What’s in a Nurse’s Bag? 25 Essentials for Surviving a 12-Hour Shift

Ask any experienced nurse what is in their work bag and you will get a long, very specific answer. After enough 12-hour shifts, you learn exactly what saves the day. Here are the 25 essentials nurses swear by, sorted by what they help you survive.

For the job itself

1. Several black pens. You will lose at least two. Some nurses carry a four-colour pen for charts that need it.
2. A small notebook or folded handover sheet for jobs, times and reminders.
3. A fob watch with a second hand, for respiratory rates and pulses. Clip it to your top to stay bare below the elbows.
4. A penlight for pupil checks and night rounds.
5. Your own stethoscope, if your role uses one, with your name on it.
6. Your ID badge and access cards. Keep a spare lanyard in the bag.
7. A pocket drug guide or app for quick checks. Always follow local formularies.
8. Trauma scissors and tape, if your unit allows them in pockets.

For your body

9. A large refillable water bottle. Write your name on it and keep it where you can reach it on a break.
10. Snacks that don’t need a fridge: nuts, oat bars, fruit, crackers. See our guide to eating well on 12-hour shifts.
11. A proper meal in a container you can microwave in two minutes.
12. Compression socks. Many nurses say they make a real difference to tired legs.
13. A spare pair of socks. Fresh socks halfway through a shift feel amazing.
14. Pain relief you can take safely, such as paracetamol, in the original packaging.
15. Lip balm and hand cream. Constant hand-washing dries skin fast.
16. Hair ties, clips and a hair net if you need one.
17. Period products, for you or a colleague who forgot.

For emergencies

18. A spare set of scrubs or underwear. Bodily fluids happen. Enough said.
19. A phone charger and a small power bank.
20. A small amount of cash for the vending machine when card payment fails.
21. Deodorant and face wipes to freshen up before you drive home.
22. A warm layer for cold night shifts and chilly staff rooms.

For your mind

23. Earphones for a few minutes of music or a podcast on your break.
24. Something that makes you smile: a photo, a note from your child, a favourite sweet.
25. Sunglasses for the drive home after nights, to help your body wind down for sleep.

What to leave at home

• Expensive jewellery and watches. Most hospitals expect bare below the elbows in clinical areas.
• Large amounts of cash or valuables. Lockers are not always secure.
• Anything you would be upset to lose or get dirty.

Working nights? Add an eye mask and earplugs for sleeping the next day, and read our night shift health tips. Starting as a travel nurse? See our travel nurse packing list.

What is the one thing in your bag you could never work without? Tell us in the comments.