Nursing school is tough. Nursing students are expected to learn an enormous amount of content in a short period, and the clinical requirements often mean that they have no time for self-care or sleep. The result is that many nursing students feel overwhelmed, anxious, and demoralized by what's happening in their lives, so a nursing school survival kit is must for every nursing student.
It can be tough to get through nursing school without some form of support, but luckily, a few things can help. This article will share the ultimate nursing school survival kit guide, complete with everything you need to make it through your program successfully. Should we start? Let's get to it!
1. A Notepad
The first thing you'll need is a notepad. I know it sounds silly, but trust me, you will need to jot down notes. You can't always run back to your dorm room and grab your books before class starts. You can't always remember every little thing after a lecture.
You're going to want something small and convenient, with a cover with room for a pen in the spine. Alternatively, you can use a journal instead of a notepad, but be sure it's small enough to fit into your purse or backpack and have room for a pen in the spine.
2. A Comfy Pair Of Shoes
Nursing school is a demanding program, and it's essential to have a nursing school survival kit to make it through. A comfy pair of shoes is one of those basic tools. Shoes that fit well and are comfortable can help you make it through long days of lectures and labs, and they can also keep you going during your clinical shifts.
Look for shoes with good arch support and cushioning, and make sure to break them in before starting your program.
3. A Good Water Bottle
A good water bottle is essential for every nursing student. You will be on your feet for long hours, and you will need to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. A good water bottle is also great for sneaking a drink when you have a clinical instructor who is overly strict about food and beverages in the clinical setting.
Look for one with a wide mouth so that it’s easy to drink from (and easy to clean). I like one with a straw because it helps me sip on the go without spilling any water. I also want a leak-proof one to don’t have to worry about spilling all over my books and papers.
4. A Reliable Watch
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I know I'm not the only one who was told to get a watch with a second hand. Believe me; nursing school is not the time to be using your phone as a watch.
This tip is especially true for clinical. You will spend hours trying to figure out what time it is when you could be using that time for other things, like studying!
If you are looking to find some good watches, we have a blog dedicated to some great Apple watches. Don't forget to check it out if you are looking for one!
5. A Stethoscope
How can we forget stethoscope? This is the most critical tool in a nursing school survival kit, and you must invest in an excellent one. Look for one that is lightweight and easy to hear. Some students prefer a single-sided stethoscope, while others like a dual-sided one. The best choice will depend on your preference.
6. A Clinical Reference Guide
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This is your go-to guide for all things clinical. It's practically an extension of your brain. Buy one (or download the app) and refer to it often during your first few semesters. If there's something you don't understand, ask a classmate or professor to explain it to you until it makes sense.
7. A Highlighter
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Nursing students are required to read a lot of material at lightning speed. Highlighting helps a student identify the most critical information to give it their attention. A highlighter is also a handy tool for keeping track of important information in your textbooks, which is especially helpful when you're studying for a big exam.
8. A Planner
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A nursing school survival kit is incomplete without a planner. A planner is a must for any nursing student. You'll be juggling clinicals, classes, and studying, so you'll need to come up with a plan to tackle it all.
There are many different planners available to students. Consider what you need as far as your schedule and how much room you need to write things down. Some nurses find that a simple notebook works well, while others prefer an electronic planner. Either way, having everything in one place will help you stay organized and ensure that everything gets done on time.
9. A Good Quality Scrub
A good quality scrub can make a difference in your comfort level while in class or volunteering in the hospital. Not only scrub comfortable, but they are vital to maintaining a healthy patient-nurse relationship.
Scrubs are typically made from cotton or polyester and are durable enough to hold up through multiple washes. Choose scrubs that have pockets and are comfortable. You may be standing for long periods, and pockets can help carry items such as pens or tissues.
10. Medical Dictionary With Definitions And Abbreviations
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To make sure you're on the same page as your professors, it's helpful to have a medical dictionary handy. A quick google search can clear up any confusion if you try to look something up and get lost in the jargon, but having a dedicated book will help you stay alert during class and not miss anything important.
Plus, when it comes time for finals, a physical source of information will be beneficial. Medical terms are best learned with practice, so make sure that your dictionary has space for notes and highlighting—we recommend picking one with an appendix of standard medical abbreviations.
11. Snacks to Keep You Going Through Long Clinical Shifts
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Even though it seems like snacks are a great way to get through long clinical shifts, you’ll want to take it slow and stick to healthy options. Too much junk food can leave you feeling sluggish during the day, and eating too many processed foods can damage your health in the long run. Instead, try packing snacks that are easy to eat on the go but won't make you feel terrible by the end of a nine-hour shift.
We recommend granola bars or protein bars. They’re easy to pack in your bag and give your body enough energy to keep going for hours at a time. You can also opt for nuts—a handful of almonds or cashews will help keep your mind sharp throughout the day without making you feel weighed down with all those extra calories.
Finally, if you need something satisfyingly sweet after a long day, don’t forget a piece of fruit: apples and oranges are easy to carry in your bag between patients and won’t cause any sudden sugar crashes later on!
12. A Good Backpack Is Necessary To Survive Nursing School
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You'll spend a lot of time lugging books around, so buy one that can handle the load. Look for padded straps, lots of pockets and zippers, a sternum strap, and an air mesh back panel to keep you cool during long walks across campus in summer. Click here to get some fantastic nursing school backpack reviews!
Summary - Nursing School Survival Kit, You'll Need These!
So, what do you need to make your nursing school experience as smooth as possible? Start with the basics and build from there. You’ll want a sturdy backpack or bag, reliable transportation, healthy snacks and meals, a planner, textbooks (or course materials), comfortable clothing and shoes for long days on your feet, and plenty of coffee (or whatever your preferred stimulant maybe).
With these essentials in place, you can focus on studying hard and making the most of your time in nursing school.
What other items would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
