These are the things I genuinely keep in my nurse bag — practical, affordable, and tested through 12-hour shifts, clinicals, and teaching my students. Nothing aesthetic-only, nothing extra. Just the real essentials that make long shifts easier, clean...
Sections
4
Clinical Tools 🩺
Shift Comfort Essentials ⚡️
Organization + Bag Stuff 👜
Snacks + Hydration 🍟
Clinical Tools 🩺
Simple LED penlight for neuro checks and pupil assessments; lightweight and fits in any pocket.
Best Medical Pen Lights
The easiest way to color-code assessments, meds, and orders without carrying five different pens.
4 Color Pen
Smooth writing for charting and note-taking; never skips and lasts forever.
5mm Gel Pens
For quick report notes, lab reminders, and med times when you don’t have a computer in front of you.
Field Notes | Memo Books, Notebooks, Journals & Planners
A sturdy clipboard that keeps papers hidden and gives you something stable to write on during chaotic shifts.
Clipboard With Storage
Perfect cheat sheets for quick look-ups during assessments or meds.
Medical Badge Reference Cards
Protects your stethoscope, shears, pens, and small tools so they don’t get crushed in your bag.
Stethoscope Cases
Sharp, durable shears that cut through anything — tape, clothing, tubing — without dulling after one shift
EMT Shears (Scissors)
Shift Comfort Essentials ⚡️
Reduces swelling and fatigue — the one shift item that instantly makes a difference.
Compression Socks for Women
A lifesaver halfway through a sweaty 12-hour shift.
Mini Deodorant
Pocket-sized and hospital-safe for constant sanitizing.
Hand Sanitizer Sprays
Non-greasy and fast-absorbing to counteract constant hand-washing.
Moisturizing French Hand Creams - L'Occitane
Masks + dry hospital air = dry lips. Always needed.
Lip Balm
Reliable, strong, and actually hold up thick hair under PPE.
Claw Clips | KITSCH - Evolving Your Everyday Essentials
Reduces strain from long charting sessions under harsh hospital lighting.
Advanced Blue Light Blocking Computer Glasses
Organization + Bag Stuff 👜
Essential when your phone is dead before you even clock out.
Portable Charger
One for pens, one for snacks, one for random nurse things. They keep your entire bag from turning into chaos.
Zipper Pouch
Large, durable, and easy to wipe down — perfect for hauling your life around.
Nurse Tote
Stays cold for your entire shift and survives drops.
Traveler (40oz)
Keeps meals cold even when you don’t get your full break.
Insulated Lunch Totes & Coolers by Vera Bradley
Snacks + Hydration 🍟
Easy way to stay hydrated when you don’t have time to chug water.
Liquid I.V.
Quick energy boost when lunch breaks are a myth.
Protein Bars
Because 12-hour shifts AND parenting require more than coffee. Smooth energy without the jitters
