Starting nursing school is an exciting yet challenging journey. It’s a whirlwind of lectures, clinical placements, and endless study sessions. But don’t worry—with the right tools, you can stay organized, efficient, and fully prepared for whatever nursing school throws your way.
When I first started my nursing program, I was overwhelmed by the amount of equipment, textbooks, and supplies I needed. But over time, I figured out which items were truly essential. From technology that keeps me connected to tools that help me stay organized during clinical placements, these are the must-haves that I simply can’t live without.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your nursing school kit, here’s a detailed list of my go-to essentials that have made my journey smoother and more manageable.
1. A Good Laptop
A reliable laptop is the cornerstone of nursing school success. I use the MacBook Air (base model) because it’s lightweight, portable, and powerful enough to handle all my academic needs. From taking notes during lectures to writing research papers, it does it all. Plus, its long battery life ensures I can work through long study sessions without constantly searching for an outlet.
I love that it syncs seamlessly with my other Apple devices, making it easy to access notes and files on the go. If you’re not an Apple fan, other great alternatives include the Microsoft Surface Pro or the Dell XPS 13—both are lightweight and efficient for students on the move.
2. Custom Name Tag
One of the first things I learned during clinical placements is how important it is to have a personalized name tag. It not only looks professional but also helps build rapport with patients and staff. I got mine from NorelleAU because they offer customizable designs that are both durable and stylish.
Having a personalized touch makes me feel more confident and helps patients remember my name, which is a great way to build trust. Plus, the quality is fantastic—it doesn’t scratch or fade easily, even after countless shifts.
You can use my discount code "WELCOME10" to get 10% off.
3. Frank Green Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during long study sessions and 12-hour clinical shifts. I use the Frank Green water bottle because it’s both durable and stylish. Its spill-proof design means I can toss it into my backpack without worrying about leaks.
The bottle is also eco-friendly and keeps drinks cold for hours, which is a lifesaver during summer shifts. I love the sleek design and the variety of colors available, making it a functional yet trendy accessory.
4. A Good Power Bank
Long shifts and hectic schedules mean your devices might run out of battery at the worst moments. That’s why I always carry an Anker power bank to keep my phone and laptop charged throughout the day. It’s compact yet powerful, with multiple USB ports to charge multiple devices at once.
Whether I’m using my phone for medical reference apps or my laptop for last-minute assignments, having a reliable power source gives me peace of mind. It’s one of those items you don’t realize you need until you’re in a bind—and then you’ll wonder how you ever survived without it.
5. Multi-Purpose Convertible Charging Cable
Juggling multiple devices means carrying a tangle of charging cables—unless you have this genius solution. This pink multi-purpose cable is a game-changer! It covers all my charging needs with just one cable, from my laptop to my phone and even my tablet.
It’s super convenient, especially when you’re on the go. No more searching for the right cable in a messy bag. It’s also durable, which is a must when you’re constantly plugging and unplugging devices.
6. Multiport Charging Block
With so many devices to keep charged, a multiport charging block is a lifesaver. It lets me charge multiple devices at once, which is super handy during study sessions or overnight shifts. I love that I can power my laptop, phone, and tablet all from one outlet—no more fighting for charging space.
This also helps me stay organized and keeps my desk clutter-free. I recommend getting one with fast charging capabilities, as it saves a lot of time.
7. Good Stationery
Call me old-fashioned, but I still love taking handwritten notes. There’s just something about putting pen to paper that helps me retain information better. I always invest in high-quality pens, highlighters, and notebooks.
Color-coded pens are great for organizing notes, while highlighters help me emphasize important details. I also use sticky notes for reminders or quick references. My favorite notebooks are spiral-bound, making it easy to flip through pages during quick review sessions.
8. Tri-Fold Nursing Clipboard
This is my secret weapon during clinical placements. The tri-fold nursing clipboardis foldable, compact, and keeps all my notes organized. I use it for patient lists, reference notes, and quick cheat sheets. It’s been a total lifesaver during clinical placements because it helps me stay organized and prepared, even on the busiest of shifts.
It fits perfectly into my pocket and lets me check my notes discreetly, which is super helpful when you’re trying to look confident and professional. Plus, it’s sturdy enough to write on without needing a desk. It’s honestly been a game-changer for staying efficient and organized on the ward.
9. Waterproof Fob Watch
In nursing, timing is EVERYTHING—whether it’s tracking vital signs or giving medications. That’s why I always wear a waterproof fob watch. It clips onto my scrubs, so my hands stay free and clean.
I love it because it’s easy to sanitize, unlike a wristwatch, and it keeps me on track throughout my shift. It’s a simple but super effective tool that I couldn’t live without.
10. Durable Badge Reel
I learned the hard way that cheap badge reels just don’t cut it. I got tired of them breaking mid-shift, so I finally invested in a durable badge reel. It keeps my ID and access cards secure, even on busy days.
The retractable cord makes it easy to swipe in and out of secure areas without having to unclip it constantly. Plus, there are so many cute designs to choose from, so it’s a fun way to add a little personality to your scrubs.
11. Nurse Utility Belt
During placements, a nurse utility belt is an absolute game-changer. It keeps essentials like pens, scissors, tape, and even my pocket notebook within reach, making me so much more efficient and organized on the ward. I love not having to dig through my pockets to find what I need, especially when time is of the essence.
It also helps me stay hands-free, which is super convenient when juggling multiple tasks. Trust me, once you start using one, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!
12. Reference Cards (Critical Second)
When you’re still learning the ropes, quick references are a lifesaver. That’s why I always carry these reference cards from Critical Second. They’re easy to read and super handy during clinicals when you need a quick reminder of vital information.
They cover everything from drug calculations to vital signs and medical abbreviations, which is super helpful when you’re trying to remember everything at once. They’ve saved me from feeling lost on more than one occasion!
You can use my discount code "ANGEL10" to get 10% off.
13. Good Pair of Trauma Shears
You wouldn’t believe how often you’ll use trauma shears in nursing school—from cutting bandages to opening stubborn medication packs. I learned early on that cheap ones just don’t cut it (literally), so I invested in a durable, multipurpose pair.
They’re sharp enough to get through tough materials but safe enough to use around patients. I also love that they’re easy to sanitize, which is super important in a clinical setting. If you’re going to splurge on one thing, make it a good pair of trauma shears—you won’t regret it!
14. Multi-Coloured Pen
I’m a huge fan of multi-coloured pens because they make color-coding my notes and shift reports a breeze. It helps me stay organized and makes studying a bit more fun (and way less overwhelming).
I use different colors for symptoms, medications, interventions, and notes to myself. It makes everything easier to review later, and I feel way more prepared for exams. Plus, they’re perfect for those of us who still love handwriting notes!
15. Reliable Equipment
Investing in reliable equipment is crucial, especially for clinical practice. A high-quality stethoscope and manual blood pressure monitor are must-haves. Not only do they help you learn accurate assessment skills, but they also make you feel more confident when practicing on real patients.
I remember the first time I used my own stethoscope during a placement—it made me feel like an actual nurse! I highly recommend doing your research and investing in reputable brands like Littmann for stethoscopes. They’re a bit pricier but totally worth it for the sound quality and durability.
16. Small Pocket Notebook
I always carry a small pocket notebook that fits perfectly in my scrubs. It’s great for quick note-taking during placements—whether it’s jotting down important details, reminders, or observations.
I use it to write down things I want to look up later or things I’ve learned during a shift. It’s also great for writing down feedback from mentors or preceptors. Plus, it’s discreet enough to pull out anytime without drawing too much attention.
Ready to Rock Nursing School!
These Nursing School Must-Haves have made my nursing school journey easier, more organized, and less stressful. Investing in quality tools not only enhances your learning experience but also boosts your confidence during clinical placements.
Looking back, I can’t imagine surviving nursing school without these go-to items. They’ve kept me efficient, prepared, and (mostly) stress-free, even on the craziest of days. If you’re about to start nursing school or looking to upgrade your kit, I highly recommend these essentials—they’ve been absolute game-changers for me!
Good luck to all the future nurses out there—you’ve got this! And remember, being prepared is half the battle. If you have any questions or need more recommendations, feel free to reach out. We’re all in this together!
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