Nurse Bag Essentials: 2025 Nursing Bag Must-Haves for Every Shift

Working twelve-hour nursing shifts is not for the faint of heart; it can be physically and mentally exhausting. To help relieve this burden, having well-packed nurse bag essentials can make all the difference.

Honestly, some nurses may look like modern-day Mary Poppins with all the essentials they store in their nursing bags! The items you carry in your nursing bag can be broken down into two categories, nurse bag essentials and extras.

Nurse Bag Essentials Checklist

1. Stethoscope: An absolute must-have nurse bag essentials. Every nurse needs to have their stethoscope, and the truly prepared keep a backup stethoscope or pediatric stethoscope.
2. Reference pocketbooks: A reference pocketbook for your specialty should be one of your nurse bag essentials whether you’re a new grad or a seasoned nurse. You never know when you’ll have a unique experience or need additional information.
3. Patient report sheets: These are great for keeping your patient’s vital information at your fingertips. Some nurses create their own based on their needs; others print templates offline for their nurse kit bag.
4. Hand sanitizer: Hand sanitizer is a nursing bag essential, especially if you can find one with moisturizers. As a nurse, you have to be prepared to clean your hands any place, any time.
5. Lotion: With handwashing, hand sanitizer, and constant glove changing, the skin on your hands can get dry, itchy, and painful. Keep a good moisturizing cream or lotion as nurse bag essentials to relieve your dry skin.
6. Lip balm: Wearing masks and personal protective equipment for 12-hour shifts can cause dry skin and lips under the mask. Keep your favorite lip balm in your nurse bag essentials to keep your lips from cracking and bleeding.
7. Extra pens: Nurses have a special relationship with their pens. It is vital to have pens for labeling and writing notes on your report sheets. Just one of the nursing bag essentials. Remember to pack multiple pens in your nurse bag and keep your favorite pen close at all times.
8. Planner/pocket calendar: A pocket calendar or small planner can be helpful when you switch shifts with a co-worker or pick up extra hours. Depending on your facility’s phone policy, you could use a digital calendar to save space.
9. Medical tape: Having medical tape handy during your shift is helpful for labeling IV lines, securing IV lines, and pretty much any other improvised solution.
10. Watch with a second hand: It can be tricky to survive a twelve-hour shift without a watch with a second hand. Obtaining vitals without one is almost impossible unless clocks with second hands are in your patient rooms. Save yourself the hassle and keep a watch in your nursing bag essentials.
11. Feminine hygiene products: Twelve hours is far too long to go without fresh hygiene products; if you’re a female nurse, ensure you are prepared and have an extra stash in your bag. This is a must-have nurse bag essential that many of us have run short on one too many times.
12. Blunt tip scissors: These scissors are a nurse bag essential for emergency situations and are perfect for quickly accessing dressings or cutting materials. They complement other medical instruments like stethoscopes during patient care.
13. Plastic bag: This is a handy nurse bag essential you may need for storing or containing items that become contaminated, such as clothing or medical supplies. An empty plastic bag is also practical for quick and hygienic disposal in messy situations.

Nurse Bag Organization and Storage

A well-organized nursing bag can be a game-changer, making your shifts smoother and more efficient. Here are some tips to keep your nursing bag essentials in top shape:

• Use a Bag with Multiple Compartments: A bag with several compartments helps you keep everything in its place. This way, you can quickly find what you need without rummaging around.
• Use Dividers: Dividers are great for categorizing your supplies. Separate your medical tools, personal items, and snacks to make everything easily accessible.
• Label Your Bag: Labeling your bag and its compartments can save you time and hassle. It helps you quickly identify where each item is stored.
• Keep Your Bag Clean: Regularly clean and sanitize your bag to prevent the spread of germs. A tidy bag is not only hygienic but also makes it easier to find what you need.

Nurse Bag Essentials: Technology and Accessories

In today’s digital age, having the right technology and accessories in your nursing bag can enhance efficiency and connectivity.

• Smartphone: Your smart phone keeps you connected with colleagues and provides access to important medical information. It’s an essential part of any modern nurse’s kit.
• Tablet: A tablet can be a valuable resource for accessing medical databases, taking notes, and managing patient information. It’s a compact and powerful addition to your nursing bag.
• Headphones: A good pair of headphones can be great for enjoying some music during a break.
• Portable Charger: It is crucial to keep your devices charged. A portable charger ensures that your smartphone and tablet are always ready to use, no matter how long your shift lasts.

Nurse Bag Essentials: Snacks and Refreshments

Staying fueled and hydrated is vital for maintaining energy levels during long shifts. Here are some things to throw in your nursing bag essentials to keep you going:

• Bring a Water Bottle: Hydration is key. Keep a water bottle in your nursing bag to ensure you stay hydrated throughout your shift.
• Bring Snacks: Quick, easy snacks like nuts, granola bars, or dried fruit can help stave off hunger, keep your energy up and are a must for your nurse bag essentials.
• Bring a Lunch: Packing a nutritious lunch can make a big difference. It ensures a healthy meal is ready, even if you only get a short break.
• Avoid Sugary Drinks: While tempting, sugary drinks can lead to energy crashes. Opt for water or other low-sugar beverages to keep your energy steady.

By stocking your nurse bag essentials, you will confidently and easily tackle your shifts. Remember, being prepared is half the battle!

Extras & Thank You Goodie Bag Ideas

These are some extras to include in your nursing bag essentials. These also serve as the perfect small gifts for nurses to include in thank-you goodie bags.

1. Trauma shears: Having a pair of trauma shears is a nurse bag essential for nurses in the emergency department, but they are also handy for nurses who work on the floor.
2. Over-the-counter meds (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, pink bismuth, loperamide): You never know when a sudden headache or stomachache will hit. Be prepared so you don’t have to suffer until you get home.
3. Gum: This is a nice extra for your nurse bag essentials, especially after your lunch break (if you have time for one). No one wants to rebreathe their tuna sandwich for the next few hours. Plus, this is handy for the midnight shifts when you get drowsy. Remember to avoid chewing gum when working with patients or snapping/popping your gum.
4. Umbrella: The weather can be unpredictable. Keep an umbrella as nurse bag essentials to prepare for unexpected weather.
5. Snacks: Need I say more? As nurses know, lunch breaks don’t always happen. Have some easy, quick snacks like nuts or dried fruit to stave off hunger pangs.
6. Water: As nurses, coffee and caffeinated drinks are our choice, but water is crucial for nurses to drink, too! Just don’t keep it at the nurses’ station.
7. Nail file/nail trimmers: Broken, jagged nails are annoying and dangerous if you unintentionally snag one on your patient. Broken nails are also at a higher risk of skin infection. So don’t forget to add nail trimmers to your nurse bag essentials.
8. Hair ties/headbands: There is nothing worse than having hair fall in your face during your shift or your hair tie snapping and having to use a regular rubber band. Stock a few headbands and hair ties in your nurse utility bag in case you need one or one of your colleagues to pull their hair back.

Nurses are notorious for being ready for anything and are always willing to care for and help others. Caring for yourselves is another story, though.

If you’re well-stocked with nursing bag essentials, a comfortable pair of nursing shoes, and wearing you’re favorite scrubs, it can ease the pain of those lengthy and draining 12-hour shifts.

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