Here is the ultimate list of things you actually need for nursing school from a former nursing student, and new graduate nurse! These essentials are split into three different categories : clothes, basic college supplies, and nursing specific supplies.
For clothes, most nursing schools will issue school scrub tops to wear for clinicals, however you still will need scrub bottoms, shoes, under scrubs, and a good jacket for when the hospital gets cold (which is all the time).
Clothes
The Salta Seamless Long sleeve top from Figs is a fan favorite amongst nurses for good reason. This long sleeve top is comfortable and stretchy to mold to your body and keep you warm and feeling good for your full 12 hour days.
I cannot rave about these scrub joggers enough. They are perfect for all bodies coming in petite, regular and tall sizes. For reference I am 5’2 125lbs and normally wear a size 4/6 in other brands. In the Figs Zamora Jogger I wear an xs petite and it fits like a glove.
Clinical Shoes : Hoka Bondi 9
No other shoes can compete for a 12 hour shift like the Hoka Bondi 9. Period.
For nursing school supplies you will need your basic college school supplies plus a few other nursing specific things.
Basic College Supplies
Computer
If you are reading this and have been accepted into nursing school I assume you already have a computer… If you don’t have one, get one, any kind will do!
I Pad and Apple Pencil
Having an I pad in nursing school is a game changer. It is beyond helpful to take notes and markup documents and PowerPoints using the apple pencil.
Unlike a computer, it is not mandatory to have an I Pad, however it makes studying 10x better!
Notebooks and Planners
Backpack
Yes this is a super basic backpack that everyone and their mom has. However it is perfect for college in general and nursing school. There is plenty of room for a computer, I pad, water bottle, notebooks and supplies like a stethoscope case.
Nursing Specific Supplies
A stethoscope is a must have in nursing school, whether it be for clinical or simulation lab this will be on every nursing school shopping list!
This might seem super stupid, please just get it. Your life will be much easier if you keep your stethoscope in its own case instead of just throwing it in your backpack!
Lab Goggles : Stoggles
Lab goggles are normally a requirement for prerequisite classes : Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, and Microbiology labs. These Stoggles from Amazon are great and have been acceptable for all science lab classes in college, and are much cuter and more comfortable.
Badge Reel (for clinicals)
Any kind of badge reel will do! You will need a few for clinical and simulation labs in nursing school!
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