- All nurses need a high-quality stethoscope to check for blood pressure and other vital signs. Good-quality stethoscopes can be had for less than $100, though nurses in cardiac or respiratory specialties may require a more sensitive one. An ID tag or engraving is strongly recommended in case it is lost.
- Most nurses' uniforms are scrubs, which are specially designed clothes for medical professionals. This varies by work setting; most female nurses no longer wear the traditional white dress, but it may be required in some places. Comfortable shoes are absolutely essential, as nurses are on their feet for most of their shift. Most scrubs come with multiple pockets to hold other tools.
- To calculate pulse and other vitals, nurses need a watch with a second hand. A watch that tells military (24-hour) time can be useful, as well as one that glows in the dark. The watch must be waterproof, as a nurse will wash his hands often.
- Certain items are essential to patient care, and each nurse should have her own, clearly labeled with her name. These include a penlight for checking pupils, special scissors for cutting bandages, blood pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer) and a gait belt to help patients walk. Often these and the above tools are sold in one pack for beginning nurses.
- Many hospitals require charts to be filled out in more than one color ink, so colored pens are useful. Other tools include a calculator, a PDR (Physician's Desk Reference) or other drug handbook and an electronic calendar/organizer such as a PDA.
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