Stethoscope holder
Why I Love This
Keeping your stethoscope around your neck can get in the way sometimes. I love the Koala-Qlip stethoscope holder because it attaches firmly to my scrubs, and takes the weight of the stethoscope off my neck.
#3. Nike Running Shoes
Why I Love These
Nikes are my favorite shoes to wear for 12-hour shifts when I know I’m going to be on my feet all day long. Wearing sturdy, no-slip shoes that help cushion your feet during 12-hour shifts is an absolute must!
#4. Compression Socks
♥ Over 70,000 global reviews – 4.5 out of five stars
Why I Love These
Compression stockings are often overlooked as a way to prevent some of the chronic issues that come from working in a profession where you are on your feet for such long hours.
Wearing compression socks helps to prevent varicose veins, improve venous blood flow, decrease the risk of blood clots, and decrease swelling of the ankles and feet. I have found that compression socks with 20-30mmHg are the right compression strength for me as a nurse.
These compression socks are available in a multicolor combo of your choice, allowing you to wear a different color each day without needing to wash them daily.
#5. Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS 41mm] Smart Watch
#5. 
♥ Over 42,000 global reviews – 4.9 out of 5 stars!
Why I Love It
The Apple Watch Series 8 can help you understand your health better with its fancy sensors. It has a cool display that’s always on and comes in different sizes and materials. You can check your blood oxygen levels, heartbeat, and sleep stages with it.
It works with your other Apple devices too, like unlocking your computer and paying for things. Just remember, you need an iPhone 8 or later to use it. It’s tough with strong glass, dust resistance, and water resistance.
#6. Adar Long Sleeve Underscrub for Women (3 Pack)
♥ Over 9,300 global reviews – 4.4 out of five stars
Why I Love These
These under scrubs come in packs of three in a variety of different colors.This shirt is made of a mix of 65% polyester and 35% cotton, so it’s not too heavy and it’s easy to clean.
It’s a Classic Fit, which means it looks good on lots of different body shapes. The shirt has Long Sleeves and is Knitted, which makes it comfy to wear. You won’t feel any itchiness from a tag because it doesn’t have one.
#7. YETI Rambler 20 oz Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler
♥ Over 147,000 global reviews – 4.8 out of five stars
Why I Love It
This cup keeps your drink hot or cold because of its double-wall insulation. It also has a special lid with magnets to hold your drink in place (but it might still spill if you tip it over). The colored cups won’t lose their color, and it fits in most cup holders. It’s about 7 inches tall and has a 3 1/2-inch opening.
#8. Hydro Flask Water Bottle
♥ Over 42,300 global reviews – 4.7 out of five stars
Why I Love This Water Bottle
The Hydro Flask Water Bottle is a high-quality water bottle that can be used for many years and still looks brand new. It is made out of food-grade stainless steel and is BPA-free. Also, it has excellent insulation, which prevents condensation from forming on the outside of the bottle.
Nurses often forget to drink enough water during busy 12-hour shifts, but having this water bottle helps me stay hydrated.
#16. Lovevook Laptop Backpack
♥ Over 38,000 global reviews – 4.7 out of 5 stars
Why I Love It
It is a high-quality backpack I can use for work and it also has a compartment for my laptop. And it has a ton of compartments!
#10. Nurse Lunch Bag
Why I Love This
Making my lunch every day has several benefits. I eat healthier, I don’t reach for junk that is in the break room because I pack my healthy snacks, and I save a lot of money. I’m also a foodie, and hospital food just isn’t my cup of tea. So I pack my lunch in my favorite lunch bag every evening before my shifts, and I’m good to go.
#11. Leatherman Raptor Shears
#11. 
♥ Over 10,000 global reviews – 4.9 out of five stars!
Why I Love These
Many nurses I work with in the emergency room have the Raptor Shears and we use them frequently in emergency situations. You can hook it to a belt or secure it using the pocket clip. They also have a 25-year limited warranty and will last you throughout your nursing career or longer.
The Raptor Shears look like a fancy pair of scissors. But these functional and handy shears are six tools wrapped into one:
- Medical shears
- Strap cutter
- Ring cutter
- Ruler
- Oxygen tank wrench
- Carbide glass breaker
#12. Retractable 4-Color Pens (Pack of 12)
♥ Over 570 global reviews – 4.8 out of 5 stars
Why I Love These
These retractable four-color pens are great in case you need something to stand out in your work notes. Or use different colors for different patients when taking report. These pens are also great for color-coding notes and flashcards for when you are studying for certifications! I always have a few in my work bag and one on me while I am at work
Nurse Essentials Frequently Asked Questions
What should every nurse carry?
Every nurse should carry items such as pens, a notepad, a stethoscope, a watch with a second hand, alcohol wipes, and gloves.
What supplies does a new nurse need?
A new nurse may need supplies such as a stethoscope, scrubs, comfortable shoes, a watch with a second hand, a penlight, and a notepad.
What should a nurse have in her pocket?
A nurse should have items such as pens, a notepad, scissors, hemostats, a penlight, and alcohol wipes in their pocket.
Why do nurses need Sharpies?
Nurses need Sharpies to mark items such as surgical sites, medication containers, and lab specimens.
What is the easiest nursing job that pays well?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as what is considered easy and well-paying can vary based on personal preferences and geographical location. However, some nursing jobs that are generally considered to be less physically demanding include school nursing, telephone triage nursing, and case management.
What do you put in a goodie bag for nurses?
A goodie bag for nurses could include items such as healthy snacks, a reusable water bottle, a stress ball, hand lotion, lip balm, and a gift card to a coffee shop or restaurant. The contents of the bag can be personalized based on the individual nurse’s preferences and needs.
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