In the medical profession, certain nurse products will help your shift run more smoothly and keep your body more comfortable, but with so many options, how do you decide which nursing accessories you should buy? Nurse products have reviews, and they are an excellent way to determine which version, brand, or price point of a vital nurse accessory to buy because you benefit from the perspective of another nurse in your position. Only another nurse or nursing assistant (CNA) can genuinely attest to whether a pair of shoes will go the distance for a 12-hour shift;* Read our previous post on the best nursing shoes if you're curious to know more, here* or whether a set of nursing scrubs will last longer than a couple of months.
Nurse Products Reviews From Compression Stockings to Shoes
We've put together a list of 5 nurse products that are loved by nurses and CNAs and why they're worth the investment.
1. Compression Stockings
Socks are a standard item in everyone's dresser drawers, and unless they're purchased because of their striking or funny designs, a six-pack is often tossed into the shopping cart as an afterthought when you're at the store. As a nurse, however, putting some thought and intention into your socks is essential. Yes, we're talking about compression stockings. Yes, they cost a bit more than the six-pack you may typically buy. And 100% yes, they are worth it.
Being on your feet for 8-12 hours can cause swelling, sores, and blood circulation issues. Compression stockings provide strategic and gradual compression on your feet, ankles, and calves that will help blood circulation and work to prevent varicose veins and blood clots. Your compression socks must be a correct fit; you want to feel a light squeeze but not so tight that you feel discomfort. Talk with your doctor; some insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost if prescribed.
FIGS are big favorites among clinicians and cater to both men and women in sizing and designs.
2. Best Nurse Shoes
Again, being on your feet for hours at a time means that foot care should be a priority, and while compression stockings/socks are highly recommended, you must prioritize your footwear. As with everything on this list, take the time to balance budget and quality when shoe shopping for work. We already saved you some of the work and compiled a list of shoes favored by nurses; review it here.
3. Expensive Stethoscopes
When it comes to selecting a stethoscope, you should consider what your needs are, your comfort, and your budget. If you don't work in a cardiac unit or critical care unit, you likely don't need the best, most expensive stethoscope with noise cancelation that can sync with your mobile device. Nevertheless, cheap stethoscopes can be unreliable and uncomfortable for your ears, which means you might save yourself some money but buy yourself ear pain and frustration.
Littman offers a range of stethoscopes that are consistently popular with nurses and doctors. At the same time, the headpiece on the ERKA Finesse 2 can be switched out from standard adult size to smaller sizes appropriate for babies or kids, making a clever choice for clinicians who work in varied settings. Also, they have excellent customer reviews and warranties (often lifetime) on their nurse.
4. Best Nursing Scrubs
When choosing nursing scrubs, you may be tempted to choose the cheapest option. While you are entitled to spend as much or as little as you like on them, you should consider more factors than the price. Is the material comfortable? Do they have pockets? Will they last longer than a few months of wear and washing? Did you save yourself any money if the cheap ones wear out in two months and you have to repurchase them?
We did a whole article devoted entirely to nursing scrubs. Take a look and see if you can find some scrubs that will fit your price point but be comfortable and quality that will last.
5. Nurse Tumblers
Whether you drink coffee, tea, or water (or all three) on the shift, we all know that it's rare we can finish a cup while it's still hot or icy cold before we're called away to care for a patient. Tumblers and reusable water bottles have become a staple for nurses and assistants because they'll keep your drink hot or alternately cold like you want. Whether you want something engraved with your name on it so you're sure it won't get snatched accidentally, or you like to carry a bit of humor, there are so many to choose from.
Yeti brand tumblers and bottles have a reputation for maintaining drink temperatures for long periods, while Zazzle has a broad range of clever nurse sayings on theirs. Investing in a tumbler or reusable bottle will help you stay hydrated during your shift.
Take Care of Yourself While Caring for Your Patients
We realize it is a bit of an investment to purchase nurse accessories that will make your work life more accessible, and yet, most of the things on this list we see as essential because they contribute to your ability to provide quality care to your patients while also taking care of yourself. Other smaller nurse accessories that will help you are bandage scissors, sharp but with rounded edges, click pens that will stay in your pocket, and a penlight.
