100 Nursing School Supplies – Your Ultimate Checklist

Embarking on your journey in nursing school is an exciting and challenging endeavor, and being well-prepared is key to your success. From textbooks to essential clinical gear, we've got you covered with a detailed list of nursing school supplies that will help you navigate your way through lectures, labs, and clinical rotations.

Whether you're a future nursing student eager to get ahead, a loved one looking to support a student, or a seasoned nursing professional seeking to refresh your toolkit, this checklist will provide a thorough overview of the must-have items that will make your educational experience more productive and rewarding. 

Let's dive into the essentials you'll need to conquer your nursing education with confidence and ease.

100 nursing school supplies

Here's a list of 100 nursing school supplies with short descriptions and examples:

1- Stethoscope

A must-have for assessing heart and lung sounds.

2- Sphygmomanometer

Used to measure blood pressure. 

3- Penlight

For checking pupils and assessing neurological function.

4- Bandage scissors

To safely cut bandages and clothing. 

5- Nursing clipboard

A sturdy clipboard for taking notes on the floor.

6- Nursing shoes

Comfortable, slip-resistant shoes for long shifts. 

7- Compression socks

To improve circulation and reduce leg fatigue.

8- Nursing uniforms

Scrubs or uniforms that meet your school's dress code.

9- Pen and notebook

For taking notes during lectures and clinicals.

10- Nursing books

Required textbooks for your courses.

11- Clinical bag

A durable bag to carry your supplies to clinicals. 

12- Medical dictionary

For quick reference to medical terminology.

13- ID badge holder

To display your school and hospital identification.

14- Hand sanitizer

To maintain good hand hygiene.

15- Alcohol swabs

For cleaning and disinfecting equipment.

16- Gloves

Latex or nitrile gloves for infection control.

17- Nursing patches

Customizable patches for your scrubs.

18- Watch with second hand

For pulse and respiration measurement.

19- Nursing pin

A pin to symbolize your nursing school.

20- Nursing reference cards

Pocket-sized cards with vital information.

21- Medication administration kit

A kit for administering medications safely.

22- Nursing diagnosis handbook

A reference for nursing care plans.

23- Nursing care plan book

To organize patient care plans.

24- Nursing assessment tools

Tools for physical assessments.

25- Tape measure

For measuring wounds and patient sizes.

26- Nursing pens

Pens with erasable ink for documentation.

27- Highlighters

For marking important information in textbooks.

28- Whiteboard and markers

For studying and group discussions.

29- Scrubs jacket

An additional layer for warmth in clinical settings.

30- Pulse oximeter

Measures oxygen saturation in patients. Example: SantaMedical Pulse Oximeter.

31- Thermometer

For measuring patient temperature.

32- Hemostats

Clamping and holding tools for wound care. Example: Mosby's Nursing Skills Online.

33- Cotton balls and swabs

For wound care and cleaning.

34- Syringes and needles

For administering medications.

35- IV start kit

For practicing IV insertions.

36- Gait belt

For assisting patients with mobility.

37- Scrub caps

To keep hair contained in clinical settings.

38- Nursing fanny pack

For quick access to supplies during emergencies.

39- Nurse planner

To keep track of assignments and clinical hours.

40- Hemodynamic monitoring tools

For monitoring cardiac patients.

41- Personal safety alarm

For personal safety during clinicals.

42- Nursing fundamentals kit

A comprehensive kit with various tools.

43- Nursing bag organizer

To keep your supplies in order.

44- Laptop or tablet

For research and online coursework.

45- Drug reference book

For medication information. 

46- Nursing lab coat

To protect your clothing during labs.

47- Nursing school apparel

Represent your school with branded clothing.

48- Pulse point card

For quick pulse location reference.

49- Nursing skills checklist

For tracking your skills development.

50- Pocket mask

For CPR and ventilation.

51- EKG calipers

For accurate EKG measurements.

52- Nursing pins

Decorative pins for your uniform.

53- Drug handbook

A comprehensive guide to medications. 

54- Nursing drug cards

Flashcards with essential drug information. 

55- Nursing simulation kit

This is one of the nursing school essentials since it helps to practice various nursing skills.

56- Nursing mnemonics book

Helps with memory aids for nursing concepts.

57- Wound care kit

Supplies for learning wound care procedures.

58- Portable pulse oximeter

For on-the-go patient assessments. 

59- ECG simulator

To practice reading electrocardiograms.

60- Portable blood glucose monitor

For diabetes management lessons. 

61- Intravenous trainer arm

A realistic model for IV insertion practice.

62- Otoscope and ophthalmoscope set

For ear and eye examinations. 

63- Respiratory assessment kit

Tools for assessing lung health.

64- Nursing skills DVD set

Video demonstrations of nursing procedures.

65- Digital voice recorder

For recording clinical notes and lectures.

66- Nursing lab shoes

Dedicated shoes for lab and simulation classes.

67- Portable mini fridge

To store medications and vaccines in clinical settings.

68- Skin assessment tools

For examining skin conditions.

69- Nursing pinning ceremony supplies

Items for your nursing school pinning ceremony.

70- Bladder scanner

For non-invasive urinary assessment.

71- Nurse ID badge reel

A retractable badge holder for easy access.

72- Mini first aid kit

For minor injuries during clinicals. 

73- Orthopedic assessment kit

Tools for assessing musculoskeletal conditions.

74- IV pole

For practicing IV fluid administration.

75- Nursing lab goggles

For eye protection during experiments.

76- Neurological assessment kit

Tools for neurological exams.

77- Nursing lab manikin

A lifelike manikin for various skills practice.

78- Nursing tote bag

A stylish bag for carrying essentials.

79- Sputum collection kit

For learning about respiratory infections.

80- Pediatric assessment tools

Equipment for assessing pediatric patients.

81- Medication calculation practice tools

For dosage calculations.

82- Nursing lab timer

To time various clinical procedures.

83- Nursing lab gown

Protective clothing for lab sessions.

84- Oxygen tank key

For managing oxygen supplies.

85- Geriatric assessment tools

Equipment for assessing elderly patients.

86- Nursing school graduation cap and gown

For your graduation ceremony.

87- Nursing lab dummies

Models for various medical procedures.

88- Portable suction machine

For airway clearance training. 

89- Medical history form templates

To practice taking patient histories.

90- Student nurse planner

A planner tailored to nursing students.

91- Neonatal assessment tools

Equipment for newborn care.

92- IV catheter insertion kit

To practice IV catheter placement.

93- Phlebotomy kit

For drawing blood samples. 

94- Student nurse study cards

Flashcards for quick study sessions.

95- Nursing school graduation gifts

Gifts for yourself or fellow graduates.

96- Vein finder

This is one of the nursing school essentials since it helps you locate a vein without any unnecessary hassle or trauma to the patient. 

97- Hand cream

Nursing students need to keep washing their hands over and over again. A hand cream is one of the things you need for nursing school because it helps moisturize your hands.

98- Earplugs

 Some people need quiet for test-taking or studying or just live in a house with a lot of other people. In this case, earplugs are things nursing students need. 

99- Waterbottle

This is one of the nursing school must haves to remain hydrated when needed.

100- Voice recorder

This is one of the most needed nursing school supplies to capture every detail of every lecturer.

These nursing school supplies cover a wide range of nursing school needs, from advanced medical equipment to accessories for graduation and ceremonies.

Strategies to pass any nursing class

Passing nursing classes requires dedication and effective strategies. Here are some strategies to help you succeed in nursing school:

• Prep for the NCLEX from the get-go

It is highly recommended that nursing students prepare for the NCLEX right from the start of nursing school.

There are many NCLEX study tools like Smart’n that can help you with your NCLEX exam by providing you with NCLEX practice questions, nursing case studies, etc.

Smart'n is a platform for nursing students. It offers a vast collection of practice questions, explanations, and assessments. 

Students can access 2,500 practice questions and over 60 hours of nursing case studies in the NGN NCLEX style. 

These resources are organized by specific nursing topics like respiratory, cardiac, mental health, and neurological, making it convenient for students to focus on particular areas of study.

• Time management

Create a study schedule and allocate time for each subject. Prioritize tasks to manage your time effectively.

• Stay organized

Use planners and calendars to keep track of assignments, exams, and clinical rotations. Organized notes and study materials are essential.

• Active learning

Engage with the material actively. Participate in class discussions, ask questions, and seek clarification when needed.

• Study regularly

Consistent study habits are key. Review your notes daily and stay on top of coursework.

• Practice questions

Utilize practice questions and quizzes to reinforce your understanding and prepare for exams.

• Form study groups

Collaborate with peers to discuss and study together. Group study can enhance your learning experience.

• Clinical preparation

Prepare thoroughly for clinical rotations. Review patient cases, know your responsibilities, and follow safety protocols.

• Critical thinking

Develop strong critical thinking skills. Nursing often involves making critical decisions under pressure.

• Seek help

Don't hesitate to reach out to professors or academic advisors for guidance and clarification on challenging topics.

• Self-care

Maintain a healthy work-life balance. Take care of your physical and mental health to prevent burnout.

• Practice skills

Hone your clinical skills through practice. This includes patient assessment, medication administration, and using medical equipment.

• Stay updated

Nursing is an evolving field. Stay current with the latest research and practices in healthcare.

These strategies, combined with dedication and a passion for nursing, will help you succeed in your nursing classes. Be persistent, as nursing school can be challenging, but the rewards of a nursing career are well worth the effort.

Conclusion

In conclusion, preparing for nursing school requires a well-thought-out checklist of essential supplies. The ultimate checklist of 100 nursing school supplies is a comprehensive guide to help nursing students make the most of their educational journey. From textbooks and clinical tools to comfortable shoes and study aids, this checklist covers it all. It's crucial to be organized, stay focused, and invest in quality equipment to excel in nursing school.

FAQs

1- What do student nurses need?

Student nurses need a variety of supplies and essentials to succeed in their studies and clinical practice. Here is a list of some of the essential items for student nurses:

• Scrubs: Comfortable and hygienic uniforms for clinical rotations and practical work.

• Stethoscope: An important tool for listening to patients' heart and lung sounds.

• Nursing shoes: Comfortable and supportive footwear for long shifts.

• Clinical supplies: These include gloves, masks, and hand sanitizers for infection control.

• Textbooks and reference materials: Necessary for studying and staying updated on nursing knowledge.

• Notebooks and pens: For taking notes during lectures and clinical rounds.

• Watch: A reliable watch for measuring vital signs and administering medications on time.

• Compression socks: To help prevent leg fatigue and improve circulation during long shifts.

• Clinical bag: A bag to carry your essentials, such as books, supplies, and personal items.

• Badge clip or lanyard: To securely display your identification and badge.

2- Do I need a planner for nursing school?

Yes, a planner is beneficial for nursing school to help you stay organized and manage your busy schedule effectively.

3- What to expect as a first year nursing student?

As a first-year nursing student, you can expect to focus on foundational science-heavy courses, including patient assessments, administering injections, catheter insertion, wound dressings, and personal patient care. You'll also be introduced to classroom learning and foundational skills training, all while adjusting to the demands of nursing school. Additionally, asking questions, seeking clarification, and building strong study habits will be essential for your success in your first year of nursing school.