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.
