Nursing school is an exciting journey that requires a lot of hard work and dedication. To succeed in nursing school, you need to have the right supplies to help you stay organized, prepared, and focused. With so many supplies available, it can be overwhelming to decide what to buy and what to skip. In this essential guide to nursing school supplies, we’ll take a closer look at the must-have items, the nice-to-have items, and the items you can skip.
Must-Have Nursing School Supplies
- Stethoscope
A stethoscope is one of the most essential tools for a nurse. It’s used to listen to heart and lung sounds, as well as other bodily sounds that can help with diagnosis and treatment. A good stethoscope is an investment that can last for years, so it’s important to choose one that is comfortable, durable, and provides clear sound quality.
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- Blood Pressure Cuff
A blood pressure cuff is another essential tool for a nurse. It’s used to measure blood pressure, which is an important vital sign that can indicate potential health issues. A good blood pressure cuff should be easy to use, accurate, and comfortable for the patient.
Find the best nursing blood pressure cuffs here on Amazon!
- Nursing Shoes
Nurses spend a lot of time on their feet, so it’s important to invest in comfortable and supportive nursing shoes. Look for shoes that have good arch support, a slip-resistant sole, and are made from breathable materials.
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- Scrubs
Scrubs are the standard uniform for nurses. They are comfortable, easy to clean, and come in a variety of colors and styles. Look for scrubs that are made from durable materials and have pockets to store essential tools and supplies.
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- Nursing Clipboard
A nursing clipboard is a must-have tool for nursing school. It’s used to keep track of patient information, medications, and other important details. Look for a clipboard that has storage compartments, a calculator, and a pen holder.
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- Nursing Bag
A nursing bag is a convenient way to transport all of your nursing supplies to and from clinical rotations. Look for a bag that is spacious, durable, and has multiple compartments to keep your supplies organized.
Find the best nursing bags here on Amazon!
- Pens
Pens are an essential tool for nursing school. You’ll need them to take notes, fill out paperwork, and sign off on medications. Look for pens that are comfortable to write with and have black ink.
Find the best nursing pens here on Amazon!
Nice-to-Have Nursing School Supplies
- Watch with a Second Hand
A watch with a second hand can be a helpful tool for nurses. It’s used to time vital signs, medications, and other important tasks. Look for a watch that is easy to read and has a second hand that moves smoothly.
Find the best nursing watches here on Amazon!
- Medical Dictionary
A medical dictionary can be a helpful resource for nursing school. It’s used to look up medical terms and definitions that you may not be familiar with. Look for a dictionary that is easy to use and has a comprehensive list of medical terms.
Find the best nursing medical dictionaries here on Amazon!
- Highlighters
Highlighters can be a helpful tool for studying and taking notes. They can be used to emphasize important information and make it easier to find later on. Look for highlighters that come in a variety of colors and have a fine tip for precise highlighting.
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- Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is important for everyone, but especially for nurses who are constantly on the go. Look for a water bottle that is durable, easy to clean, and has a leak-proof lid.
Find the best nursing water bottles here on Amazon!
- Compression Socks
Compression socks can help improve circulation and reduce swelling in the feet and legs. They can be especially helpful for nurses who spend a lot of time on their feet. Look for compression socks that are comfortable, breathable, and provide the right amount of compression.
Find the best nursing compression socks here on Amazon!
- Laptop
A laptop can be a helpful tool for nursing school. It can be used for taking notes, completing assignments, and accessing online resources. Look for a laptop that has a good battery life, is lightweight and portable, and has enough storage for your needs.
Find the best laptop for nursing students here on Amazon!
- Reference Books
Reference books can be a helpful resource for nursing school. Look for books that cover topics such as pharmacology, pathophysiology, and nursing diagnosis. Look for books that are up-to-date and written by reputable authors.
Find the best nursing reference books here on Amazon!
Items to Skip
- Fancy Stationery
While it may be tempting to splurge on fancy stationery, it’s not necessary for nursing school. Stick to basic supplies such as pens, pencils, and notebooks.
- Expensive Backpacks
While a durable backpack is important for transporting your nursing supplies, there’s no need to spend a lot of money on a designer backpack. Look for a backpack that is functional, comfortable, and fits your needs.
- Expensive Watches
While a watch with a second hand can be a helpful tool for nurses, there’s no need to spend a lot of money on an expensive watch. Look for a watch that is affordable and meets your needs.
- Desk Organizers
While it’s important to stay organized, there’s no need to spend a lot of money on fancy desk organizers. Look for simple and affordable solutions such as file folders, binders, and storage boxes.
- White-Out
While it may be tempting to use white-out to correct mistakes, it’s not recommended for nursing school. It’s important to keep accurate records and white-out can make it difficult to read and understand notes and documentation.
In conclusion, nursing school supplies can be overwhelming, but by focusing on the must-have items and adding in some nice-to-have items, you can set yourself up for success. Remember to prioritize comfort, functionality, and durability when selecting your supplies. And most importantly, don’t forget to stay organized and stay focused on your goals. With the right supplies and mindset, you can succeed in nursing school and launch a fulfilling career in healthcare.
