(This article about nurse pocket organizers contains affiliate links. You can find my disclosure page here.)
How do you keep your nursing accessories organized during a nursing shift?
If you are like many busy nurses, you may be stuffing your pockets – which isn’t very organized at all. Not to mention, it looks very unprofessional for a nurse to be shuffling through their pockets for one of many nurse tools and accessories they need throughout the shift. (I’ve been that nurse too, believe me!)
The reality is that nursing shifts are already insanely busy as they are… do you really want to keep making a dozen extra trips around the unit for things you keep forgetting?
How many times have you had to walk back to the nurses station, supply room or med room for things such as:
I can’t tell you how many times I had to leave a patients room to go back and find something that I had forgotten. Especially in my early nursing career days.
Until one day it finally dawned on me that many of these supplies could be kept organized right within an arms reach at all times. I can’t even tell you how much time that saved me!
I was never a fan of the “fanny pack” look (although, believe it or not, fanny packs are coming back into style here in Los Angeles!). But my goal has always been to provide excellent care to may patients, so if a “fanny pack” helps me achieve that, then I was all for it!
Besides, as a new nurse grad, I needed all the help and support I could get. And now almost 8 years into my nursing career I still use a nurse pocket organizer just like #3 on this list!
Have you ever thought about using a nurse pocket organizer or fanny pack?
These are simple solutions to preventing unnecessary trips back to the supply room for random things you forgot to grab.
Being a great nurse involves managing your time well. Nurses already have enough on their plates when taking care of patients during their shift. Less unnecessary trips for supplies = more time for patient care.
Nurse pocket organizers also help keep nursing shifts less stressful. Knowing you have the supplies you need within your reach at all times will not only keep you more calm in stressful situations, but you will appear more professional as well.
This product is one of the larger nurse pocket organizers on the market. The nurses who have used this say they love it because they can keep everything they think they may need with them.
For those who want the extra space to carry more nurse accessories on them and and even a small notebook, this one may be right for you.
This is product is also highly rated by customers for durability. It is a more compact nurse pocket organizer – however it still has 9 pockets including one zippered pocket (great for keeping cash & credit cards). You can see from the photo that it is still large enough to hold a cell phone.
Keep in mind that this product does not come with a belt but it fits easily in most scrub top pockets or in the cargo pocket of most scrub pants. May work better for nurses who prefer not to have the traditional “fanny pack” appearance. It does have a belt loop on the back that fits most belts.
This cute pink nurse pocket organizer is very compact- but just might be the right amount of space you need for your supplies.
This particular product also makes a great gift for a nursing student or new nurse graduate because it also comes with the products shown in the photo.
For the nurse that wants a lot of storage – this is a nurse organizer you may want to consider. Many of the reviews mention that it is able to fit a cell phone as well as keys – along with other important nurse supplies needed during the workday.
Keep in mind that although it is made of durable material, the more you put in, the heavier it will get. In addition it does not have skinny “pen style” pockets – if that is important to you. (Supplies in photo not included)
This product is a true pocket protector – it does not come with a belt but it fits easily in most scrub top pockets or in the cargo pocket of most scrub pants.
Also fits very well in labs coats – is simple, and keeps your pockets clean and organized! You wont lose your pens with this nifty organizer. It fits basic items that you need in your packets and makes them easy to find versus digging around in your pockets.
This product had a lot of great reviews- and it comes in several other colors as well. This apron-style nurse organizer easily helps to organize pens, highlighters, flushes, scissors and alcohol pads right at your fingertips. The belt is adjustable and fits unobtrusively on the hip.
(This post about practical gifts for nurses contains affiliate links. You can find my disclosure page here.)
Looking for a thoughtful yet practical gift for the nurse in your life?
Nurses do so much for patients without getting much (if any) appreciation for their incredibly hard and selfless work. Giving a nurse a thoughtful and practical gift that they can use on the job lets them know that you appreciate how hard they work to help others during some of the worst times in their lives. These gifts are perfect for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Birthday, Christmas, Nursing School Graduation or any other special occasion.
Many nurses don’t drink nearly enough water during their 12 hour shifts and then go home completely dehydrated. Therefore, nurses need a good water bottle to bring to work with them every single day! Water is essential for life and good health, which is why a quality Hydro Flask Water Bottle makes such a great gift for nurses of all experiences and specialties. We must encourage our nurses to take as good care of themselves as they do their patients. After all, when nurses are able to tend to their own self care needs, they are able to give even better care to their patients.
The Hydro Flask Water Bottle is a high quality water bottle that can be used for many years and still look brand new. It is made out of food grade stainless steel and is BPA free. In addition, it has great insulation, which prevents condensation from forming on the outside of the bottle.
But the best part about the Hydro Flask Water Bottle is the TempShield Insulation which keeps beverages at the same temperature for many hours (hot drinks for 6 hours & cold drinks for up to 24 hours!).
Regular coffee mugs just wont work for busy nurses working with patients. For one, nurses are almost never in the same place for more than a few minutes. And it would be great if their coffee could be the same temperature when they finally got back to take a sip of it!
The Contigo Coffee Mug is a popular choice among many nurses (myself included – I have had one for the last 4 years). It has a leak proof lid (when closed) for on-the-go activities. In addition, drinks stay hot up to 7 hours and cold up to 18 hours with vacuum insulation. This brand even comes with a lifetime warranty.
It is no secret that becoming a nurse is a personal calling and requires a lot of grit and compassion from those who enter the profession. Nurses deal with patients in some of the worst times of their lives and deal with both life and death situations. Therefore, it never hurts to share some inspiration with one!
Chicken Soup For The Soul: Inspiration For Nurses consists of 101 heartwarming stories that encourage, inspire, and reassure nurses that their patients and families appreciate the nurse’s compassionate service. Nurses can use all the help and encouragement they can get, and this book of personal stories helps remind nurses why they became a nurse in the first place.
Many nurses I work with in the emergency room have the Raptor Shears and we use them frequently in emergency situations. You can hook it to a belt or secure it using the pocket clip. Also, the Raptor Shears have a 25 year limited warranty which could last through a nurses’s entire medical career or longer. This tool is an amazing and practical gift for a nurse.
The Rapture Shears are actually 6 tools wrapped into one:
It is vacuum insulated and designed for both cold and hot beverages – so you can drink the perfect temperature liquid all day long. Also, the cup prevents any sweating on the outside of the cup.
Starting IV’s is one of the most challenging and stressful clinical tasks that nurses will learn during the first few years in the profession. A vein finder is a great gift for nursing students, new nurse graduates and even seasoned nurses who need a little extra help with starting an IV.
For patients who are a difficult “stick” (as we call it in nursing) it is so helpful to have a vein finder in the back pocket. This is a very practical gift for nurses because many patients need an IV to receive fluids and other medications.
Compression socks must be a part of every nurse’s uniform because they help keep nurse’s legs healthy! Years of working on one’s feet for 12 hour shifts can be hard on the body and contribute to various venous issues. Luckily, wearing quality compression stockings can help nurses prevent varicose veins, leg swelling and decrease muscle soreness.
They work by squeezing the blood in the legs like a garden hose back up the leg, thereby increasing blood circulation. Many nurses even say that compression socks help keep their legs noticeably energized after a long shift.
By giving a nurse a set of compression socks you are letting them know that you care about their health and well-being. What a great message to send!
If you are looking for a funny gift to make a nurse laugh, here it is! Any nurse receiving a Nurse Coloring Book: Sweary Midnight Editionwill find a little truth and humor within the pages. After all, being a nurse can be very stressful and a laugh-out-loud book that can be shared with others for hours can provide a lot of well-needed stress relief. It would make a great gift for recent nurse graduates, new nurses in the field or an experienced nurse as well!
“I just love eating hospital cafeteria food,” said no nurse ever. Most nurses learn very quickly that they need to prepare and pack their own food for two reasons: 1) hospital food gets old quick and usually isn’t very tasty, and 2) packing a healthy lunch in advance ensures that the nurse will eat healthier throughout their shift. Otherwise, when lunch comes and they are sooooo exhausted there is a chance they might reach for some not-so healthy options.
The Baloray Lunch Bag is waterproof & leak proof. This brand claims to to keep food cold or warm for more than 6 hours. It is also super easy to clean and is very lightweight.
HEY NURSES! Remember to sign up for your FREE COPY of “The Nurse’s Guide To Health & Self Care” E-book in the sign up box below! (scroll down)
I hope you enjoyed this this of practical gifts for nurses and were able to find something for the awesome nurse in your life. If you have any questions please leave a comment and we will get back to you!
I have a few favorite nurse essentials that I keep with me each day I go to work.
I am a registered nurse who has worked in several departments in the hospital setting taking care of ER, Med Surg and ICU patients. As a result, I have seen it all and then some. And I still see new things that shock me everyday! That is why it is so important to be prepared with the right nurse supplies to succeed no matter what happens.
I created this list of my favorite essentials I use as a nurse to help other nurses keep their professional nurse game on point!
(This post contains affiliate links. You can find my disclosure page here.)
I bought a 3M Litmann Classic in nursing school and I have been using it ever since. They are available in many different colors and have a “non chill” rim so you don’t shock your patients with a cold stethoscope. Whether you are trying to obtain a manual blood pressure or listening to lung sounds, every nurse needs to have a stethoscope.
Keeping your stethoscope around your neck can get in the way sometimes. I love the Koala-Qlip stethoscope holder because it attaches firmly to my scrubs and it takes the weight of the stethoscope off my neck.
Nikes are my favorite shoes to wear for 12 hour shifts when I know I’m going to be on my feet all day long. Wearing sturdy, no-slip shoes that help cushion your feet during 12 hour shifts is an absolute must!
Compression stockings are often overlooked as a way to prevent some of the chronic issues that come from working in a profession where you are on your feet for such long hours. Wearing compression socks helps to prevent varicose veins, improve venous blood flow, decrease the risk of blood clots and decrease swelling of the ankles and feet. I have found that compression socks with 20-30mmHg is the right compression strength for me as a nurse.
At work, I use the Apple Watch as a stopwatch, a timer, and as an alarm to remind myself of tasks I might forget when my shift gets crazy busy. I can also receive and send text messages on it without having to carry my cell phone with me. But my favorite thing about the Apple Watch is that it records how much I stand, exercise and move throughout my shift (it breaks them down into colorful rings) and tells me how many total steps I get in a shift. My record so far is 22,000 steps during a single shift!
Comfortable under scrub t-shirts are great because it can get cold in the hospital. This brand is especially great because they have thumb holes in the sleeves. I have them in multiple colors and I have several so that I always have a clean one to put on under my scrubs.
As a nurse and mom, I start my days very early, usually by 0530. And then I’m usually on the road to get to work no later than 0600. Which doesn’t leave a lot of time to sit for coffee. I have used the same Contigo coffee mug for over a year and it is still in great condition. It is 20 oz, is stainless and and has a lockable lid that is leak proof. Best of all it keeps my coffee hot for up to 7 hours!
My Hydro Cell Water bottle is another item I have with me at all times. It is 32 oz and has a leak proof wide mouth lid. Nurses often forget to drink enough water during busy 12 hour shifts, but having this water bottle helps me stay hydrated.
I have this crossbody bag which is technically not a bag that is just for nurses. But I love the design. I use it to hold my nursing badge, stethoscope, water bottle, coffee mug, breast pump, pens, and all work-related paperwork that I need.
Making my own lunch everyday has several benefits. I eat healthier, I don’t reach for junk that is in the break room because I pack my own healthy snacks, and I save a lot of money. I’m also a foodie and hospital food just isn’t my cup of tea. So I pack my lunch in my favorite lunch bag every evening before my shifts and I’m good to go.
The Raptor Shears look like a fancy pair of scissors. But these functional and handy shears are actually 6 tools wrapped into one:
medical shears
strap cutter
ring cutter
ruler
oxygen tank wrench
carbide glass breaker
Many nurses I work with in the emergency room have the Raptor Shears and we use them frequently in emergency situations. You can hook it to a belt or secure it using the pocket clip. It also has a 25 year limited warranty and will last you throughout your nursing career or longer. They also make a great nursing gift for a new graduate!
These retractable 4 color pens are great in case you need something to stand out in your work notes. Or use different colors for different patients when taking report. These pens are also great for color coding notes and flashcards for when you are studying for certifications! I always have a few in my work bag and one on me while I am at work.
HEY NURSES! Remember to sign up for your FREE COPY of “The Nurse’s Guide To Health & Self Care” E-book in the sign up box below! (scroll down)
(This post about Nurses Week gift ideas contains affiliate links. You can find my disclosure page here.)
National Nurses Week was started by the American Nurses Association 1993 to celebrate the 4 million hardworking nurses for their outstanding dedication to the profession.
Each May, there are 7 days of opportunity for nurses to reflect on their patient care experiences and congratulate each other for all of their hard and selfless work. Even more importantly, this is a great week for management to recognize nurse achievements and genuinely say “thank you nurses!”
National Nurses Week should be a time that many burned out and overworked nurses look forward to each year.
Unfortunately though, this week often comes and goes with little to no recognition for hospital nurses. On first thought one might think that many hospital administrators just forget about Nurses Week altogether.
But there is usually a small bit of evidence that they do remember, but just don’t care to put much effort into it. Often it is in the form of a cheap gift ordered in bulk – such as a plastic lunch pail with the hospital’s logo on it. And if your hospital unit is really lucky, you might even win a drawing for a pizza party at lunchtime! (I wish I were just being sarcastic, but sadly I’m not).
It’s no secret that many nurses are usually not properly celebrated during Nurses Week.
I’m not saying that hospitals need to throw outlandish parties with catered meals and champagne (although that would be nice!). Or that we get a cash bonus or prize (also would be nice, but really, who are we kidding here?).
What I am saying is that many hospitals have an opportunity to do a much better job of acknowledging nurse’s selfless dedication to helping thousands of patients survive and thrive that year. By recognizing our work in literally the absolute cheapest way possible, those basic 50 cent gifts with the hospital logo can be perceived as very condescending and self promoting gifts. Especially to nurses who are sacrificing so much to put others’ needs before their own.
In other words, instead of sending the message: “thank you so much for working on the front lines of healthcare to ensure that our patients get the absolute best patient care they deserve. You’re awesome!” Its more like, “At some point this week pick up your gift at the nurses office.” The end.
Isn’t making nurses feel unappreciated the opposite purpose of Nurses Week?
Even worse, many nurses say that Nurses Week isn’t even acknowledged at their workplace.
So sad, but true. The entire week goes by with not even a verbal “thank you for your service” or “we appreciate YOU, nurse.” Nothing.
So, with National Nurse’s Week approaching I wanted to make a list of relatively inexpensive yet fun nurses week gifts. Because there is nothing worse than being ignored during a holiday that is supposed to celebrate the hard work and selfless dedication of nurses everywhere.
(And, by the way nurse, you ARE awesome. Thank you for your dedication and service. The healthcare system would crumble without you!).
(The material in this post about trauma shears and bandage scissors for nurses is not intended for the diagnosis, treatment or cure of any disease or condition. There are affiliate links in this post. You can find my disclosure page here.)
I am a registered nurse who has worked all over the hospital taking care of emergency room, ICU and telemetry patients. As a result, I have seen it all and then some. And I still see new things that shock me everyday! That is why it is so important to be prepared with the right nurse supplies you need to be able to perform at your best. And that includes having a quality pair of bandage scissors and/or trauma shears with you at all times.
I purchase a pair of white bandage scissors in nursing school and used them for my first few years as a neuroscience and stroke nurse. They came in so handy while removing IV’s, changing dressings on wounds, and opening difficult packaging.
Eventually, I invested in a good pair of trauma shears about 5 years into my nursing careerwhen I became an emergency room nurse. Dull shears are not good in an emergency and I wanted a great, non-disposable pair that performed well, especially while treating trauma patients.
Best Trauma Shears and Bandage Scissors For Nurses In 2019
Trauma Shears vs. Bandage Scissors
Trauma shears are a type of scissors used by emergency medical personal such as ER nurses and first responders to quickly and safely cut clothing from injured people.
Trauma shear construction and durability enables them to cut through strong materials such as seat belts, leather, jeans and even thin metal. In addition, the wide, blunt tip on the shears are designed to slide across skin, minimizing risk of injuring the patient while cutting clothing. Trauma shears can also be used to cut bandages or open difficult packaging and come in handy during 12 hour shifts.
They usually consist of a handle with a metal blade, which is traditionally bent at about 150 degrees. This “lever arm” gives them an unusual appearance as compared to normal scissors.
Bandage scissors, otherwise known as bandage forcepts, are very similar to trauma shears in that they are used for cutting. They are generally slightly less “hefty” then trauma shears, however they are still very durable and a good quality pair can be used for many years of service.
Bandage scissors also come with a blunt tip on the bottom blade, which helps in cutting bandages without gouging the skin. The blunt tip design of the scissor prevents accidental injury while making bandage removal very easy,
Here is a list of the best trauma shears & bandage scissors for nurses in 2019:
Many nurses I work with in the emergency room have the Raptor Shears and we use them frequently in emergency situations. You can hook it to a belt or secure it using the pocket clip. Also, the Raptor Shears also have a 25 year limited warranty and will last all the way through an entire medical career or longer. This is an amazing gift for new medical graduates!
Ready for anything: The Raptor features the necessary tools for medical professionals to handle emergency situations, as mentioned above.
More functionality: The Raptor is equipped with 6 tools, including folding medical shears, a strap cutter, a ring cutter, a ruler, an oxygen tank wrench, and a carbide glass breaker.
Simple and secure: The specially-designed sheath allows you to carry your Raptor open or closed so you’re always prepared.
Pocket clip: No belt on your scrubs? The pocket clip ensures it’ll never leave your side. Alternatively, attach your Raptor with the integrated lanyard hole.
Comes with a 25 year warranty and made in the USA.
This tool has all the same features as the regular Raptor Shears, but these can be engraved to make an extra special personalized gift for medical professionals. Therefore, these make a fantastic gift for graduates, groomsmen or bridesmaids, and gifts for first responders, nurses, doctors and other health care professionals.
The XShear titanium trauma shears are great for paramedic, EMT, Nurse or any other medical provider. These are very heavy duty, perform well over time, and are non-disposable.
I wanted to include a few less expensive options on this list. These trauma shears are a more affordable option as they are not titanium strength and do not have as many features as titanium shears. However, they are durable and will perform over time for basic and
practical purposes.
About this product:
1-pack of black-handled, autoclaveable, EMT Shears.
Fluoride-coated non-stick surface.
7.5 inch long trauma shears.
Sharp edge and milled serrations for cutting.
Durable,high-impact plastic handles, and stainless steel blades, premium quality, long-life medical scissors.
What I really like about these trauma shears is that they have a carabiner that can easily be clipped to your waist ans be within reach at all times. As a result, it makes it much easier to keep handy.
More about this product:
Cuts fast and safely with professional grade medical scissors.
Carabiner feature – the steel-reinforced carabiner can be easily clipped onto your waist and be within reach at all times.
Durable construction – surgical grade stainless steel
Available in black, blue, red and neon pink, and black.
I mean, come on. This is a funny shirt if you actually do have to run with trauma shears! (As many ER nurses and other first responders do). This shirt comes in men’s and women’s sizes in 5 different colors. When paired with a great set of trauma shears this combo would make such a great gift for a first responder, MD, nurse or new graduate!
Check of these articles for more great gift ideas!
(This article about the best Nike shoes for nurses contains affiliate links. You can find our disclosure page here.)
Its no secret that nurses are on their feet for up to 12 hour nursing shifts (or longer!).
Which is why it is so important that nurses wear shoes that are able to support their intensive and often arduous nursing shifts. (And keep them safe in the process!).
Having a great nursing shoe can make all the difference in how good you feel after a long 12 hour shift. Foot pain, back pain and achy joints are just a few of the side effects that many nurses deal with on a regular basis.
And having the proper footwear can make all the difference in the world.
What Makes A Great Nursing Shoe?
Here are a few things your nursing shoes need to do for you as a nurse:
Give good support
Protect your back
Reduce stress on joints
Be slip resistant
Be comfortable
Be stylish (OK so this one isn’t going to help you physically, but it is nice to look great in your nursing uniform!)
Not wearing a slip resistant nursing shoe is an occupational hazard.
Nurses are frequently walking around on hard and sometimes wet surfaces. Especially in the hospital setting. The floors are constantly being cleaned in between patients, and there are occasional spills that can sometimes result in unintended nurse falls.
In fact, some facilities even pay for nurses to receive a new pair of nursing shoes every 6 months! In turn, this helps protect nurses from injuries that could have otherwise resulted in and injury or even disability from work.
Nursing shoes must be slip resistant. This is a non-negotiable when it comes to choosing a great nursing shoe.
I have been wearing NIKE shoes at the hospital for as long as I have been a registered nurse and I recommend them to other nurses looking for great support and durability. After all, our jobs are highly physical and we need all the help we can get!
The NIKE shoes that made this list are offered in several different colors so if you love the style but not the shade then find the color that suits you!
The best NIKE shoes for nurses!
Top 10 Best Nike Shoes For Nurses
The following list of Nike shoes are supportive and can help absorb the impact of walking on hard surfaces all day. They are great shoes for nurses because they have the potential to actually keep nurses safer from untended injury and to top it off they look cool too!
In addition, many of these styles are offered in white for nurses who prefer a more traditional nursing uniform.
When it comes to picking a great pair of nursing shoes, impact absorption, secure fit, and flexibility are very important aspects to consider.
The Nike Women’s Free Running 2018 Shoe is great for nurses who spend 12+ hours a days on their feet, as I do as an ER nurse. And this shoe comes in over 25 different colors to boot!
This shoe is great for the cross-fit type of workout, which is why they also make a great nursing shoe. The Nike Women’s Metcon 4 Shoes provide a level of balance and sturdiness that many other shoes do not. They offer a stable heel and flexible forfoot which make moving in many directions much easier.
Many nurses say that these are the best shoes for RN’s on the market. Not only are they a durable and quality made shoe shoe, but when they finally do wear out, many nurses purchase them a second time.
If your feet are consistently tired after being on your feet for 12+ hours a shift these are a great shoe to consider. As an added bonus, the Nike Women’s Revolution 3 Running Shoes are cute outside of the workplace as well. You can wear them with almost anything, from athletic wear to skinny jeans!
These shoes are perfect for nurses who are constantly on the move as well as for the gym on your days off. They offer great support, cushioning and durability.
As a cross training shoe the Nike Women’s Flex Supreme Shoes are designed for moving in multiple different directions, which is something nurses do all day long!
The Nike Women’s Free RN Fly Running Shoe is a great choice for active people, especially nurses! But main reason this shoe made the list is that they have a zip pocket on the back to help your carry keys or money.
Nurses can wear these durable and comfortable shoes at work and for an outdoor run on their days off. And they come in 18 pretty colors to chose from.
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus Running Shoe has great cushioning and are often worn by runners training for and running in marathons. They have great cushion and arch support without being too heavy.
In addition, the cushion provides additional support for the knees and ankles. That is why these shoes are also great for nurses who often walk 15,000-20,000 steps or more in a single shift. If pink is not your color, there are over 25 other great colors to choose from.
The waffle outsoles on the Nike Women’s Are Max Running Shoes are great for durability and multi-surface traction. This feature is especially helpful for nurses who are more frequently exposed to walking over wet floors and need a more slip resistant shoe.
These shoes made the top 10 list because of their durability, supportive fit and floor traction.
The Nike Women’s Air Max Sequent Shoe is an absolute favorite NIKE shoe for nurses. Not only are they stylish but they have a partial bootie which gives them a more secure feel and fit. Which is essential for nurses who are on their feet for long 12 hour shifts.
They are also lightweight and offer great cushioning – a helpful solution for achy joints and sore feet!
Lightweight stretch-knit upper expands and contracts with your foot for adaptive comfort
Partial bootie design for a secure fit and feel
Flywire cables deliver a secure locked-in fit
Injected Phylon midsole for lightweight cushioning
U-shaped Max Air unit provides responsiveness in the heel
Note: these Nike shoes are my absolute favorite! Who knew that Nike made such cute slip resistant shoes that are also comfortable enough to move around in all day?
The Nike Women’s Air Zoom Vomero Shoes are very sturdy, durable shoes, which is exactly what the busy nurse needs. In addition, the NIKE Women’s Air Zoom Vomero Shoes offer soft, push cushioning – which can help with sore joints and tired feet.
The reviews on the Nike Women’s Air Max LW Running Shoes speak volumes. Customers use phrases such as “I love these shoes,” “super comfortable,” and “I just got my second pair!”
Its a great feeling to know you found a great nursing shoe that you can stick with over the years as a nurse. Because lets be honest, nurses are on there feet more then any other occupation. And we need to be taking better care of our feet, joints and backs.
These are very modern looking shoes that make a statement for both style and practicality.
