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The Complete Nursing School Supplies List

minute read Updated August 24th, 2023
Nursing School Supplies List

The complete nursing school supplies list is a downloadable PDF for free. Read below to find out which nursing school supplies you will need before school starts. Or, if school has already started, make sure you have the basics on this list! To set yourself up for success, having the right supplies is essential. In this article, we'll provide you with a comprehensive nursing school supply list to ensure you're well-prepared for the exciting journey ahead.

Download the free downloadable nursing school supply list here:

Let’s Start With Nurse Essentials

Embarking on your nursing school journey is an exciting endeavor, and being well-prepared is the first step towards success. Every nurse has their share of fundamental tools of the trade they need, like a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and of course, a good pair of trauma sheers.

Here’s a curated list of all the best nurse supply essentials!

1. Stethoscope

MDF Rosegold MD One Stainless Steel Stethoscope, Adult, White Tube

Cute Rose Gold Stethoscope

A must have for any aspiring nursing student. A high-quality stethoscope helps assess the heart, lungs, and abdominal sounds.

2. Blood Pressure Cuff

PARAMED Aneroid Sphygmomanometer – Manual Blood Pressure Cuff

Blood Pressure Cuff

Every nurse needs a good old fashioned blood pressure cuff in their toolkit. This one comes in multiple colors, and even has a carrying case!

3. Pulse Oximeter

Zacurate 500BL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor

Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

Great to carry around and spot check patients oxygen! Especially usful when you’re away from the monitors.

4. Penlight

Nurse Led Medical Penlight with Pupil Gauge

Penlight + Pupil Gauge

With a clip to fit neatly into a pocket, these pen lights provide a focused beam of light perfect for examining pupal dilation, or as quick flashlight.

5. Nursing Scissors

Madison Supply Medical Scissors for Nurses, EMT & Trauma Shears

Madison Supply Medical Scissors for Nurses, EMT & Trauma Shears

Medical scissors for cutting bandages and dressings.

6. Clipboard

Whitecoat MedInfo Clipboard Medical Edition Black

Simple Folding Clipboard

For keeping track of patient notes and clinical assessments.

7. Pens

Multicolor Ballpoint Pen 0.5, 4-in-1 Colored Pens Fine Point

You can never have enough pens!

For taking notes during lectures, clinical rotations, and more. This 6 pack of multi colored pens is perfect for when you inevitably lose one.

Watches

Watches are indispensable tools for nurses, serving as their trusted companions throughout demanding shifts in healthcare settings. These timepieces offer a multitude of essential functions that enhance a nurse's ability to provide top-notch patient care.

If you’re on a tight budget, a good old fashioned analog watch is perfect for any nursing student. With that said, upgrading to a smart watch is a worthy investment.

Speidel Original Scrub Watch™ - Easy-Read Nurse Watch with Silicone Band

Basic Watch with Second Hand

Essential for measuring pulse and respiratory rates, you can’t go wrong with a analog watch.

Apple Watch Series 8

The Ultimate Watch for Nurses

Not just gorgeous, an Apple Watch can boost your productivity as a nurse too! Set timers, check blood pressure, and best of all, you can see all of your steps you took during your shift!

Budget Option

24 Hour 3-Hand Easy to Read Time for Nursing Students

Cheep Water Proof Watch

This cost friendly option is easy to clean!

School Uniform & Accessories

While many nursing schools provide uniforms, they usually leave room for personalization with accessories like customized scrubs, badge holders, and comfortable shoes.

1. Nursing Uniforms

Depending on your school's requirements, you might need scrubs or uniforms.

2. Comfortable Shoes

Crocs womens Neria Pro II Clog

Crocs womens Neria Pro II Clog

Closed-toe, non-slip shoes suitable for long shifts.

3. Stethoscope ID Tag

Stethoscope Name Tag, Stethoscope Charms with ID Tag Accessories

Personalized Stethoscope Name Tags

These cute clips help prevent mix-ups with colleagues' stethoscopes.

4. Head bands

HoogaLife 4pcs Headbands With Buttons For Mask

Soft Head bands

These headbands help keep you hair in check. Plus, they have little buttons to hold your mask so your ears don’t hurt.

Hygiene and Infection Control

1. Hand Sanitizer

Portable hand hygiene solution.

2. Disposable Gloves

For personal protection and patient care.

3. Alcohol Wipes

For disinfecting equipment and surfaces.

4. Face Masks

Especially important for infection control.

5. Safety Goggles

If required for specific procedures.

2 Pack Stylish Safety Glasses Goggles Anti Fog

Safety Goggles

A necessary piece of PPE that can be used with contact precautions.

Nurse Books

1. Textbooks

As recommended by your nursing program.

2. Nursing Drug Guide

A comprehensive guide to medications.

Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses

This detailed book covers everything you need to administer medications safely

3. Medical Dictionary

For clarifying medical terms.

4. Clinical Pocket Guide

Quick reference for common procedures and assessments.

RNotes®: Nurse's Clinical Pocket Guide

Your one-stop source for class, clinical, and practice!

Gadgets

1. Laptop or Tablet

Useful for research, note-taking, and online resources.

2. Nursing Apps

Such as drug reference apps, medical calculators, and anatomy guides.

3. USB Drive

For transferring and storing important documents.

Nursing School Materials

1. Binders and Folders

Keep your notes organized.

2. Highlighters and Sticky Notes

For marking important information.

3. Planner or Calendar

Keep track of assignments, clinical rotations, and exams.

4. White Coat or Badge Holder

For displaying your school ID or credentials.


Basic Supplies:

  1. Stethoscope: Your trusty companion for assessing vital signs and identifying heart, lung, and abdominal sounds. Choose a high-quality stethoscope that will serve you well throughout your education and career.

  2. Sphygmomanometer: Learning to measure blood pressure accurately is a fundamental skill for nurses. A reliable blood pressure cuff will be your go-to tool for this task.

  3. Pulse Oximeter: This device measures oxygen saturation levels in patients, providing crucial insights into their respiratory status. It's a must-have for monitoring patient well-being.

  4. Penlight: Whether you're assessing pupillary responses or examining the throat, a penlight is a versatile tool that aids in your clinical assessments.

  5. Watch with Second Hand: Time management is key in nursing. A watch with a second hand helps you measure pulse and respiratory rates accurately and keeps you on track during fast-paced shifts.

  6. Nursing Scissors: These specialized scissors are designed for cutting bandages and dressings. They're an essential tool for providing proper wound care.

  7. Tape Measure: Vital for measuring wounds, assessing growth, and documenting changes in a patient's condition.

  8. Clipboard: An organizational lifesaver for keeping track of patient notes, clinical assessments, and important documents on the go.

  9. Notebooks and Pens: Classic tools for taking notes during lectures, clinical rotations, and studying. Don't underestimate the power of good old-fashioned note-taking!

Clinical Attire:

  1. Nursing Uniforms: Depending on your school's dress code, stock up on comfortable and professional nursing uniforms or scrubs.

  2. Comfortable Shoes: Nurses are on their feet for extended periods. Invest in closed-toe, non-slip shoes that provide comfort and safety.

  3. Stethoscope ID Tag: Prevent mix-ups by adding a personalized tag to your stethoscope. This simple accessory can save you time and frustration.

  4. Nursing Watch: Keep track of time and pulse rates with a watch that's easy to clean and suitable for clinical settings.

Hygiene and Infection Control:

  1. Hand Sanitizer: Prioritize hygiene with a portable hand sanitizer to maintain hand cleanliness between patient interactions.

  2. Disposable Gloves: Essential for personal protection and adhering to infection control protocols.

  3. Alcohol Wipes: Disinfect equipment and surfaces effectively with alcohol wipes, contributing to a safe and clean environment.

  4. Face Masks: Especially relevant in today's world, face masks are critical for infection prevention.

  5. Safety Goggles: In certain situations, safety goggles are a must to protect your eyes from potential hazards.

In the full blog article, we will cover the remaining items on the list, including Books and Reference Materials, Technology, Organization and Study Aids, and Clinical Supplies. Stay tuned for Part 2 of our guide to ensure you're fully equipped for your nursing school journey. Your dedication to acquiring the right supplies demonstrates your commitment to excellence in patient care. Embrace this exciting chapter with confidence, armed with the essential nursing school supplies needed.


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