Ultimate Top 30 Nurse Supplies & Essentials: The Complete List (2023)
The Ultimate Top 30 Nurse Supplies & Essentials
*This post contains affiliate links. Updated from 4/4/20
Are you a nurse looking for the essential supplies to keep you prepared and organized? Look no further! In this blog post, we’ll be sharing the top 30 nurse supplies you need to have on hand.
Nurses need to be ready for just about anything, and having the right nurse supplies to succeed has never been more critical.
Whether you’re working in a hospital, clinic, or home care setting, having the right supplies can make all the difference in providing efficient and effective care for your patients. From basic necessities like great shoes and under scrubs to specialized tools like stethoscopes and vein finders, we’ve got you covered with the must-haves for any nursing professional.
With these essential nurse supplies, you can be confident in your ability to handle any situation that comes your way. Plus, having the right tools on hand can help you work more efficiently and feel more confident in your skills as a nurse.
Ready to stock up on essential nurse supplies? Check out our list of the top 30 nurse supplies you need, and get started today!
How We Chose This List of Top Essentials
We’ve read through hundreds of user reviews and star ratings to develop a list of top nursing essentials to make your life easier and help you make good decisions on what to purchase. We drew on our own experiences working in various healthcare settings, as well as consulted with other nursing professionals to ensure that we were covering all the essentials. Choosing the best nursing gear and essentials requires some extra consideration to ensure they meet the unique needs of a nurse.
We also took into account factors such as quality, durability, and affordability to make sure that the supplies on this list were not only essential but also practical and accessible for nurses at all levels.
Whether you’re just starting out in your nursing career or you’re a seasoned professional, this list is sure to have everything you need to provide the best possible patient care.
Ultimate Top 30 Nurse Supplies & Essentials: The Complete List
#1. Scrub Set
Womens Adar Pro Movement Booster Scrub Set
♥ Over 17,000 global reviews – 4.5 out of 5 stars
Why We Love It
The entire PRO Collection is made of premium super-soft stretch fabrication that is odor and wrinkle-resistant, making it ideal for the healthcare environment where premium tailored attire is desired.
Product Features
- The solid fabric is made of performance will, consisting of 74% polyester, 23% rayon, and 3% spandex, with a tailored fit.
- Drawstring closure for a comfortable and secure fit.
- The tailored fit and soft, stretchy fabric offer comfort and ease of movement.
- The Sweetheart V-Neck Top features discreet on-seam ID slits and is tagless for comfort, while the Yoga Jogger Pants have a mid-rise skinny jogger leg fit, a lie-flat ribbed yoga waistband, and a soft stretch outer drawstring.
- Lots of pockets! Two curve-cut front patch pockets and one chest pocket on the top, as well as two roomy front patch pockets, one zipped cargo pocket, and one curved back pocket on the pants.
Mens Adar Go-Everyday Scrub Set
Why We Love It
The contemporary fit of the set offers a soft feel that keeps you comfortable without sacrificing style or professionalism. The 4-way stretch fabric and moisture-wicking properties keep you dry and cool.
Product Features
- 89% Polyester and 11% Spandex with a drawstring closure.
- All items in this set come with moisture-wicking technology.
- The stylish-but-practical top and classic cargo pants set bring the ideal balance between a modern design and functionality.
- The pants have a mid-rise slim-leg fit with a full elastic waistband and a drawstring.
- Lots of pockets! The set comes equipped with one chest pocket and two side entry pockets on the top, and two front, two back, and two cargo pockets, as well as an internal and a scissor pocket on the pants.
#2. 3M Littmann Classic III Monitoring Stethoscope
♥ Over 63,000 global reviews – 4.8 out of 5 stars!
Why We Love It
The chest piece is precision machined from surgical stainless steel for excellent acoustic sensitivity and durability. Choose from 13 colors!
Product Features
- Identify and distinguish normal and abnormal sounds and rhythms.
- The product comes with a 5-year warranty for customer satisfaction and reliability.
- Suitable for adult and pediatric patients with its adjustable features
- Equipped with a tunable, dual-sided stainless steel chest piece with an open or closed bell.
- Non-chill bell sleeve to avoid discomfort.
- Soft-sealing ear-tips offer optimal comfort and excellent sound occlusion.
#3. Personalized Stethoscope Name Tag
♥ Over 5450 global reviews – 4.6 out of 5 stars!
Why We Love It
With so many stethoscopes in the healthcare setting, it is very easy to get yours mixed up with someone else. A personalized stethoscope name tag prevents this.
Product Features
- This personalized stethoscope name tag is adjustable and made of copper, which is 18k gold plated to gold, silver, and rose gold, ensuring that it won’t fade.
- The diameter of the stethoscope charm is adjustable to fit different stethoscope tubing sizes.
- It can be engraved with personalized text, symbols, letters, initials, or monograms.
#4. The BATCLIP – Premium Leather Handmade Clip-on Stethoscope Hip Holder
♥ Over 1,300 global reviews – 4.6 out of 5 stars!
Why We Love It
Designed by an emergency physician who experienced repeated misplacement and loss of his own stethoscopes.
Product Features
- A top-of-the-line quality stethoscope-carrying solution made from hand-picked cow hides in Maine.
- The Batclip has undergone over 20 years of testing and more than a dozen improvements based on feedback from real-world medical practice.
- This device accommodates many variations in stethoscope design.
- The Batclip comes with a no-hassle warranty, which includes repair or replacement. It is made to last for a lifetime and has achieved a superior reputation due to its success in actual use.
- Made with love and care in a small multi-generation family-owned leather shop.
#5. Stethoscope Case
♥ Over 23,000 global reviews – 4.7 out of 5 stars!
Why We Love It
A stethoscope case helps to keep your scope clean and in excellent condition throughout your entire nursing career.
This case has a fluffy fabric lining that is extra soft, anti-static, shockproof, and effectively absorbs impacts to reduce damages caused by accidental bumping, scratches, and bumps. It protects your stethoscope and Littmann stethoscope accessories.
Product Features
- This is a stethoscope case only and does not include stethoscopes or accessories.
- The case features a mesh pocket for nurse accessories and a handwrist for easy portability.
- It is semi-waterproof, shockproof, stylish, and durable, guaranteed to prevent damage to your stethoscopes.
- Its external dimensions are 10.87 x 4.18 x 2.72 inches, while its internal dimensions are 10.12 x 3.54 x 1.97 inches.
- The stethoscope case works with a variety of stethoscope brands and models, including Littmann Cardiology III, Classic III, Lightweight II S.E., and Master Cardiology, as well as MDF MD One, Omron Sprague Rappaport, and more.
#6. Kangapak Multi-Compartment Waist Organizer Tool Bag/ Fanny Pack
♥ Over 860 global reviews – 4.6 out of 5 stars!
Why We Love It
Known as a “fanny pack,” “hip pack,” or “waist organizer,” these nifty bags help carry many supplies, including trauma shears, alcohol swabs, pens, a penlight, notes, and extra needles and syringes.
Having one of these also helps prevent you from having to make additional trips back to the supply room for things you forgot.
Product Features
- The nurse utility belt has a zipper closure and should be hand washed only.
- Made of high-quality microfiber, it is comfortable to wear and stays in place on your waist to hold all your supplies.
- The belt has nine stretchy, soft mesh pockets to help you organize your supplies, including designated syringe holders and improved zippers.
- The elastic strap adjusts to most waistlines and fits close to the body, making it slim and convenient for work. It is made of durable and water-resistant material, freeing up your scrubs pockets and allowing you to carry all necessary supplies.
#7. Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS 41mm] Smart Watch
♥ Over 42,000 global reviews – 4.9 out of 5 stars!
Why We Love It
While working, medical professionals can use the Apple Watch as a stopwatch and a timer to remind themselves of an important task. It is also possible to receive and send text messages without having a cell phone with you.
But our favorite thing about the Apple Watch is how it records how much you stand, exercise, and move throughout an entire shift (into colorful rings) and lets you know how many total steps you get in a shift.
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.
Product Features
- Apple Watch Series 8 is designed with advanced sensors that provide insights to help you better understand your health.
- The Always-On Retina display is easy to read, even when your wrist is down, and the watch is available in a range of sizes and materials.
- Keep an eye on your blood oxygen levels, take an ECG anytime, get notifications if you have an irregular rhythm, and see how much time you spent in REM, Core, or Deep sleep with Sleep Stages.
- The Apple Watch works seamlessly with your Apple devices and services, such as unlocking your Mac automatically, finding your devices with a tap, and paying and sending money with Apple Pay. Note that it requires an iPhone 8 or later with the latest iOS version.
- The Apple Watch Series 8 is incredibly durable, with crack-resistant glass, IP6X-certified dust resistance, and swim-proof with WR50 water resistance.
#8. Leatherman Raptor Shears
♥ Over 10,000 global reviews – 4.9 out of five stars!
Why We Love It
Raptor Shears look like a fancy pair of scissors. But they are one of the most practical and essential nurse supplies. And this company offers a 25-year warranty!
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.
Product Features
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
#9. Folding Nurse Clipboard
♥ Over 1,600 global reviews – 4.7 out of five stars
Why We Love It
Keeping a nurse clipboard with you is an easy, secure way to keep confidential documents and medical notes. They give you something to write on while getting a shift report or while in a patient’s room.
Product Features
- Compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use nursing folder clipboard.
- Features a folding design that allows it to be easily carried everywhere and take quick notes during meetings or interviews.
- Can hold 15-30 sheets of regular paper without creasing.
- Comes with free cheat sheets.
#10. Nurse Organizer Bag Pouch for Accessories
♥ Over 530 global reviews – 4.5 out of 5 stars
Why We Love It
If a fanny pack isn’t something you are into, you may want to consider getting a pocket organizer to store needed nurse supplies and tools. Although, keep in mind that these are much smaller.
Product Features
- Features three front pockets and two buckle strips, along with a pocket on the back.
- Includes a Velcro-closure pocket that provides additional security.
- The dimensions of the kit are 6(L) x 5(W) inches, making it lightweight and pocket-sized, making it easy to carry with you on the go.
- The organizer kit is designed to be water-resistant.
#11. Retractable 4-Color Pens (Pack of 12)
♥ Over 570 global reviews – 4.8 out of 5 stars
Why We Love It
This pen has a convenient retractable design and four ink colors (black, blue, green, and red). 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!
Product Features
- It 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.
#12. Pen Light with Pupil Gauge
♥ Over 17,000 global reviews – 4.6 out of 5 stars
Why We Love It
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.
What You Should Know.
- The penlights have a pupil gauge and a 5cm ruler on the side, making it easy to measure pupil dilation and length.
- The penlights have push-button on/off switches with pocket clips, making them convenient to use and control and easy to carry in your uniform pocket.
- The penlights require 2 AAA batteries with the positive pole “+” direction of batteries facing the pen bulbs. (Note: Batteries not included)
#13. Veinlite Emergency Vein Finder Access Device
Why We Love It
Most hospital units have vein finders for nurses to use, but it is still nice to have your own because they always seem to be lost or already in use. If you are working on a unit where you will be starting frequent IVs (such as the ER), a vein finder is a nice-to-have item.
Product Features
- A portable, handheld device that is easy to use with its one-button operation.
- It has a built-in white light for patient assessment and orange/red lights for vein imaging.
- Veinlite EMS Pro is held against the skin and shows vein structures through transillumination.
#14. EZ Handoff – Nursing Report Sheets
Why We Love This
The book measures 6″ x 6″ and can fit in most scrub pockets
Product Features
- The book offers 80 templates that can be customized with patient information.
- These templates follow the SBAR format (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation).
- The templates include sections for Head to Toe Assessment, Vitals, Past Medical History, Labs, and other important clinical information.
- The book is spiral-bound, with a front and back cover for durability and HIPAA compliance.
- Each patient has a double-sided template that can be edited and filled in as required.
#15. Clipglow Nurse Light Clip On Night Shift Light
♥ Over 1,100 global reviews – 4.6 out of 5 stars
Why We Love It
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.
Product Details
- A nursing night shift light that provides essential care while prioritizing the comfort of everyone in the room.
- It offers a hassle-free light-up feature and lasting illumination to help nurses offer better attention to patients and increase efficiency during complex night shifts.
- The magnetic clip-on feature of the light makes it easy to take with you.
#16. Lovevook Laptop Backpack
♥ Over 38,000 global reviews – 4.7 out of 5 stars
Why We Love It
This backpack is both spacious and practical. With a generous 20L capacity, it boasts two roomy compartments and 18 pockets, making it effortless to organize all your school supplies and carry up to 15.6″ laptops with ease.
Product Features
- Large laptop backpack with size 12″L 16″H 7.5″D
- Multiple divider pockets for holding various items such as laptops, iPads, phones, water bottles, and more
- Six compartments and over 20 pockets, including a separate laptop and iPad compartment, a spacious packing compartment, and a front compartment with many pockets
- Anti-theft design with fixed password lock and anti-theft pocket on the back
- Made of tear-resistant high-density nylon and polyester, durable and waterproof
- USB port design for easy phone charging (power bank not included)
#17. Highlighter Pens
♥ Over 43,000 global reviews – 4.4 out of five stars
Why We Love It
These highlighter pens are perfect for marking important text, making notes, and organizing your work. With 12 vibrant colors to choose from, you can easily find the color that best fits your needs. They have a fine point tip so you can highlight tiny details without smudging or bleeding.
Product Features
- The product comes in 6 different colors.
- The product dimensions are 5.75 x 4.69 x 0.56 inches.
#18. Davis’s Drug Guide for Nurses
♥ Over 600 global reviews – 4.8 out of five stars
Why We Love It
This comprehensive drug guide for nurses provides up-to-date, clinically relevant information on more than 5,000 generic and trade drugs. It also offers detailed monographs that include indications/therapeutic uses, pharmacokinetics, interactions, adverse effects, dosage forms & strengths, as well as nursing considerations.
Product Features
- 643 well-organized monographs encompassing hundreds of generic drugs and thousands of trade names.
- Nursing-focused Cure & Care’ approach explains what the drug does and describes what the nurse does and how the nursing process relates to pharmacotherapeutics.
- In-depth coverage of patient safety, a red tab for high-alert medications, capitalized letters for life-threatening side effects, and REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies) icon.
- IV administration coverage.
#19. SUNNY BIRD Insulated Rolltop Lunch Box Tote
♥ Over 4,000 global reviews – 4.7 out of five stars
Why We Love It
The Sunny Bird Insulated Rolltop Lunch Box Tote is the perfect way to keep your lunch chilled and ready. It’s made of high-quality materials and features a roll-top closure to prevent heat or moisture from getting in, as well as an adjustable shoulder strap that makes it comfortable to carry.
Product Features
- The bag measures 8.5″ x 6″ x 9.”
- It can hold one meal set or 12 cans of 330ml soda.
- It has excellent temperature control, with a roll-up top and triple-layer insulation to keep food fresh for several hours.
- The high-quality nylon fabric is durable and easy to clean, and the lunch bag is free from BPA and other toxic materials.
- It is easy to carry and can be folded and put into a backpack or carry-on bag.
- The lunch bag has a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap for hands-free carrying.
- The lunch bag comes in various interchangeable colors and patterns designed by community artists.
#20. Nurse Coffee Badge Reel
Why We Love It
This unique badge reel is the perfect accessory for any nurse on the go.
Product Features
- The badge holder does not rotate, ensuring that the badge always faces forward and is easily visible
- The retractable length of the badge holder is 24 inches, providing ample reach when needed
#21. CHARMKING Compression Socks for Women & Men Circulation (8 Pairs) 15-20 mmHg
♥ Over 70,000 global reviews – 4.5 out of five stars
Why We Love Them
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
Product Features
- Made with 85% nylon and 15% spandex, these socks offer 360-degree stretch for flexibility and durability.
- These socks provide varying levels of support, from moderate to extra firm, with targeted compression zones.
- The high-performance fabric is breathable and helps regulate temperature, keeping you comfortable all day long.
#22. Hydro Flask Water Bottle
♥ Over 42,300 global reviews – 4.7 out of five stars
Why We Love It
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.
Product Features
- The straw Lid is designed to prevent leaks and make it easy to enjoy cold drinks
- With a convenient carry loop, the straw Lid is comfortable to carry and transport
- Made of 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel, this bottle ensures durability, pure taste, and no flavor transfer
- The TempShield insulation technology keeps beverages cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours
- The Color Last powder coat is dishwasher safe, ensuring the bottle remains slip-free and colorful
#23. YETI Rambler 20 oz Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler
♥ Over 147,000 global reviews – 4.8 out of five stars
Why We Love It
The Rambler 20 oz. is a sturdy stainless steel bottle designed to protect your hot or cold beverage.
Product Features
- Features double-wall vacuum insulation to maintain your drink’s temperature.
- Comes with the YETI MagSlider Lid, which uses magnets to keep your drink secure.
- Note that the MagSlider Lid is not leakproof and can’t prevent spills
- The YETI Ramblers are dishwasher safe, and have a No Sweat Design that prevents your hands from getting wet.
- The durable Duracoat coating on colored tumblers will not crack, peel or fade
- The YETI 20 oz Rambler Tumbler is 6 7/8 inches high and has a lip diameter of 3 1/2 inches
- It is designed to fit in standard cup holders.
#24. CODACE 3 Packs Nurse Headbands with Buttons
♥ Over 17,000 global reviews – 4.5 out of five stars
Why We Love It
These nurse headbands with buttons come in a pack and include three pieces in black, blue, and grey colors to save your ears!
Product Features
- Convenient for holding the mask cover, preventing the mask straps from rubbing your ears when wearing a mask.
- One size fits most, thanks to the flexible and stretchy fabric, suitable for long and short hair.
- Made of breathable, soft, and high-quality cloth, ensuring comfort and preventing them from sliding off or being too tight around your head.
#25. Saucony Women’s Integrity Walker 3 Walking Shoes
♥ Over 2,000 global reviews – 4.4 out of five stars
Why We Love Them
Looking for an easy, wear-all-day nursing shoe that provides ultimate comfort and support? Look to the Saucony Women’s Integrity Walker 3! Women’s Integrity Walker 3 is produced with the environment in mind and made with recycled materials, and adheres to strict standards of sustainability.
Product Features
- 100% Synthetic
- Rubber sole
- Amazing cushioning
- Durable upper with full-grain leather
- Non-slip outsole for confidence on all surfaces
#26. Sphygmomanometer
♥ Over 21,100 global reviews – 4.5 out of five stars
Why We Love It
It’s made from high-quality materials, and the adjustable cuff fits standard arms sizes. And best of all, it’s affordable! This is a great tool to have in case you need to get a manual blood pressure.
Product Features
- Stethoscope not included
- This reliable device is lightweight and easy to use, with clear digital readouts
- Affordable price point
#27. Adar Long Sleeve Underscrub for Women (3 Pack)
♥ Over 9,300 global reviews – 4.4 out of five stars
Why We Love These
These under scrubs come in packs of three in a variety of different colors.
Product Features
- Made of a blend of 65% Polyester and 35% Cotton, which makes it lightweight, durable, and easy to care for.
- The shirt has a Classic Fit, which means it’s designed to flatter a range of body types.
- It has Long Sleeves and is Knitted, which adds to its comfort factor.
- The shirt is tagless for better comfort and has no itchy tag rubbing against your skin.
Calf Compression Sleeves for Men & Women
♥ Over 16,200 global reviews – 4.5 out of five stars
Why We Love These
These compression sleeves are designed to provide extra support for your lower legs and help improve circulation, reduce swelling, and ease muscle fatigue. They are made from high-quality spandex fabric with a four-way stretch design to give you the most comfortable fit possible.
Product Features
- The kinesiology taping technology provides support, stability, and pain reduction throughout the calf.
- The footless compression socks are ideal for jobs that require you to be on your feet a lot.
- The calf compression sleeves come with a true graduated medical compression strength of 20-30mmHg.
#29. Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulders
♥ Over 500 global reviews – 4.8 out of five stars
Why We Love It
The adjustable straps make it easy to customize the fit, allowing you to target specific areas for targeted relief. The pad also comes with an adjustable temperature control to match your preferences, ranging from low to high heat settings.
Product Features
- Relieve muscle soreness and tension with this heating pad for the neck and shoulders.
- It’s designed to fit comfortably around your shoulders, neck, back, and even arms.
- With its lightweight design and portability, this heating pad is perfect for home use or bringing it along on the go
#30. Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop
♥ Over 18,800 global reviews – 4.8 out of five stars
Why We Love It
The MacBook Air has a long battery life, powerful performance, fast memory, stunning display, and it is easy to learn and use.
Product Features
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
- 8GB of unified memory makes the system speedy and responsive
- Display: 13.3-inch Retina display with sharp text, clear images, and vibrant colors
- Designed for easy learning and use, with a familiar interface for iPhone users, and compatibility with all Apple devices
- Compatible with various apps, including Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft 365, and Google Drive
- Stays cool and runs quietly even while tackling intense workloads
- Comes with a one-year limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary technical support, with the option to extend coverage with AppleCare Plus
- Made with a 100% recycled aluminum enclosure and uses less energy for a smaller carbon footprint.
Nurses are lifelong learners and need personal computers to research and study. By achieving advanced certifications within your specialty, you can advance your career, earn more money, improve your nursing skills, and become an expert in your field. To do that, you need a laptop computer to do your work. The healthcare environment is continually changing, and there is always something new to learn!
Nurse Supplies And Essentials Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important tool in nursing?
The most important tool in nursing is the nurse’s critical thinking skills. Nurses need to be able to analyze and assess patient data, identify problems, make decisions, and take appropriate actions to provide safe and effective care. Critical thinking is essential for nursing practice and is a key component of the nursing process.
What should a nurse have in their pocket?
A nurse should have a few essential items in her pocket, including pens, a notepad, a stethoscope, scissors, and a penlight. These items can help nurses assess patients, take notes, and perform basic procedures.
Why do nurses need Sharpies?
Nurses may need Sharpies to identify equipment or belongings, label specimens, or document information on medical charts.
What do you put in a goodie bag for nurses?
Some ideas for a goodie bag for nurses include snacks, hand sanitizer, lotion, pens, notepads, coffee or tea, a water bottle, stress balls, and a personalized thank-you note.
What can you buy nurses to say thank you?
Some ideas for gifts to say thank you to nurses include a personalized tote bag, a coffee mug, a gift card to a favorite restaurant or store, a spa gift certificate, or a book or journal related to nursing or healthcare. You might also consider making a donation to a nursing organization or charity in their name.
Nurse Supplies and Essentials Best Advice
Nursing is a challenging profession, but if you work hard and have the tools you need to succeed, you will excel and continue to move your career in an upwards direction. Stay organized, keep learning, and take care of yourself in the process (just like how you take good 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. Best of luck to you, nurse!
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