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Personal Finance / Top Nursing Supplies

Becoming a nurse is your dream career. You studied relentlessly, passed the NCLEX (whew, that was hard!), and landed your first nursing position. Before you rush out the door for your first day, you’re going to want to make sure you have the tools you need to get the job done right. 

Every nursing tool has its purpose. Some you can do without, while others are essential for performing patient care duties that meet best practices. Nurses can pay up to $14,000 a year for supplies they need to practice their craft. Before you hyperventilate over that figure, keep in mind that some of the supplies you purchase – stethoscopes, thermometers, clipboards – last for years. 

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To help you sort through what’s essential and what’s a bonus, we’ve created a top 10 list of must-have nursing supplies. It includes: 

• Stethoscopes
• Shoes
• Scrubs
• Compression socks
• Thermometer
• Nurse watch
• Pocket hand sanitizer
• Nurse clipboard
• Penlight
• Drug reference guide

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Stethoscopes

Nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals can all be caught wearing a stethoscope around their necks most days on the job. This is a non-negotiable tool for any nursing position. Stethoscopes are primarily used to assess a patient’s cardiac, intestinal, and respiratory health. Nurses can listen to a patient’s heart, lungs, and abdomen to determine if they are functioning normally. 

There is hardly a shortage of stethoscopes on the market today. The price ranges between $20 to more than $1,000, depending on the features you choose. Some are more expensive than others, but this is not a tool you want to skimp on. When purchasing a stethoscope, consider the following factors:

• How frequently will you use it?
• How sensitive are the acoustics?
• Does it have a high-quality durable head and tubing?
• Does it have comfortable earpieces? 

Make sure you also review any available warranties and return policies before investing in a stethoscope.

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Shoes

Nurses spend a lot of time on their feet. Sometimes they are standing in one position for hours. Other times, they may be rushing around like they are in a race. Whether it’s your first day on the job or your 1,001st day, choosing a pair of sturdy, comfortable shoes is a must. Before you rush out and buy the first pair that feel good on your feet, check with your employer. Some have specific requirements about what brands and colors of shoe nurses can wear on the floor. 

Some of the most popular brands of nursing shoes include Dansko, Dickies, and Nurse Mates. Qualities to look for in a good pair of nursing shoes include being lightweight and breathable. Make sure there is adequate support in the arches. You can expect to spend between $30 and $200 for footwear depending on the brand name and features. Scrimping on comfortable, supportive shoes can lead to foot and back pain, so choose wisely. 

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Scrubs

Not all scrubs are created equally. Like shoes, you have cheap versions and top-of-the-line models. When you’re working a 12- or 14-hour shift (or longer), you want breathable, comfortable scrubs that move with you. As with nursing shoes, you should check with your employer before buying scrubs to ensure compliance with their dress code.

Choose material that can withstand a good washing without shrinking or fading. Other tips on how to wash your scrubs for the best results include:

• Washing them separately from other clothes. 
• Pretreating them for stains. 
• Turning them inside-out to prevent pilling. 

Scrubs vary in price depending on where you buy them. Some of the cheapest costs are between $6 and 10 per piece, while the most expensive can run at $45.

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Compression socks 

Standing on your feet for long periods can cause leg pain, vein inflammation, and other unpleasant conditions that affect your health. One of the best ways to counter the risks of prolonged standing is by wearing compression socks. You will appreciate the extra support by the end of your shift. Nurses who wear compression socks can reduce soreness, swelling, and protect against blood clots and varicose veins. 

Compression socks are relatively inexpensive compared to other nursing supplies. You can snag yourself a quality pair for around $10. 

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Thermometer

Infrared thermometers are all the rage. They are highly accurate and allow nurses to keep a safe distance when checking temperatures. Nurses must take patient vitals regularly. Body temperature is one of the most important vital signs they must record. Checking a patient’s temperature reveals whether they have a fever, which can be a sign of infection.

You needn’t break the bank to buy yourself a decent infrared thermometer to add to your nursing toolkit. Basic models start at $20 and can go as high as $300 if you want one with all the bells and whistles. 

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Nurse watch

Medical watches, also called nursing watches, are a must-have for recording vitals and keeping track of patient medications. It is important to choose a nursing watch with a second hand for accurate recording of pain assessments, lab charting, and pulse. Choosing a watch with a large second hand makes reading easier to do these tasks quickly and correctly. 

Some brands are exclusively designed for nurses. They start as low as $18 and top out at around $50. For added convenience and durability, you may want to select a water-resistant watch. Silicone bands also are recommended for comfort and ease of sanitizing the watch at the end of your shift. 

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Pocket hand sanitizer

When used correctly, hand sanitizer kills up to 99% of microscopic bacteria and germs that make their way to your hands. Nurses touch a lot of gross things during their shifts and may not always have time to scrub their hands with soap and water. Carrying pocket hand sanitizer can be a lifesaver – literally. Prevent the spread of disease with a container small enough to carry in your scrubs. 

Pocket hand sanitizer is one of the cheapest items in your nursing toolkit. You can buy a 2-ounce bottle for around $2. 

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Nurse clipboard

A sturdy clipboard can be a nurse’s best asset. You can use them to organize patient charts and paperwork, keep track of reference materials, and other administrative tasks. Clipboards that come with a small storage compartment are ideal. You can store extra papers securely for use later without worrying about them becoming misplaced.

Depending on how fancy you get with your clipboard, you can expect to pay as little as $10 or as much as $50. 

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Penlight

Every nurse’s bag should include a penlight. It is a handy diagnostic tool that can help you efficiently assess a patient’s condition. Just like temperature, pupil dilation can tell a nurse a lot about a patient. They can determine if the patient is conscious, suffering from a cognitive injury, or possibly impaired by alcohol or drugs. Based on what you see with your penlight, you can gather enough information to determine the next steps in treatment. 

Penlights are super easy to store, making them convenient to carry around throughout the day. Disposable penlights can cost between $1 and $4 each. Reusable penlights aren’t much pricier, coming in at between $7 and $10 at most nursing supply stores. 

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Drug reference guide

Drugs come with a lot of side effects and contraindications. You can’t be expected to remember it all off the top of your head. You can buy full-size or pocket-size versions for easy reference. Ensuring your patient is not taking a new medication that interferes with an existing medication is crucial. Quality drug reference guides help you avoid the kinds of medication mistakes that can cause serious injury and death.

Pocket versions cost between $14 and $20. A new version of the drug reference guide is published annually, so you can expect this to be a recurring expense. 

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Stocking up on nursing supplies

Don’t be caught without the tools you need to deliver excellent patient care. While our list certainly isn’t inclusive of every item you may want to include in your nursing kit, it ticks off the most important if you are trying not to break your budget. 

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So, you want to jump into healthcare? Millions like you have already grabbed positions and opportunities throughout the country.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the skills you’ll need to have in order to have a successful career in healthcare.

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• Education and certification
• Empathy and compassion
• Communication
• Time management
• Stress management
• Flexibility and adaptability
• An open mind
• Collaboration
• Leadership
• Selflessness
• Strong ethics
• Critical Thinking

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The basics

Nurses go through multiple steps in order to get certified and licensed.

Working in healthcare can entail many different positions and opportunities. With such a broad field, there is a position in healthcare that is a perfect for everyone.

Getting your degree is only the beginning of your career pathway in healthcare. 

Let us help you in your journey into a career in healthcare.

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1. Education and certification

Working in healthcare requires specialized education. For example, if you want to become a nurse you have to you have to get an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Then you must pass the NCLEX exam in order to become a registered nurse.

If you decide to get into specialized nursing careers, certifications may be required. It is important for you to check the requirements of the job you are applying to. Check out our guide to writing a killer resume and acing the interview once you find a job you are interested in. 

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2. Empathy and compassion

In healthcare, being there for your patients is a number one priority. In your patient’s time of need, having an empathetic ear and a compassionate work ethic can make all the difference. When a someone displays compassion, it shows in their body language and tone. Naturally, patient’s can pick up on these things as well, so it can also help establish trust between you and the patient so both parties are more likely to have a positive experience.

Having empathy and compassion not only puts your patients at ease, but it can also help you excel in the workplace. Studies show that nurses who maintain a sense of empathy are less likely to experience nurse burnout.

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3. Communication

Being able to be an effective communicator can make all the difference, in and outside of the workplace. Clear communication benefits your team, as it can lead to better collaboration and help avoid misunderstandings. 

Being a good communicator can also help if you are looking to move into supervisory roles such as a charge nurse and nurse practitioner. Also, as an effective communicator you’re also more likely to ace the interview for the role, too.

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4. Time management

The skill of time management is paramount in almost any workplace. This is especially true when working in healthcare. 

There are certain positions in healthcare that will require you to be time management pros. For example, emergency room nurses have to be able to thrive in fast paced environments and must have great time management and multitasking skills. 

Another factor about being a nurse is that you must always maintain your nursing CEUs. With having to constantly keep your education up to date, nurses must factor this into their already packed schedules.

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5. Stress management

There’s no question about it – most jobs in healthcare can be pretty stressful! So, to avoid becoming overwhelmed at work and even bringing some of the stress from work back home, it’s important to learn some stress management techniques. 

Luckily, most stress management tools can be picked up pretty easily and incorporated into your life quickly. Some of our personal favorite stress relief techniques are meditation and exercise. 

A happy nurse equals happy patients. It’s true!

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6. Flexibility and adaptability

Working in healthcare can be an unpredictable and demanding field with jobs that require long and varied hours. If you’re on the night crew, that usually doubles the challenge of finding a good work-life balance. 

The only way most people are able to achieve some sort of work-life balance is through flexibility and adaptability. 

Being flexible will help prepare you for unexpected changes of plans (which will happen). Also, being able to adapt to new situations will help in the ever-changing environment of the healthcare industry.

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7. An open mind

Even if you have ample education and training for your position, there are still times where an unconventional solution may be the answer. It’s more than likely you will run into a problem with a patient that may be tricky to pin down. You may have to ask several colleagues for their input and run tests or try a few methods you wouldn’t have originally considered. This requires an open mind to trying new techniques to deal with complicated situations.

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8. Collaboration

Working in healthcare presents you with many opportunities to work with a lot of different people who have various roles. Whether you are working in a hospital, clinic, care facility, or any other healthcare setting you will be a member of a team. In hospital settings, you will likely be working directly with certified nursing assistants, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and doctors.

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9. Leadership

Even when you are reporting to someone and having your duties assigned to you, it is still important to have leadership qualities. As a healthcare professional, you’ll likely have to make decisions at the spur of the moment, and you won’t always be able to run it by your supervisor. Having leadership skills ensures you will be prepared to handle situations where you may need to step up and act as a leader.

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10. Selflessness

It has often been said that to serve others is the highest honor. It’s easy to forget that when you’re doing it for a living! Healthcare can often seem like a thankless job, and it can be a challenge to avoid getting frustrated. But it’s important to remember that despite some of the bad shifts, you are helping people every day. Being able to be of service to others takes a special person!

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11. Strong Ethics

Having an ethical mindset is a trait that most employers look for. However, ethical working practices look much different for people working in healthcare than it does in most other fields. 

There is the matter of privacy laws such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and PHI (Protected health information). Some people accidentally violate these laws unknowingly by doing things like posting on social media. 

There is also a nursing code of ethics to keep in mind to ensure you are ethically serving your patients without bias.

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12. Critical Thinking

As a nurse, your patients will rely on you and trust that you will make the right decisions for their health. However, when it comes to providing healthcare to people things are rarely ever as cut and dry as most people assume. There will be certain situations where you will have to exercise critical thinking. Whether it’s thinking quickly on your feet or dealing with an abnormal case, nurses will exercise this skill multiple times daily.

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Conclusion

Having these qualities won’t make or break your career in healthcare, but they will certainly help you succeed! And the good news is that these soft skills can be easily learned with a few lifestyle changes. 

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Sources

“American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses.” nursing.rutgers.edu. Accessed March 4, 2022.

“NCLEX & Other Exams.” ncsbn.org. Accessed Feb. 18, 2022.

“Happier Nurses = Better Patient Care.” pphas.org. Accessed Feb. 18, 2022.