10 Nursing School Essentials (What You’ll Actually Use on Day One)

Nursing school is exciting, but it can also be intense. Long days, early mornings, clinical rotations, endless studying, and a crash course in time management—all at once.

The good news? A little preparation goes a long way. The right gear can make your days more comfortable, more organized, and a lot less chaotic when everything starts moving fast.

Here are ten nursing school essentials you’ll actually use, starting with the one that quietly impacts your entire day.

1. Supportive Nursing Shoes

You’ll spend more time on your feet than you expect: labs, clinicals, walking campus, standing during skills checks. The right shoes matter immediately.

Look for nursing shoes that check these boxes:

• All-day cushioning and support

• Slip-resistant outsoles for hospital floors

• Easy-to-clean materials

• A secure fit that stays comfortable during long sessions

Clove nursing shoes are built specifically for healthcare environments, using Clarino™ vegan leather that wipes clean easily, ASTM-certified slip resistance, and comfort systems designed for long periods of standing and walking. Styles like Classic Core, Forte 2, and Strada balance support with clean, modern design—so you don’t have to sacrifice style just to be practical.

If you’re going to invest in one thing before nursing school starts, make it your shoes. Your future feet will thank you.

2. Compression Socks

Clinical days mean hours of standing and walking. Compression socks help support circulation and reduce swelling, especially during long shifts or extended labs.

Look for moderate compression and cushioned bottoms so comfort doesn’t come at the expense of wearability.

3. A Comfortable Backpack or Tote

You’ll carry more than you think: books, laptop, notebooks, snacks, chargers, water bottles. Choose something with padded straps, organized compartments, and enough room to distribute weight evenly.

Bonus points for water-resistant materials.

4. Refillable Water Bottle

Staying hydrated improves focus, energy, and stamina. But that’s easy to forget when you’re bouncing between lectures and labs. An insulated bottle keeps water cold and prevents constant refills.

5. Quality Pens and Highlighters

Yes, this sounds basic, until you’re digging through your bag for the one pen that actually works. Invest in a few reliable pens, plus highlighters for studying and chart practice.

Small upgrades make everyday tasks smoother.

6. A Planner (Digital or Paper)

Between assignments, clinical rotations, exams, and personal life, scheduling gets complicated fast. Whether you prefer a digital calendar or a physical planner, having one central system keeps deadlines visible and stress lower.

7. Laptop or Tablet You Trust

You’ll rely on online resources, note-taking software, digital textbooks, and exam platforms. Make sure your device is lightweight, reliable, and has solid battery life for long days on campus.

8. Portable Phone Charger

You’ll use your phone for schedules, group chats, alarms, and clinical apps—battery drain happens quickly. A small power bank keeps you from scrambling for outlets.

9. Healthy, Portable Snacks

Long days don’t always leave time for proper meals. Protein bars, nuts, trail mix, or shelf-stable snacks keep energy steady and prevent the “I forgot to eat” crash.

10. Comfortable Study Setup

Whether it’s noise-canceling headphones, a desk lamp, or an ergonomic chair, your study environment matters. Comfort improves focus—especially during long exam prep sessions.

FAQ: Preparing for Nursing School

How early should I start preparing for nursing school?

Ideally, start organizing supplies a few weeks before classes begin. That gives you time to order nursing shoes, break them in, and gather materials without last-minute stress.

What shoes are best for nursing school clinicals?

Look for supportive nursing shoes with slip-resistant outsoles, easy-to-clean materials, and all-day comfort. Athletic sneakers often aren’t designed for wet hospital floors or prolonged standing.

Do nursing students really need compression socks?

They’re not mandatory, but many students find them helpful for managing swelling and leg fatigue during long labs and rotations.

How many pairs of nursing shoes should I have?

If possible, rotating between two pairs helps extend shoe life and keeps cushioning performing consistently.

What’s the most overlooked nursing school essential?

Comfortable footwear and hydration. Both directly impact energy, focus, and physical wellbeing—especially during demanding weeks.

A Little Preparation Now, Less Stress Later

Nursing school challenges your time, energy, and focus. But the right essentials make the experience smoother and more comfortable. Start with comfortable nursing shoes that protect your feet and fit your personal style, then build your toolkit around organization, comfort, and efficiency.