After years of working as a nurse, I’ve learned that what you bring to work can make a long shift a little easier. My nursing bag isn’t filled with anything fancy—just practical things I actually use and have found helpful during my shifts. From the shoes I wear to the small things like hand cream and lip balm, these are the everyday items that have earned a place in my bag.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only share products I personally use or genuinely recommend.As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What I Actually Bring to Work
These are the things I regularly bring with me—not because they’re trendy, but because they’re useful during a nursing shift.
My FIGS Tote
I use my FIGS tote as my nursing work bag. It’s roomy enough for the things I bring to work, and I like having everything I need organized in one place.
Nike Work Shoes
Comfort for long shifts—with a little personality.
Comfort matters when you spend most of your shift on your feet. I wear Nike to work because they’re comfortable, but I also like shoes with a little personality. After all, scrubs don’t mean your shoes have to be boring.
My Water Jug
I always bring a water jug to work. Having water with me throughout the shift makes it easier to stay hydrated, especially on busy days when I may not get many chances to stop and refill.
Cure Electrolyte Drink Mix
I also keep Cure electrolyte drink mix in my bag. It helps me stay hydrated, has no added sugar, and is plant-based. There are so many delicious flavors to choose from, but Blood Orange is my favorite.
Phone Charger
I keep an Apple fast charger in my bag so I can charge my phone when needed during a long shift.
Apple Watch
My Apple Watch is everything. When you know, you know. It’s one of those things I put on every day without even thinking about it, and I wouldn’t want to go through a shift without it.
Pens
I always keep gel pens with me. They write so smoothly, and when you’re documenting throughout a shift, having a pen that writes well makes a difference. It’s a small thing, but definitely one of my everyday essentials.
Lunch Bag
A lunch bag is another must-have for me. Long shifts mean bringing enough food and snacks to get through the day, so having everything packed and ready makes life easier.
Gum
5 Gum is always in my bag. I like how fresh it tastes and how the flavor lasts longer. It’s one of those little things I like having with me during a long shift.
NIVEA Hand Cream
With all the hand-washing and sanitizing nurses do throughout a shift, I like having NIVEA hand cream in my bag. It does a good job of locking in moisture and keeping my hands soft.
NIVEA Lip Balm
I also keep NIVEA lip balm with me. It helps lock in moisture and keeps my lips soft, especially during a long shift.
Snacks
I always keep snacks and gummies in my bag. I especially like the individually packed ones because they’re easy to grab and bring to work. They’re convenient during a busy shift when I want something quick—and honestly, they’re just really good.
None of these things are complicated, but they make my workday a little easier and more comfortable. These are things I actually use—not products I picked just to make a list. As I find other things that earn a permanent place in my nursing bag, I’ll add them here.