What Are the Most Important Nurse Tools You Need?
*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:
#1. Stethoscope
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.
Why We Love It
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!
#2. Leatherman Raptor Shears
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.
Why We Love It
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.
What You Should Know
This company offers a 25-year warranty.
#3. Kangapak Nurse Fanny Pack Multi-Compartment Waist Organizer Tool Bag
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!
Why We Love It
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.
Additional recommended reading: The 6 Best Nursing Pocket Organizers and Fanny Packs
#4. Retractable 4-Color Pens (Pack of 12)
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.
Why We Love It
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.
#5. Pen Light with Pupil Gauge
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!)
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. 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.
#6. Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS 41mm] Smart Watch
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!
Why We Love It
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.
#7. Clipglow Nurse Light Clip On Night Shift Light
Why We Love It
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!
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