Having the proper tools going into nursing school is going to make you a much more organized student. The following are things that I used to survive nursing school, as well as clinicals, that I wish I knew a lot sooner. So that you can get them before you start!
Student Planner
Having the perfect planner makes all the difference. You need one that will allow you to break up each classes’ homework and test dates.
Pro tip: use a different colored pen for each of your classes!
Blue Light Blocking Glasses
You’re going to be on your computer A LOT while you’re in school and clinical and the blue light your computer emits causes major headaches. Stop these headaches with blue light blocking glasses. You will use these all the way into your nursing career so invest in a couple cute pairs!
Multivitamin
Staying healthy throughout school and clinical is super important, we all know how hard it is to make any school work up. Start taking a multivitamin each day to keep your immune system boosted.
Hair Ties
Of course, extra hair ties! You don’t want your hair falling all on your patient and their fluids! Gross!
Pro tip: Always keep an extra hair tie on the back of your badge. You never know when you’re going to forget a hair tie or when the one you already have on is going to break! Been there, done that… be prepared!
Badge Holder and Reel
This badge holder will be great to hold your student ID and your nursing ID while you’re in school and at clinical. You can shove clinical site information in it and attach nurse reference cards all in one place!
If you plan of attaching your badge to your scrubs then you’re going to also want a badge reel. And what’s cuter then a personalized badge reel!
Nursing Shoes
Invest in the right shoes now. They’ll last you for years and help relieve aches and pains in your feet, legs and back. Overall, they’ll make your shift go by a lot faster.
While there are many different types of nursing shoes out there, my favorite are clogs. They have good support for your arch, no shoelaces that dig in, and are super easy to wipe clean after a shift. Dansko’s are great for those with wider feet and Sanita’s (my personal favorite) are better for those with narrow feet.
Pro tip: Get a good shoe deodorizer for your clogs and spray them after each shift.
Compression Socks
To get the most out of your clogs, or any nursing shoe really, you NEED compression socks. These help to circulate blood in your feet and legs and help prevent spider veins! They also keep your feet from throbbing, which is a huge bonus.
Nursing T-Shirt
T-shirt or it didn’t happen, am I right?
Review Guide for RN Pre-Entrance Exam
Before you get accepted into nursing school you must take, and do well on, the nursing entrance exam. This study guide will help you score well the first time around.
For more pre-nursing information, visit Tips for Pre-Nursing Students to be Successful in Nursing School.
That’s all! Know of more nursing school must haves? Comment below!
Also check out the following for more nursing school insight!
- What to Expect in Nursing School: Expectations Versus Reality
- How to Survive Nursing School
- How to be Successful in Nursing School
- 16 Things You Need to Bring to Clinical
- Top 10 Best Jobs for Students in Nursing School
- How to Take the Best Notes in Nursing School
- Managing and Preventing Student Stress