12 Nurse Essentials I Can’t Live Without!

12 Nurse Essentials I Can’t Live Without!

by | Jan 1, 2023 | ER Nurse, Nurse Gifts, Nurse Life, Nurse Scrubs & Accessories

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!

Hospital corridor and nurse's station

12 Nurse Essentials I Can’t Live Without

 

#1.  Littman Stethoscope

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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

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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

 

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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

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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

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♥ 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)

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♥ 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

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♥ 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

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♥ 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

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♥ 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

 

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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

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♥ 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)

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♥ 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.

Additional Recommended Reading

5 Best Trauma Shears For Nurses (in 2021)

5 Best Trauma Shears For Nurses (in 2021)

by | Feb 5, 2019 | ER Nurse, Nurse Gifts, Nurse Scrubs & Accessories

(There are affiliate links in this post.  You can find my disclosure page here.)

As a registered nurse who has worked all over the hospital taking care of emergency room, ICU, and telemetry patients,  I have seen it all and then some.  And I still see new things that shock me every day. This is why it is so important to be prepared with the right nurse supplies you need to be able to perform at your best.  And that includes having a quality pair of bandage scissors or trauma shears with you at all times.

I purchased a pair of cheaper white bandage scissors in nursing school and used them for my first few years as a neuroscience and stroke nurse.  They came in handy while removing IV’s, changing dressings on wounds, and opening difficult packaging.

A few years later, I invested in a good pair of trauma shears when I became an emergency room nurse.  Dull shears are not good in an emergency, and I wanted a great, non-disposable pair that performed well, especially while treating trauma patients.

The Best Trauma Shears And Bandage Scissors For Nurses 2019

Best Trauma Shears and Bandage Scissors For Nurses In 2021

Trauma shears vs. bandage scissors

Trauma shears are a type of scissors used by emergency medical personal such as ER nurses and first responders to quickly and safely cut clothing from injured people.

Trauma shear construction and durability enables them to cut through strong materials such as seat belts, leather, jeans, and even thin metal.  Also, the wide, blunt tip on the shears is designed to slide across the skin, minimizing the risk of injuring the patient while cutting clothing.   Trauma shears can also be used to cut bandages or open difficult packaging and come in handy during 12-hour shifts.

They usually consist of a handle with a metal blade, which is traditionally bent at about 150 degrees. This “lever arm” gives them an unusual appearance as compared to ordinary scissors.

Bandage scissors, otherwise known as bandage forceps, are very similar to trauma shears in that they are used for cutting.  They are generally slightly less “hefty” then trauma shears; however, they are still very durable, and a good quality pair can be used for many years of service.

Bandage scissors also come with a blunt tip on the bottom blade, which helps in cutting bandages without gouging the skin.  The blunt tip design of the scissor prevents accidental injury while making bandage removal very easy,

Price

Trauma shears and bandage scissors can range widely in price.  The costs can range from 15$ for an inexpensive pair of bandage shears to over $100 for a pair of engraved Raptor Shears.  In general bandage scissors cost less than trauma shears because trauma shears are more durable and have more functionality.

The best trauma shears & bandage scissors for nurses:

 

#1.  Raptor Shears

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Many nurses I work within 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.    Also, the Raptor Shears have a 25-year limited warranty and will last through an entire medical career or longer.  This is a fantastic gift for new medical graduates.

These functional and handy shears are 6 tools wrapped into one:

  • Medical shears
  • Strap cutter
  • Ring cutter
  • Ruler
  • Oxygen tank wrench
  • Carbide glass breaker

More about the Raptor Shears:

  • Ready for anything: The Raptor features the necessary tools for medical professionals to handle emergency situations, as mentioned above. 
  • More functionality: The Raptor is equipped with six tools, including folding medical shears, a strap cutter, a ring cutter, a ruler, an oxygen tank wrench, and a carbide glass breaker.
  • Simple and secure: The specially-designed sheath allows you to carry your Raptor open or closed so you’re always prepared. 
  • Pocket clip: No belt on your scrubs? The pocket clip ensures it’ll never leave your side. Alternatively, attach your Raptor with the integrated lanyard hole.
  • They come with a 25-year warranty and are made in the USA.

 

#2.  Leatherman Raptor with Personalized Engraving

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This tool has all the same features as the regular Raptor Shears, but these can be engraved to make an extra special personalized gift for medical professionals.   Therefore, these make a fantastic gift for graduates, groomsmen or bridesmaids, and gifts for first responders, nurses, doctors, and other health care professionals.

Here are a few features of the Leatherman Raptor Shears with Personalized engraving:

  • Free personalization for groomsman, graduation, and gifts. 
  • A fantastic gift for any health care professional or 1st responder.
  • Free engraving. Letters and numbers only.
  • Engraved items are not returnable.

 

#3.  XShear 7.5” Black Titanium Trauma Shears

 

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The XShear titanium trauma shears are great for a paramedic, EMT, Nurse, or any other medical provider.  These are weighty, perform well over time, and are non-disposable.

A few features of the XSHEAR trauma shears (per the manufacturer):

  • Twice as thick as most trauma scissors and sharpened to a razor-sharp edge.
  • Black Titanium coating for sleek all-black appearance and superior durability.
  • Serrated lower blade for an added grip of material and exceptional cutting performance.
  • Durable plastic with slip-resistant, soft-touch inner rings.
  • Extra sturdy center bolt designed to not loosen over time.
  • Patented design features a curved tip and edge that is gentle for cutting near the skin.

 

#4.  Madison Supply Fluoride Coated Medical Scissors

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I wanted to include a few less expensive options on this list.  These trauma shears are a more affordable option as they are not titanium strength and do not have as many features as titanium shears.  However, they are durable and will perform over time for basic and practical purposes.

About this product:

  • 1-pack of black-handled, autoclavable, EMT Shears.
  • Fluoride-coated non-stick surface.
  • 7.5-inch long trauma shears.
  • Sharp edge and milled serrations for cutting.
  • Durable,high-impact plastic handles and stainless steel blades, premium quality, long-life medical scissors.

#5.  Fluoride Coated EMT Trauma Shears With Carabiner

 

 

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What I like about these trauma shears is that they have a carabiner that can easily be clipped to your waist and be within reach at all times.  As a result, it makes it much easier to keep handy.

More about this product:

  • Cuts fast and safely with professional-grade medical scissors.
  • Carabiner feature – the steel-reinforced carabiner can be easily clipped onto your waist and be within reach at all times.
  • Durable construction – surgical grade stainless steel
  • Available in black, blue, red and neon pink, and black.

 

 

Runs With Trauma Shears T-Shirt

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This is a funny shirt if you do have to run with trauma shears!  (As many ER nurses and other first responders do).  This shirt comes in men’s and women’s sizes in 5 different colors.  When paired with a great set of trauma shears, this combo would make such an excellent gift for a first responder, MD, nurse, or new graduate!

Conclusion

 

Check out these articles for more great gift ideas!