What's In Your 'Nurse Bag?'
Six of the most important items that RNs should keep in their nurse bag as part of their professional tool kit.
Nurse Bag Essentials
Nurses are always on the move, and they need to have their belongings right at hand so they can handle whatever comes
their way. This is where the nurse bag comes in. It can be a book bag or a large purse, but it should be big enough to
accommodate the life of the nurse. It's okay to keep too much in your bag, but don’t keep too little! Here are six of
the most important things you need in your bag. (Your mileage may vary depending on
your nursing specialty and
your personality.)
1. Stethoscope
Your stethoscope is an important tool of the trade. If you don’t have it, you are in trouble and will have to use one of
those horrid disposable ones. You want to make sure that you have your stethoscope tucked safely away in your nurse bag.
It should never leave your bag, except for work. However, a stethoscope isn’t the only tool you might choose to carry.
You may choose to carry a blood pressure cuff or other assessment tools, if you need them.
2. Pens
No matter how much management tries to push for paperless charting, it's not there yet. Pens are still a hot commodity
in any nurse’s life, and heaven protect the person who steals a nurse’s pen! Most nurses have specific pens that they
swear by, and you should keep a whole package of them in your bag. Unfortunately, you will lose your pen. Either you
will misplace it, or someone will steal it. As heartbreaking and frustrating as this is, have backup pens in your nurse
bag so that you can move on seamlessly with your day.
3. Quick Reference Cards
You never know when you are going to need the reference values for blood gases or the specific definitions of
little-used medical terms. Carrying some basic medical reference cards in your bag is a great way to make sure that you
have a back up in case you run up against something that confounds you. This is particularly helpful for new nurses who
may still be adjusting to the clinical information bombarding them. You don’t necessarily have to carry around Taber’s,
but having some of those laminated cards that are relevant to your specialty just may come in handy. They don’t take up
much room and could get you out of a jam.
4. Water Bottle
Hydration on the job is key, and you should have a sturdy water bottle with you. Something metal is probably best as it
is less likely to be a vector for pathogens. However, do be sure to disinfect the mouthpiece after every shift. Carry
this water bottle with you in your bag, and make sure that you take it with you on your cart. Yes, you can fill it with
coffee, but try to be careful with caffeine. It can dehydrate you and interfere with your sleep/wake cycle.
5. Lunch
Like water, nurses need lunch, and many don’t take the time to get lunch as they should. Pack a lunch, even if it is
small. Even better, you should pack snacks, as well. Protein bars, pieces of fruit, and cheese sticks are great
on-the-go snacks that can help give you a boost of energy if you don’t have time for a sandwich. They also don’t take up
very much room in your bag. Be sure to throw in these essential items before running out of the house to make your
shift. You will be even more tired without them.
6. Change of Clothes
Finally, there will come a time when you will need a change of clothes. You may be lucky enough to work in a facility
where you can borrow scrubs from an OR, but that isn’t always the case. Carrying a change of clothes in your bag means
that you can easily freshen up if your nursing uniform gets soiled during your shift. This can take up a great deal of
space in your bag, but it is worth it. You will be happy to have a clean set of clothes and be feeling better to take on
the rest of your day. In some ways, this is the most important item to have in your medical bag, after your stethoscope.