14 Things Every Nurse Should Have in Her Pocket

If you ask any nurse what their favorite thing is about wearing scrubs (besides the fact that they are basically PJs), they will most likely say "pockets!" Scrub pockets hold all of the essential tools that a nurse needs to survive a shift. If you’re a student or a new nurse, you might not know yet exactly what you should keep in your pockets.

1. Pens and highlighters

You can never have enough pens! Highlighters are also a great tool to use if you want to mark important information about a patient on his or her chart.

2. Gum

Nurses get up close and personal with lots of people, so fresh breath is a must.

3. A snack

Maintain your blood sugar and be prepared for those busy days when you may not be able to get a break! Keep a small snack in your pocket.

4. Notepad

While a paper towel or scrub pants will work for jotting down vital signs, sometimes it is nice to have paper.

5. Stethoscope

Whether you choose to keep your stethoscope around your neck or in your pocket, a stethoscope is an absolute must for a nurse.

6. Lip balm

Hospitals are cold and dry. Coat your lips in lip balm to prevent the inevitable chapping.

7. Tape

Between taping up IVs and blood draw sites, you’ll certainly use a lot of tape throughout the day...