Nurse musthaves

Have you recently completed your nursing or care education? Then we have a handy list for you as a beginner nurse or caregiver! You'll need to be well-prepared to start your new job as a nurse/caregiver, and that can't be done without the following essential products:

Medical clogs and shoes

First of all a good pair of work shoes are important. For example, medical clogs or shoes are a must-have. They meet all the standards for quality, hygiene, and safety. Additionally, they are designed with comfort in mind to help reduce strain on your back and prevent tired feet after a long shift. Since you want to look your best at work, there are many models available in various colors and patterns. Choose one that truly suits your style and makes you feel comfortable!

Nurse watches

Being a nurse is great, but even better is finishing that 12-hour night shift! With a silicone nursing watch, you'll always know the time. They’re easy to clean thanks to the removable dial, and you can choose for additional features such as a heart rate monitor or date display. Most of them even have glow-in-the-dark hands, which is super handy during a night shift. Silicone watches come in many different shapes, colors, and patterns, so there’s always something you’ll like. There's often also the option for engraving, so you can add a personal message or your name, ensuring you never lose it! It's also a great gift idea with messages like "You got this!", "Proud of you!" or the recipient's name.

Tourniquet

As a nurse, you know how important it is to work with the right tools and accessories. The tourniquet is an important tool for healthcare professionals who want to work efficiently and safely. You can personalize your own tourniquet with a fun photo/logo or a nice design. It's the perfect addition to your nursing equipment.

Notebook and pen

When you're just starting out, you'll quickly realize how much there is to learn. It's helpful to write down nursing tips and tricks so you can refer back to them. Consider carrying a pocket-sized notebook (A5 or A6) and, of course, a pen. A popular pen in healthcare is the 4-color pen, which allows you to easily differentiate notes, to-dos, reminders, and department phone numbers using different colors. Very organized! Make sure to also get a pen holder so you don't keep losing it when you bend down.

Badge holder 

It’s nice to be easily recognizable to patients. Especially children and patients with dementia feel more at ease when they recognize you. To make this easier, you can choose a handy badge holder with a retractable reel. You can hang your ID card or keys on the retractable reel, and you can have your name printed on the badge holder or choose a nice print or cheerful shape.

Nursing scissors set

What everyone can use is a scissor set and tape. Scissor sets often include a Kocher, bandage scissors, and nursing scissors. This way, you are well-prepared for any situation and always have the right scissors at hand. Since scissors tend to get 'borrowed' quite often, we recommend having your scissor set engraved. This way, you can quickly identify and retrieve your own scissors.

Keycord

A keycord is an essential must-have for every healthcare professional. The keycord makes it easy to keep your access card, keys, or other important items always on hand. Additionally, you can choose a keycord with a personalized name or fun design. This makes it an ideal tool for both recognition and convenience, for you as well as your patients!

Organizer or case with accessories

To keep your items neatly organized and avoid having everything loose in your pockets, we suggest an organizer or case. These are typically pocket-sized, allowing you to store handy accessories like a pupil light or penlight (not just for checking pupils but also useful as a flashlight), tape, an ampoule opener, or a mini calculator.

Stethoscope

It's always useful to carry a stethoscope during your shift. Many come with a classic dual-head design and a stainless steel chest piece. For patient comfort, consider one with a non-chill rim. Littmann is a well-known brand but can be pricey. Looking for a high-quality stethoscope with a stylish design? Check out Hospitrix stethoscopes, known for their great price-quality ratio!

Nursing bags

Wondering how to easily carry all these essentials to and from work? That makes sense! Until you use the Elite Community Bag, which fits everything you need. It features adjustable dividers, a container for biohazardous materials, an insulated compartment, a reusable hot/cold pack, and a zipper with a lock option. making it the perfect bag for nurses!

Drink bottles & Thermoses

As a nurse, you give your best every day. With long shifts and busy schedules, you are always there for others. Staying hydrated is essential to take care of yourself. Our water bottles and thermoses are perfect for both hot and cold drinks and easy to carry in your nursing bag.

Nurse socks

Okay, let’s be honest this isn’t really a must-have. But how fun is it to bring a smile to your colleagues’ and patients’ faces all day with a pair of fun happy socks? They come in a variety of colors, healthcare-themed prints, and patterns. You can also choose from ankle socks, regular socks, and even compression socks!

We assume that your employer will provide you with a uniform. However, if you prefer to choose one yourself with a comfortable fit, that’s certainly an option. Various (doctor’s) coats and pants are available in different color accents, allowing you to match your employer’s dress code.

Additionally, the instruments you need may vary depending on your department and role. In-home care requires different tools than working in a hospital or as a medical assistant. While we don’t list specific instruments in this guide, you may need items such as a blood pressure monitor, reflex hammer, or tourniquet.