The best list of nursing essentials you will need to start your RN journey! I have split things up into two categories : Nursing Bag & Nursing Wardrobe.
Congrats new grads! If you are a nursing student about to graduate or a recently graduated nurse, I just want to say YAY I am so proud of you. Stick around to see all the must have items to start your journey!
Your Nursing Bag
This is the backpack I used through nursing school and my first job as a new grad in the ICU. It has a laptop pocket and fits my 16 inch computer perfectly!
- Backpack or tote bag of your choice (I like having a backpack because if there isn’t a hook to hang it up, I can wrap the backpack on the bag of the chair)
- Stethoscope & Case
This is the case I use and love!
I know you think you don’t need these, but you do! Honestly I don’t even bring my stethoscope to the hospital since I just use the disposable ones in the rooms, however I do bring my stoggles! There will be times where you have certain precautions or procedure and you are required to (and will want to) wear goggles. It is so much nicer to have a pair that already fits and is your own!
- Pens
- Notebook
- Planner
- Pen light or flashlight (personally I like to use the flashlight on the hospital phones the best, but it never hurts to have a backup on hand, the actual hospital flashlights SUCK).
- Badge reel : this is my favorite part of nursing gadgets! So many cute options on Amazon!
- Snack bag : keep chocolate or something sweet incase you are tired, hungry, or lightheaded and feel like you will faint (yes this happens all the time with nurses lol)
Snack Ideas : something quick that you can eat while walking or charting!
- Chocolate
- Beef Jerky
- Protein Bars (I like the Built Puff bars)
- Mini Nursing To-Go Bag
To-Go Bag Essentials :
- Tampons & Extra pair of underwear
- Mini Deodorant
- Lip balm
- Lotion
- Tylenol/Advil
- Hair Ties / Claw Clip
- The will to live 🙂
- Lunchbag
- Meal prep containers
- Water bottle (if you work bedside there will be water bottles on the floor, that is what I use!)
Nursing Wardrobe
This picture : I am wearing a size XS in the catarina scrub top and an XS petite in the cade cargo scrub pants
Me for reference : I am 5’2 and 128 lbs
Figs sizing : I size down in figs, I normally wear a small in most clothing, a size 6 in lulu lemon and for figs I wear an XS in the pants and top.
Note : I personally like a tighter fit, if you enjoy a looser fit I think it is okay to not size down. I also have broad shoulders and scrub tops never fit very well no matter the sizing so I wear compression tops in the hospital instead.
- scrub pants
- scrub tops
- compression tops
- jacket : The On-shift float bomber jacket is the BEST
My favorite combo : The zamora jogger scrub pants and the salta seamless longsleeve underscrub top
- scrub cap (this is only necessary if you are a new grad nurse in the ICU or OR, but you can always wear one just to be cute!)
- socks and compression socks (so many nurses live by compression socks, I personally have never tried them and don’t have a huge interest, but if that is your thing, go for it!)
Shoes
- Hoka Bondi 9 (my personal favorite for work)
- On Cloud (a very popular second choice by many nurses I have worked with)
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