Nursing School Essentials: 18 Must-Have Supplies

After a months-long process, you're finally ready to start nursing school. You did your research, applied to programs, aced your entrance exam, got your acceptance letters, and finally enrolled in the right program. But now that classes are about to start, the real work is just beginning.

To help combat pre-nursing school jitters and start the year off on the right foot, try to assemble as many of your nursing student supplies as possible before day one. If you're not sure where to start shopping, here's our list of 18 must-have essentials.

Scrubs

The first item on any future nurse's shopping list is scrubs, the de facto uniform for nurses and nursing students alike. Some schools and hospitals have specific guidelines about scrub color, so check your program's criteria before you buy. Once you know what color you need, look for features like antimicrobial fabric, flattering cuts, and vents to help keep you cool. And whatever you do, get yourself scrubs with pockets. They're indispensable for carrying your nursing student supplies. If you're not sure what size or style to buy, take your measurements first so you can find the most flattering fit.

Lab Coats and Jackets

Some nursing schools require a lab coat over your scrubs for clinicals or professional meetings, so check your school's requirements to see if you need one. As a bonus, this extra layer helps keep you warm and adds plenty of pocket space for pens and other items. It's also worth having your lab coat embroidered with your name or a school emblem so it doesn't get mixed up with anyone else's. If you're not sure what to look for, our guide to choosing a lab coat can help.

Compression Socks

You might not see your compression socks all the time, but you'll be grateful you're wearing them. Compression socks help encourage healthy blood flow and discourage blood from pooling in your feet, which helps reduce the pain and fatigue that come from walking and standing all day. Compression hose are an option if you need to dress up a bit, or choose compression sleeves, which cover most of the calf but leave the foot free, if you prefer to wear regular socks. Not sure where to start? Our guide on which level of compression socks you need breaks it down.

Nursing Shoes

Speaking of foot pain, a supportive, well-fitting pair of shoes is just as important for protecting your feet. You can generally choose between tennis shoes or a clog-style design, with options like laces, slip-ons, and hook-and-loop straps available too. Tennis shoes can usually go in the wash, while clogs can be wiped down and disinfected easily. Nursing shoes come in a range of colors and materials, including fabric, leather, and vinyl. Whatever style you choose, look for slip-resistant soles to help protect against falls and keep you steady on your feet.

A Watch

A watch might seem old-fashioned, since doesn't everyone just check their phone now? But it's a critical tool in a hospital or clinical setting. Many facilities restrict cell phone use on the job for safety and privacy reasons, so if you want to know the time, you'll either need to find a wall clock or wear a watch yourself, and nurses rarely have a spare minute to go hunting for one. A water-resistant watch keeps the time right on your wrist, no searching required.

Badge Clip or Lanyard

Badge clips and lanyards don't just hold your ID; they can also hold important phone numbers, measurement tools, or anything else you need on hand during clinicals. Some nurses avoid lanyards since a patient could grab hold of one, while others prefer them. Nursing school is a good time to try both and figure out which one you like best. Whichever you choose, get a sturdy version, even if it costs a bit more. You don't want a badge clip flying apart mid-shift.

A Good Backpack

Even if it's been years since you carried a backpack, it's worth investing in a good-quality bag that can hold your books and nursing student supplies for class. Make sure it has room for your laptop, books, and everything else, along with plenty of pockets, just like your scrubs. Check that the straps are comfortable and that the weight is evenly distributed. If you're prone to back issues, a rolling backpack can help take the stress off your shoulders before clinicals even start.

Textbooks

Like any other school program, you'll need textbooks for your nursing classes. Textbooks can be rented or bought, so weigh your budget against your syllabi to figure out which option makes the most sense. Some students prefer digital textbooks so they can carry everything on one e-reader, while others find screens hard on their eyes and prefer physical books. There's no right answer here, just give yourself enough time to order them before class starts.

Pens and Paper

You'll also need some basic old-school supplies like pens and paper. Some courses specify exactly what you need for class, so check the requirements before loading up your cart with binders. Stock up on writing tools like permanent markers, highlighters, and pencils, along with notebooks and loose-leaf paper. And pick up a solid batch of clicky pens without caps. Pen caps have a way of disappearing during your first clinical, never to be seen again.

A Planner

Nursing students need to track their schedule and due dates, and putting everything in one master planner is usually the best strategy for staying on top of it all. Some people swear by paper planners, while others prefer the flexibility of a digital calendar where you can simply move an event instead of crossing it off and rewriting it. Whatever works for you, don't skip a planner entirely, even if you're not a natural planner in your personal life. You'll regret it the first time you miss a quiz you forgot to write down.

Study Sheets and Guides

Every person's study style is different, so figure out what works for you and stick with it. Some people like color-coding notes, others prefer flashcards, and some learn best with digital quizzes and interactive resources. If you're struggling in a class, don't hesitate to pick up a study guide to reinforce what you're learning. As you get closer to the end of nursing school, NCLEX study materials become essential, so order them early so your prep doesn't feel rushed.

A Sturdy Clipboard

You'll need a way to corral all the papers and pens you carry during clinicals, and a nursing clipboard is a compact, convenient solution. Depending on the style, it might be a basic flat piece of plastic or wood, or a thicker base that opens up to store more papers inside. Some clipboards even come printed with charts and quick references that are genuinely useful to have at your fingertips during clinicals, and since they're attached to the board, you never have to worry about leaving them behind.

A Stethoscope

No medical professional who examines patients can do good work without a stethoscope, which lets you listen to the heart, lungs, bowels, and other body systems for signs of irregularity. You'll use it throughout nursing school and beyond, so if you can afford a high-quality option from the start, such as a Littmann stethoscope, you'll save yourself from buying a new one in a year or two. It's worth learning about the different types of stethoscopes before you invest, and adding engraving so it stays identifiable from your first class through your first job.

Blood Pressure Monitor

A close second to the stethoscope in terms of essential supplies, a blood pressure monitor helps you measure exactly what it sounds like. There are several types available, also called sphygmomanometers, including manual and digital versions, so it's worth researching which type you prefer and how to properly operate it.

Penlight

It looks like a pen, but a penlight serves a different purpose entirely. This small, powerful flashlight helps you assess pupil response, examine the mouth and throat, and check wound areas. Thanks to its compact design and clip, a penlight is easy to carry in the chest pocket of your scrubs or lab coat, right next to your actual pens.

Nursing Scissors

You never know what you'll need to cut as a nurse, from medical gauze to dressings to bandages. That makes nursing scissors one of the simplest yet most essential supplies for a nursing student. It's worth picking up some medical tape and gauze to keep on hand alongside them.

Nursing Bag

Just like you need a backpack for school, you'll need a bag for your nursing supplies. A dedicated nursing bag makes it easy to carry everything for clinicals, including your stethoscope, blood pressure monitor, scissors, gauze, bandages, and more. Look for a hard-surface bag that's easy to disinfect and offers plenty of pockets so you can stay organized and grab what you need in a hurry. For tips on packing and organizing yours, check out our guide on nursing bag technique.

A Coffee Maker

Given their 12-plus hour shifts, nurses are frequently tired and sleep-deprived, and nursing students are no exception. Sleeping through class is never ideal, and sleeping through a clinical is worse, so a reliable source of caffeine can genuinely help you get through the hard days and nights. It's worth being mindful about not overdoing it, but a cup or two a day can make a real difference in your energy and focus.

No matter your age or background, nursing school is an exciting step in your professional journey. As a new semester approaches, use this list to make sure you've got everything you need before the first day of class.)