12 hours on the floor feels like a lifetime if you don't have the right gear. After nearly a decade of working inpatient psych and med surg, these are things I actually reach for night after night. Perfect for new grads building their starter kit, or...
The comfiest scrub top for those nights when you wish you were still at home in PJs.
Cherokee Scrub Top
I know, I know. But they're popular for a reason. Keep hydrated and hope you have time to pee during your shift.
Stanley Quencher
The gold standard. Clear sounds, comfy in your ears, and lasts forever.
3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope
The only pens worth buying in bulk because your coworkers are going to permanently "borrow" them. I'm a blue ink girly but they have a few options.
Pentel EnerGel Ink Pens
The difference between back pain and surviving a double. Bonus: they come in fun colors.
Brooks Women’s Ghost Max 2
Because meal breaks are mythical creatures, but when they do happen, you'll be glad you have a cute lunch box and yummy snacks.
MEXS Insulated Lunch Bag
Keeps you honest about how little sleep you're actually getting, but also tracks the miles a night you're clocking during med pass. Holds up very well to hand sanitizer.
Oura Ring 4
Non negotiable for my fellow night shifters. Turn noon into midnight in two seconds flat.
Joydeco 100% Blackout Curtains
Tricks my body into believing that the sun is real. The only alarm that doesn't send me into cardiac arrest when I hear it in the morning.
Hatch Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm Clock & Sound
Blocks out dogs barking, neighbors mowing, and every other reason your sleep is getting wrecked. (Won't stop children or partners from busting into your bedroom unfortunately)
SNOOZ Smart White Noise Sound Machine
The closest thing to being unconscious on command.
MZOO 3D Sleep Eye Mask for Side Sleepers
Because 12 hours of charting isn't kind to anyone's eyeballs.
Gaoye Stylish Blue Light Glasses
The quiet MVP of every shift
Copper Compression Socks
2AM neuro checks? Say less.
CAVN Pen Light with Pupil Gauge
For everything from cutting dressings to breaking into stubborn packaging. Maybe skip this one if you work in psych like me though...
