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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
♥ 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.
♥ 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.
♥ 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.
♥ 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.
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.
♥ 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:
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.
*This post contains affiliate links/updated from original post 6/29/2018
Are you a nurse wondering what the most important supplies are that you need on each shift?
Being prepared and having all the right supplies is essential to providing top-notch care. That’s why we have assembled some of the best products available so nurses like you can feel confident they have everything they need at their fingertips. From penlights and Apple watches to stethoscopes and more—we’ve got it all covered!
These products are designed with nurses in mind – so they feel comfortable and work efficiently during long shifts. We hope you will feel confident knowing that you have all of the tools necessary to take excellent care of your patients at any moment.
I am a registered nurse who has worked all over the hospital, taking care of E.R., Med Surg, and ICU patients. As a result, I have seen it all and then some. And I still see new things that shock me every day! That is why it is so important to be prepared with the correct nurse supplies you need to succeed.
Browse below to shop for all of your important nursing tool needs!
How We Choose This List
We’ve read through hundreds of user reviews and star ratings to develop a list that makes nursing life easier and helps provide information to help you make a good decision. Choosing the perfect nursing tools requires some extra considerations to ensure they meet the unique needs of a nurse.
Here are the seven most important nurse supplies you need:
Whether trying to obtain a manual blood pressure or listening to lung sounds, every nurse needs to have a stethoscope. I bought a 3M Littmann Classic in nursing school, and I have been using it ever since. They are available in many colors and have a “non-chill” rim, so you don’t shock your patients with a cold stethoscope.
The 3M Littmann Classic III Monitoring Stethoscope is the perfect choice for a wide range of medical settings and patient types. Made in the USA without natural rubber latex, the stethoscope has a 5-year warranty and features a tunable dual-sided stainless steel chest piece with an open or closed bell design, as well as a non-chill bell sleeve for greater patient comfort. Soft-sealing ear tips provide optimal comfort and excellent sound occlusion while making sure you get clear audio as you listen to your patient’s heart/lungs.
What You Should Know
For those who want to express their personality through their device color, choose from a variety of fun and vibrant options!
The Raptor Shears look like a fancy pair of scissors. But they are one of the most practical and essential nurse supplies.
Many nurses I work with in the emergency room have the Raptor Shears, and we use them frequently in emergencies. You can hook it to a belt or secure it using the pocket clip.
The LEATHERMAN Raptor Rescue Emergency Shears with Strap Cutter and Glass Breaker is the ideal tool for medical professionals to have on hand in emergencies. This product comes with six essential tools, including:
Folding emergency shears
A strap cutter
A ring cutter
Ruler
An oxygen tank wrench, and
A carbide glass breaker
With Leatherman Rapture Shears, you can be sure that you’ll never be without what you need in a crisis. The specially designed sheath allows you to carry your Raptor Rescue open or closed so that you are always prepared. There is also an option for a belt-friendly utility style or MOLLE-compatible style, so you don’t need to worry about comfort when wearing it.
Otherwise known as the “medical gear hip pack,” the fanny pack is a staple of the nurse uniform.
When I started working as a new graduate nurse, I used a fanny pack every day to carry syringes, alcohol swabs, pens, a penlight, my notes, and extra needles and syringes. But after about six months, I got comfortable with the unit and stopped using it (mostly because I felt a little dorky).
But just this past year, I pulled it out and started using it again. And you know what? I do a lot less walking back to the supply room because I can carry the items I need in my fanny pack. And I always have my supplies on me when I need them fast. Embrace your inner nurse dork with a fanny pack!
Introducing Kangapak Nurse Fanny Pack Multi-Compartment Waist Organizer Tool Bag: the perfect combination of comfort and convenience, making sure you’re never caught off guard! This fanny pack is made of soft, high-quality microfiber that stays comfortably on your waist, eliminating the need to worry about it slipping or sliding.
It features nine stretchy, soft mesh pockets with designated syringe holders and improved zippers, so you can have peace of mind knowing your medical supplies are always organized and within arm’s reach. And not only is this nurse medical belt stylish, but it’s also easy to clean for your convenience.
What You Should Know
The elastic strap adjusts to most waistlines for a comfortable fit that won’t leave marks or cause pain and makes it easy to wear over long shifts.
These retractable four-color pens are great if you need something to stand out in your work notes. Or use different colors for different patients when taking reports. These pens are also great for color-coding notes and flashcards when studying for certifications! I always have a few in my work bag and one on me while at work.
Introducing the BIC 4-Color Ballpoint Retractable Pen, the perfect pen for your daily nurse needs! Featuring a convenient retractable design and four ink colors (black, blue, green, and red) in one pen, you’ll have everything you need to write down your thoughts quickly and easily. Each versatile pen boasts smooth writing and an easy-to-use side-click button that transitions the nib between colors. The durable tip is high-performance for extended use without skipping or smudging. Plus, the ink can be replaced, so your favorite pens can last you a lifetime!
What You Should Know
This set includes 12 pens with fine-point tips and adult-size barrels.
I got used to carrying a penlight when working on a neurology/stroke unit and needed them to check my patient’s neurological status at least every 2 hours during my shift. You can’t complete a neurological exam correctly without them!
(If you are looking for great gifts for nurses, a fanny pack with a penlight and retractable color pens in it would be so perfect!)
This set of 2 pen lights comes in Rose Gold and White colors and is made of premium aluminum alloy and LED bulb, making it durable and long-lasting. These penlights are perfect for measuring and tracking pupil dilation, as they feature a pupil gauge and a 5cm ruler along the side. It also has an easy-to-use on/off switch and pocket clip for convenience, so you can take it on the go.
What You Should Know
These penlights are powered by 2 AAA batteries and are lightweight and compact.
The Apple Watch was a big purchase for me, but I use it several times a day during my 12-hour shift, and it is so handy!
While working, I can use the Apple Watch as a stopwatch and a timer, and I can set the alarm to remind myself of tasks I might forget when my shift gets crazy busy. I can also receive and send text messages on it without carrying my cell phone with me.
But my favorite thing about the Apple Watch is that it records how much I stand, exercise, and move throughout my shift (it breaks them down into colorful rings) and tells me how many total steps I get in a shift.
My record so far is 22,000 steps during a single shift!
The Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS 41mm] Smart Watch is a great companion for a healthy life and now it’s even more powerful. With advanced sensors, this watch can give you insights to better understand your health and safety features that can help get you assistance when needed. The bright, Always-On Retina display offers high-resolution visuals that are easy to read, even when your wrist is down. And with the breakthrough temperature sensing feature, you can gain deep insight into your body’s physiological processes.
What You Should Know
With dozens of available bands and watch faces featuring personalized complications tailored to whatever you’re into, this watch is easily customizable to fit your style.
The Clipglow Nurse Light Clip On Nursing Night Shift Light is the perfect solution to help provide essential care while still considering the comfort of everyone in the room. With its hassle-free light-up feature and lasting illumination, this light can help you offer better attention to patients and maximize efficiency during complex night shifts. Plus, its magnetic clip-on feature makes it very easy to take with you on the rounds, so you won’t have to worry about a power failure or changing batteries during long shifts ever again!
What You Should Know
It features a USB rechargeable battery that has two light settings – clear visibility when you need it and dimmed or no light when you don’t – and lasts up to 10 hours after every charge.
FAQs Best Tools For Nurses
What kind of tools do nurses use?
It is important for nurses to be prepared with the right tools in order to provide the best and safest care to their patients. Some o the most important tools include:
Pen Light: A penlight is a small, handheld device used by nurses to examine eyes, ears, and throat for signs of infection or injury.
Stethoscope: A stethoscope is a medical device used to listen to the inner workings of the body, such as heartbeats or sounds from the lungs.
Apple Watch: An Apple Watch is a smartwatch that can be used by nurses to track their health and fitness metrics while on duty.
Clipboard: A clipboard is an essential tool for nurses that allows them to take notes while they’re on the job.
What should every nurse carry?
Every nurse should carry a number of essential items with them at all times, including a penlight, stethoscope, and clipboard. Additionally, nurses should also have basic medical supplies such as bandages and gauze, as well as medications and other necessary equipment.
What do patients need from nurses?
Patients need nurses who are compassionate, reliable, and knowledgeable. Nurses should continually update their knowledge of medical protocols and treatments to best care for their patients. Additionally, nurses must be good listeners and communicators so they can understand the patient’s needs and provide the best possible care.
What do nurses take to work?
Nurses shoulder a lot of responsibility and must be prepared for any situation that may arise. To ensure they have access to everything they need, nurses should bring several items with them to work, including:
A water bottle
Stethoscope
Apple Watch
Clipboard
Bandages and gauze
Other medical supplies as necessary
Nurses should also have a supportive pair of shoes and wear compression socks because they will be on their feet all shift!
Best Tools for Nurses Advice
So what are the best tools for nurses? The answer may vary from person to person, but we’ve tried to provide a variety of the best options for you to choose from based on reading thousands of reviews.
All you have to do is just tap the button to check the prices. Thanks for stopping by!
*This post about nurse gifts may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure page for more info.
From stylish and comfortable nursing shoes to badge clips, new nurses need all sorts of things when beginning their careers. While they have likely acquired some stuff while in nursing school, it is never a bad idea to acquire some new gear to prepare for their first job. With COVID, there are some supplies that nurses need now that would not have been necessary in the past.
When you consider the added stress of graduating into a pandemic workforce, it is clear that 2021 nursing school graduates could also use some fun and light-hearted goodies to brighten their day as they embark on a challenging journey.
Whether you are thinking about giving something practical or something fun, here are some ideas for the special nursing school grad in your life!
Badge Clips and Stethoscope IDs
Any new nurse would love a cute badge clip or stethoscope ID, especially one that matches her personality or interests. These accessories always make great gifts, and they will not break the bank.
Scrubs
If you are shopping for someone you are close to, consider stocking their closet with cute printed scrub tops. High-quality scrubs are durable, comfortable, and sure to make any new nurse feel great. For nurses graduating into a pandemic workforce, scrubs with antimicrobial properties make an especially great gift.
Compression Socks
Many nurses are on their feet for 12 (or more) hours each day. A good pair of compression socks help with blood circulation and can help the wearer remain a bit more comfortable throughout their shift. Compression socks come in countless colors and designs. Choose ones that match the intended recipient’s preferences or interests.
Nursing Shoes
For nurses, a high-quality pair of comfortable and supportive nursing shoes are a must. This might not be the best gift to give as a surprise, though. Instead, let the nurse in your life know that you would like to buy him or her a pair of nursing shoes. Let them pick out their preferred brand and style, and then cover the cost for them. Giving the gift of happy feet is a wonderful option, but it’s best to let the recipient pick out and try on their new shoes themselves.
Drinkware
While nurses know the importance of staying hydrated and tell their patients to drink plenty of water, many do not consume nearly enough themselves — especially while they are at work. Dehydration is common among nurses, but you can help by giving durable drinkware that will keep water cold all day long.
Cell Phone Sanitizer
Did you know that a typical cell phone is ten times dirtier than a toilet seat? Yikes! Nurses’ phones are exposed to germs, bacteria, and other nasty things every day. Help your favorite nurse stay safe by giving her a cell phone sanitizer. These handy devices kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria in just six minutes, and they are must-have items for anyone in the healthcare field.
Smartwatch
If you are looking for a fun, fashionable, and practical gift, you cannot go wrong with a smartwatch. Used for everything from tracking steps to checking emails to looking up medications, a good smartwatch is like a personal assistant that wraps around your wrist. Check out the best smartwatches for nurses to find one that is perfect for the new nurse in your life.
Black-Out Curtains
Is the nurse in your life starting their career on the night shift? If so, a set of black-out curtains is the perfect gift. They are an absolute must-have for anyone who works nights and can help your favorite nurse get some much-needed sleep during the day. Add a pair of earplugs, and you have an easy gift that will be deeply appreciated.
Badge Reference Cards
Just about every nurse has a hard time remembering everything they learned in school when working in the real world. From medications and diagnoses to daily tasks, nurses have to remember countless things while on the clock. Badge reference cards are a great gift because they act as a quick reference guide to medications, medical abbreviations, and much, much more. Several companies make these handy reference cards. MDpocket is one great option, though.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Nurses always need PPE, but it is more important now than ever before. Unfortunately, it has come to light in the COVID-19 pandemic that many hospitals and other medical facilities do not have nearly enough equipment to protect all of their employees adequately.
To keep your loved ones safe, consider giving them a high-quality reusable mask. A 3M respirator (with extra filters) is a good option. The EnvoMask, a reusable NIOSH N95 respirator mask, offers superior comfort and has a secure seal that keeps glasses from fogging. If you don’t know what brand or style of mask the intended recipient would like, ask. As a recent graduate who will be starting their first real-world healthcare job amid a pandemic, they likely have a certain type of mask or other PPE on their wishlist.
Rest and Relaxation
The next several months will likely be challenging for the nurse in your life, and that’s putting it lightly. The first year of nursing is always difficult, but entering the healthcare field presents even more issues during a pandemic.
If you are looking for an awesome gift for a new nurse, consider giving the gift of rest and relaxation. There are several ways to do this, and it does not have to cost a lot of money. Gift certificates for massages, pedicures, and other pampering services are always appreciated. They certainly are not the only options, though.
Offer to prepare a healthy dinner and drop it off at your loved one’s house on a work night, watch their kids so they can go out and do something they enjoy or ask if they need some help tidying up around the house. An act of love that eliminates a bit of stress is always a great gift.
This post has been sponsored by Zebra Pen. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There is an astronomical amount of information to remember as a first-time nursing student or as a career nurse who returns to college or university for an advanced degree education. With all the meaty textbooks, scientific lectures, and in-patient clinical training, it can make even the most diligent learners feel overwhelmed.
Which leaves many nurses asking, what is the most effective way to retain all of this information?
That is one reason why, as a nurse and healthcare freelance writer, using a Zebra STEEL G-402® Gel Retractable Pen has been my voice for notetaking. It is a pen made for savvy and confident professionals and it allows me to whittle down my most important thoughts on paper instantly.
Here Are 3 Ways Using a Zebra Pen and Paper Will Help You Succeed in Nursing School:
1. Notetaking with a pen boosts memory and helps you retain more information
Taking notes with a laptop has become the norm for our tech-savvy generation of students who want to refer back to every detail that a professor says in class. However, this may not be the best way to learn when it comes to notetaking. In fact, from a learning and memorization standpoint, typing may cause you to remember less compared to taking handwritten notes in class.
A recent study has shown that students using laptops were able to take an overflowing amount of word-for-word notes, but they performed worse when tested on the ideas compared to students who handwrote notes. Writing handwritten notes helps with cognition, especially for students learning complex medical information.
2. Freehand writing with a pen and paper sharpens critical thinking
My professors in college reminded us that the nurses who succeed are the ones who learn how to “think critically” in school. In other words, take the facts and form a judgment. It makes sense to me now—every ATI test in nursing school, as well as the nursing boards, are almost ALL critical thinking/multiple-choice questions.
In the real world, nurses must take the medical facts and form a judgment on how to treat the patient in the correct order. Lives often depend on it. Handwriting allows you to “critically think” about data more effectively than typing. You can form more transparent connections between thoughts, instead of just typing out lecture information verbatim. Another way using pens can help you learn more critically is by using colored pens to organize your thoughts on paper.
3.Freehand writing can help you manage the stress that comes with nursing school
The benefits of putting pen to paper do more than improve brain health and enhance learning in the classroom. Your mental health can benefit from journaling sessions. Expressive writing can help decrease stress, lower blood pressure, improve organ function, and improve your mood. All good things for stressed-out nursing students!
Freehand journaling is a tool that you can use throughout your nursing program and into your nursing career to help keep your mind in a positive state. In fact, writing with a pen increases neural activity in certain areas of the brain in a similar way to meditation.
To thrive in the nursing profession, you must take care of yourself first. Being a nurse in charge of someone’s life can be extremely stressful, especially when dealing with very sick patients. Consider starting a daily journal to help you manage the anxiety that can arise from the responsibility of caring for patient’s lives.
Why I use a Zebra Pen STEEL G-402 gel pen as a nurse and freelance healthcare writer:
I keep a STEEL G-402 and a notebook in my bag, at my desk, and on the side table next to my bed. That way, I can write a quick note to myself at any time. If my mind throws out an idea that I want to remember, I jot it down quickly with my STEEL G-402 so I can remember it later when I sit down to write.
In addition to supplementing my writing and research, the STEEL G-402 is a(n):
Affordable writing accessory for nurses
Heavier weighted pen, which makes it more comfortable to write with for more extended periods
Durable pen with a steel metal barrel so that it doesn’t fall apart like other cheap pens in the hospital
In the nursing profession, where I wear the same scrub uniform as everyone else, there are very few ways that I can distinguish myself as an individual. So, I show it with my zany compression socks, my nifty coffee mug, and my stylish Zebra Pens! Check out more information here to see how you can Choose Different.
The Zebra Pen: A lifelong learning tool for nurses
Working nurses will tell you that nursing school will be the hardest thing you ever do. But by preparing yourself with the right tools to succeed and studying as efficiently as possible, you will tackle your knowledge base with the esteem of a seasoned nurse.
Just remember to keep your laptop close, but your pen closer.
Being a nurse or a mom is hard work in and of itself. Add the two together and you have one incredibly hard-working, compassionate, multitasking superhero with skills that can save lives.
This holiday season why not give gifts that recognize both talents? The one that is raising children to be strong, capable adults and the one selflessly helping total strangers. After all, there is a fair chance that many nurse moms are not being appreciated or recognized for the dedication and hard work they put in, day after day.
The motherhood/nurse combination is a challenging balance. Next time you run into a nurse mom who looks a little tired, know there is a good chance she hasn’t slept in a week. And give her a high-five.
We hope you enjoy your holiday season and spend lots of quality time with your loved ones!
*This post about gifts for nurse moms contains affiliate links. You can find our disclosure page here.
So you want to be a nurse and are thinking about the nursing school supplies you will need. First of all, congratulations! You are embarking into an incredible profession, filled with an enormous amount of career opportunities. As a nurse, you will give back to your communities, help patients during some of the most challenging times of their lives, help the sick regain their health, relieve patient’s pain, and even save lives. You will learn to be a healer in your community.
But to learn as a student nurse, there are several nursing school supplies and tools that you will need to have. Most of the nurse essentials on this list, you will be able to continue to use after you graduate and throughout your career as a nurse. So it is crucial to think of this list as an investment towards your entire career in nursing – not just as items you will use short-term.
Try to stay as organized as you can and remember to take good care of yourself (just as you will be instructing your patients to do!). Without further ado, here is the essential list of the top 30+ nursing school supplies you will need for your nursing education.
(This list includes affiliate links. See our disclosure page here.)
The Top 30+ Nursing School Supplies: The Ultimate List
One of the most important supplies for nursing students is the stethoscope. You will be required to have one with you for all clinical rotations and skills labs.
Whether you are trying to obtain a manual blood pressure or listening to lung sounds, every nurse needs to have a quality stethoscope. 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 your cold stethoscope doesn’t you don’t shock your patients and make them uncomfortable.
It is a good idea to label all of your nursing supplies, especially ones that are more expensive.
With so many nursing students carrying stethoscopes into skills labs and clinical rotations at the hospital, it is effortless to get yours mixed up with another nurse. Having a stethoscope identification badge is the best way to prevent this.
Keep your stethoscope in a designated place where it will stay clean and in good condition. A stethoscope case helps to keep your scope clean and in good working condition throughout an entire nursing career.
Scrubs are the universal uniform for nurses for a good reason. They are very comfortable, designed for long hours of work, allow for easy assess to tools (with pockets), and they are durable to withstand frequent washing,
Most schools require that students all wear the same color of scrubs. Fortunately, every brand of scrubs has a variety of different scrubs to choose from.
The key to being a successful nursing student is staying organized and being prepared to learn. The nurse clipboard is an essential nursing student supply to keep your confidential documents and medical notes with you. Nursing clipboards also give you something to write on while getting a shift report or while in a patient’s room. They also help you store needed writing tools, such as your retractable pen or highlighter.
Students in the clinical setting need a way to get to their nursing supplies fast. The fanny pack is a great solution for this. You can keep it with you each clinical rotation to carry several nurse supplies, including trauma shears, alcohol swabs, pens, a penlight, notes, and extra needles and syringes. Also, having a “nurse hip pack” can help prevent nurses from having to make additional trips back to the supply room for things they might have forgotten.
For some nursing students, the fanny pack may feel too bulky. If that is the case for you may want to consider getting a pocket organizer to store needed nursing school supplies and tools. Knowing you have the essentials you need within your reach at all times will not only keep you calmer in stressful situations, but you will appear more professional to boot.
Color-coding your notes can be a helpful way for nursing students to memorize terminology, medications, anatomy, or NCLEX test preparation.
Retractable 4 color pens are also great for color-coding your work notes or written patient information. Also, having retractable pens are lovely to have for when you are studying for certifications! You can keep a few in your workbag, pocket organizer, or fanny pack.
The penlight is a staple nursing student tool for assessments. You will need a nurse penlight for assessing extraocular movements. And these are especially great because they have pupil sizes right on the pen for a more accurate assessment. You can’t complete a neurological exam correctly without them.
Learning how to start IV’s as a nursing student is one of the most challenging skills to learn. It takes a lot of practice, but over time your skills will improve. A vein finder is a helpful tool for nursing students to visualize a vein, so you know exactly where your target is. The vein finder is also a helpful learning tool in the classroom where you can take turns observing, feeling for vessels, and using the vein finder to help visualize where you are going to insert your needle.
Nursing students must learn how to organize their patient’s information cohesively during clinical rotations. The nurse report sheet notebook helps you keep your patient’s information organized and in one place. These brain sheets include areas for: vital signs, medication times, assessment notes, labs, patient history, and space for free text and notes. Nurse report sheet notebooks also make a great gift for new graduate nursing students.
The laptop computer is an essential nursing supply for obvious reasons. But your education in the nursing profession will go far beyond the classroom and continue throughout your whole career.
Nurses are lifelong learners. Not long after nursing school, you will be achieving advanced certifications within your specialty, and possibly get an MSN or doctoral degree in nursing. To do that, you need a dependable laptop computer to do your work.
The Apple Watch is a stopwatch, a timer, and allows you to set the alarm to remind yourself of tasks as a nursing student in the hospital setting. It also makes it possible to receive and send text messages without having to use your cell phone on the unit.
But what many nurses love most about the Apple Watch is that it records how much you stand, exercise, and move throughout your shift (it breaks them down into colorful rings). You will also know how many total steps you walked during your clinical rotations.
The Apple Watch is a great nursing school tool that will serve you well into your nursing career, both professionally and from a personal health standpoint.
If the Apple Watch is too expensive, consider getting a less expensive watch with a second hand. Having a second-hand makes it possible for nursing students to track important patient vital signs such as respiratory and heart rate.
As most ER nurses will attest, the Raptor Shears are one of the greatest nursing student supplies to have. And that you will use them throughout your entire career (these have a 25-year limited warranty).
Raptor Shears are very functional, and handy shears are six tools wrapped into one, including medical shears, strap cutter, ring cutter, ruler, oxygen tank wrench, and carbide glass breaker.
You can hook raptor shears to a belt or secure it to your scrubs using the pocket clip.
Hand sanitizer is the number one nursing student supply for preventing the spread of infection. As a nursing student, you will wash your hand’s dozens of times a day and often use hand sanitizer in-between. Travel hand sanitizers are always great to have in your nursing bag at all times.
With nurses washing their hands so frequently every shift, it is no wonder that so many suffer from dry skin. Whenever possible, use hand lotion to prevent dry, chapped hands and protect the barrier of your skin. Many nurses keep extra in their nursing bags and car to use whenever they remember.
Highlighters are a useful nursing school supply for organizing and memorizing medical terminology and studying for exams. You can even hook these on your badge reel to have handy and make sure you don’t lose them.
Keep a portable nursing drug handbook to make it easy to find the most vital information on the drugs that you administer as a nurse most frequently. This is an excellent tool for helping you learn more about medications while you are on the go and help keep your patients safe.
You can also lookup generic and trade names for drugs, find black box warnings, understand safety information for medications, and help you teach patients about potential side effects of medications.
Many nursing students don’t drink nearly enough water and end up going home after class or clinical rotations wholly dehydrated. Therefore, a great sealable water bottle is an essential nursing student essential to always keep with you.
The Hydro Flask Water Bottle is a high-quality water bottle that can be used for many years and still look 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.
But the best part about the Hydro Flask Water Bottle is the TempShield Insulation, which keeps beverages at the same temperature for many hours (hot drinks for 6 hours & cold drinks for up to 24 hours!).
Regular coffee mugs can spill in the classroom or clinical setting. It is important to have a mug with a sealable lid.
The Hydro Flask coffee mug is a popular nursing school essential for those who are pulling all-nighters to finish papers or cramming for exams. It has a leak-proof lid (when closed) for on-the-go activities. Also, drinks stay hot up to 7 hours and cold up to 18 hours with vacuum insulation.
There are a lot of supplies that nursing students need to keep with them: ID, wallet, pens, highlighters, a computer, notebooks, planners, or other personal items that you might need. A great nursing bag will help you keep all of your nursing school supplies in one place, so you don’t forget anything at home.
Having a badge holder makes it easy for you to display your ID to patients and other staff members in the hospital. Badge holders allow you to let others know who you are, and they don’t get in the way of your work the way lanyards do. There are also several personalized options to choose from.
If you are a nursing student, then you should get used to wearing compression on your legs now. Compression socks are so beneficial for nurses and students because they prevent or reduce varicose veins, they improve blood flow, and they decrease the risk of blood clots. Many nurses even say that wearing compressions socks make their legs feel lighter, even after a shift.
Many nursing students learn very quickly that they need to prepare and pack their food for two reasons – hospital food usually isn’t delicious, and packing a healthy lunch in advance ensures that the nurse will eat healthier throughout their shift. Otherwise, when lunch comes, and they are stressed and tired from studying, there is a chance they might reach for more unhealthy choices.
You can keep your ‘lunch bag” habit well into your career as a nurse as well. Use a lunch bag that is waterproof, leak-proof, super easy to clean, and lightweight.
Nursing students must have great shoes because not having them can be an occupational hazard. Hospital floors are regularly being cleaned in between patients, and there are occasional spills that can sometimes result in unintended nurse falls.
Nursing shoes also need to give great support, protect your back, reduce stress on joints, and be comfortable to wear for long periods.
A sphygmomanometer is a tool that nursing students can use to take manual blood pressure measurements and to have an accurate, reliable instrument to diagnose hypertension accurately. This is a great nursing school supply because it is so important to know how to take a manual blood pressure if you need to. Many experienced nurses forget because they haven’t done one in so many years.
Clogs are a staple of the nursing student uniform. They can provide better support to help them minimize foot, ankle, knee, and back pain, which is very important as nurses can spend long hours on their feet with little downtime.
Many nursing students (as well as experienced nurses) will switch off between clogs and other sturdy nurse shoes.
Your hospital will have a specific type of thermometer that you must use on patients. But as students and nurses, it is great to have a way to monitor a patient’s vital signs if we ever find ourselves in an emergency away from the hospital. Having an infrared thermometer is a great non-invasive way to monitor a temperature away from the hospital.
The pulse oximeter is a non-invasive method for monitoring a person’s oxygen saturation. If you work in a hospital or other healthcare facility, you will use your facility’s pulse oximeters. However, many nurses have a supply kit in case they need to check a patient’s vital signs in an emergency away from the healthcare setting, in which case, a mobile pulse oximeter is a great tool to have.
Going to nursing school is a challenge (many say its the hardest thing they have ever done!), but if you work hard and have the right nursing school supplies you need to succeed, you will excel in your studies and make a great nurse. Stay organized, keep learning, and take care of yourself in the process – the same way you will be taking care of your patients.
Most of all, know that you are a valuable contributor to what has been considered the most trusted profession for decades – nursing. Best of luck to you, student nurse!
#5. Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS 41mm] Smart Watch
#5. 
#7. YETI Rambler 20 oz Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler
#11. Leatherman Raptor Shears
#11. 
