Top 10 Nursing Tools Every New Grad Nurse Needs

Congratulations! You've made it through the clinical rotations, countless hours of studying, and the ultimate test - NCLEX. Now it's time to start your next chapter as a 'real' nurse. What gear do you need to start the first day? There are countless options, so we compiled this list of the essential items every nurse needs in their toolkit

The Top 10 Essential Nursing Tools

You can read our roundups of the best scrubs for nurses and shoes for nurses, but today we're focusing on the tools you need to succeed. 

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1. Stethoscope

The best way to get your career off to a good start is with a high-quality stethoscope that really pulls its weight. The Littmann Cardiology IV has advanced technology that allows for the detection of subtle sound changes. Check out our list of the 10 best stethoscopes for nurses to find the perfect one for your needs. 

If you're going into a highly specialized field, like the NICU, avoid buying an expensive specialized stethoscope. These units usually provide individual stethoscopes for every patient due to infection control measures. 

2. Watch

A watch with a second hand makes it easy for you to count respirations, check your patient's pulse, and know how long it's been since the last time you had a bathroom break. Apple Watches or other smartwatches are good options, but you can't go wrong with a classic analog watch. 

3. Pens & Sharpies

The non-negotiable pen requirement for charting and other official documents is that the pen writes in blue or black permanent ink. Other than that, it's mostly personal preference.

Papermate InkJoy pens come in retractable Gel and Ballpoint versions with many color options. The ink flow is smooth, and the barrels are comfortable in your hand. As long as you keep those official blue and black ones available, the rest of your notes can be as colorful as you like. 

As for Sharpies, order these keychain mini Sharpies today. You can clip them onto your name badge so you're always ready to label IV Tubing and lab specimens. 

4. Penlight

You will check the pupillary response on just about everyone in the hospital setting, so make sure you have a penlight handy. 

5. Bandage Scissors

There are never enough bandage scissors on the unit. Buy a pack and label those puppies with your name. You'll never see them again. It's fine. But whoever steals them will know that they took your scissors. 

6. Reflex hammer

You won't necessarily need to carry a reflex hammer at all times, but definitely keep one in your nursing bag. You never know when you may need one, and no one can find the unit's tool. Another option is to choose a nursing toolkit that comes with all the essentials.  

7. Clip Board

Clipboards help you stay organized throughout your shift and provide a solid writing surface anytime. This folding clipboard fits in most large scrub pockets, making it easy to protect sensitive information. The nursing version comes with pre-printed reference material for quick review. 

8. Cheat Sheets/References

Your employer should have in-depth medication and lab guides available through your intranet or documentation system, but sometimes it’s nice to have information at your fingertips. RNotes®: Nurse's Clinical Pocket Guides are available for just about every specialty and are meant to be quick guides you can keep in your bag or clipboard. 

9. Notebook

A small notebook can serve whatever purpose you need. It can become your reference guide for frequently used phone numbers, lab codes, or to list out the 50 items Dr. So & So wants every time they come to your unit. It could also be your brain for the day. Some nurses really like these LCD tablets for jotting down quick notes. 

10. Work Bag

Finally, you’ll need a bag to hold all of your essential nursing tools. The ideal work bag is easy to carry, organizes all your nursing gear, can be disinfected, and makes you happy. You can choose a tote bag or backpack. Keep pens and scissors under control with a fanny pack that's easy to pull out on the unit. Whatever you choose, make sure it closes. The last thing you want to do is have your bag spill all over the floor. 

>> Related: What is a Nursing Report Sheet?

That’s a wrap! We hope this roundup of the top 10 tools every new grad nurse needs to succeed will help you feel prepared as you start your new career.