15 Nurse Bag Essentials: The Ultimate List for Nurses

So I just got a new nurse bag to take to work for Christmas (!!!!), so it got me to thinking that I should share all the essentials I carry in my bag for work as a nurse. There have been times where I have carried WAYYYY too much, but when I started out, I had no idea what I should be bringing. So to all ya new nurses out there, here are some essential things you should be packing with you in your nursing bag to work!

And FYI: my favorite bag to take to work is the SCOUT Pocket Rocket Tote Bag. I had a really old one, but my MIL got me a new one with a monogram 🙂 It has 6 big pockets (that are big enough to carry a water bottle) so it is perfect to stay organized and carry everything you need. Plus it is so cute and I get so many compliments on it.

1. Stethoscope:

I LOVE my Littmann Cardiology Stethoscope. I got it in nursing school and I will use forever (assuming I don’t lose it lol). It’s really expensive, but it is amazing quality, and will last you forever if you take care of it!

2. Penlight

Get a multiple pack of penlights, because someone will ultimately “borrow” your penlight and you will lose track of it. So it is best to keep a few on hand. I like these because they have the pupil gauge on the size so you can accurately chart the size of your patient’s pupils.

3. Crappy ball point pens

Keep like 10 on hand at all times. It’s a running joke that nurses are constantly losing their pen, but it’s so real. I’m constantly having to let someone borrow my pen, leaving it in a room, etc. Ball point pens are key though because gel pens will not press through copy paper. (I’m sure not every hospital does it this way), but when I have to type and cross-match my patient and make them a blood band, I have to write out the patient’s name, MRN, DOB, and the date of cross-match on the blood band. This label is then taken off and put on the tube of blood. And because you used a ballpoint pen, all of that information will be on the blood band still because of the thermal transfer paper.

4. Backup Charger

I use my phone for so many things at work (calculator, googling terminology quickly, ordering coffee [lol], and translator), and sometimes my phone dies. I’ve got a cheap one, for just in case scenarios.

5. Apple Watch

I LOVE my Apple Watch! I have the Series 1 and have had it for a few years now. It is perfect for checking texts really quick, setting timers, and to make sure I am getting enough steps during the day.

The residents I used to work with used to joke that having an Apple Watch was a prerequisite for being an ICU nurse, because we ALL had them, and they were so helpful in day to day work!

6. Cute Badge Holder

I have this ADORABLE one! I get so many compliments on it and it always brings a smile to my patient’s face. There are tons of other ones I have seen on Etsy of lungs, kidneys, liver, brain, uterus, etc. 🙂 This is the one I use when I work on L&D 🙂

If you’re looking for one that isn’t as bold as the animated organs, I own this rifle paper co. inspired one and really love it!

7. Peppermint Oil

When you have a patient with c.diff or with a GI bleed for the first time and have to clean them up, you’ll always make sure you have peppermint oil with you at work. If you’re in a smelly situation, just put a little peppermint oil in a mask before you put it on to wear it, and it will block out the smell. 2 words: LIFE. SAVING.

8. Water Tumbler

I love my corkcicle tumbler and my Stanley tumbler! The Stanley is my favorite because it fits in a cup holder, holds 40 oz, and has a handle. Sometimes it is hard to remember to drink water during a shift, so I always fill mine up to have water on me and it stays ice cold.

9. Hand cream

I love this one from Trader Joe’s! Plus this tube lasts FOREVER. The air in hospitals is so drying… plus there’s the constant hand sanitizer. Hand cream is vital.

10. Lip Balm

This cocoa butter lip balm smells amazing and has an amazing formula. Like stated before, the hospital air is so dry– so I feel like I am forever applying lip balm.

11. Trail Mix

12 hour shifts are freaking long and sometimes you don’t have time to eat the whole day. Trail mix is easy to snack on quickly, so that you don’t pass out during the shift.

12. Planner

I personally have to write my schedule down. I cannot use my phone calendar for the life of me. I have a monthly calendar that I keep in my bag in case someone asks me to switch a shift or pick one up.

13. Tylenol

You never know when the cramps are going to come on or when a patient gives you a total headache. Having Tylenol on hand has saved me on more than one occasion.

14. Monogrammed Jacket

I have this jacket that I had monogrammed with my name and credentials (MSN, RN, CCRN). A lot of my coworkers wear the Patagonia Better Sweater Jacket which is super cute (and I own as well and love), but this jacket is a dupe for it! And over half the cost!!! Plus, if I got bodily fluids on my Patagonia pullover, I would literally cry lol

15. Mini Sharpie

These have a clip on them, so I always keep it on my badge. I use it for labeling everything!

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