The Scrub Pocket Inventory: What 40 Nurses Carry Through a 12-Hour Shift
We surveyed nurses on the items they need to survive a shift. Responses involved a surprising amount of snacks that tend to go uneaten.
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Sharpie Mini Permanent Markers
Built-in clips attach to badge reels so they never get stolen at the station.
O'Keeffe's Working Hands
Unscented, non-greasy formula blocks moisture loss after repeated scrubbing with abrasive hospital soap.
BadgeGuru 2.0 by Tribe RN
Puts vital lab values and EKG interpretations on waterproof, wipeable PVC cards.
Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Side Spiral Notebook
Repels spilled fluids, blood, and coffee while preserving vitals and shift notes intact.
Pilot G2 Premium Rolling Ball Gel Pens
Dries fast to prevent smudging on glossy charting paper without skipping or bleeding.
Sharpie S-Gel Gel Pens
Dries instantly on slick chart paper to prevent smeared ink during rapid charting.
BIC 4-Color Ballpoint Pen
Lets you color-code different patients or shift times without carrying four separate writing instruments.
BATCLIP Original Leather Stethoscope Holder
Shifts the weight of a stethoscope off your neck to prevent muscle fatigue entirely.
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier (Concord Grape)
Rapidly replaces electrolytes during shifts where you lack time to consume standard water volumes. (Grape was universally the favorite here.)
Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer
Flat profile slides seamlessly into scrub pockets without the bulk of a cylindrical bottle.
Listerine Cool Mint Pocketpaks Breath Strips
Dissolves instantly to neutralize bad breath when you have zero time to brush mid-shift.
Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment
Contains shea butter and chamomile to repair cracked lips caused by dry hospital air.
Burt's Bees 100% Natural Strawberry Lip Balm
Matte finish wax seals out dry air without transferring glossy residue to surgical masks.
Foldable Pocket Size Clipboard
Conceals HIPAA data and collapses into scrub pockets. Convenient for quick notes, charting, and cheat sheets.
Post-it Super Sticky Notes, Supernova Neons
Secures critical handover updates to monitors without losing adhesive grip overnight. The neon colors are hard to miss.
CAVN Pen Light with Pupil Gauge
Printed gauges provide immediate reference during rapid neuro checks without draining phone batteries.
L'OCCITANE 20% Organic Shea Butter Hand Cream
Thick formula heals cracked skin rapidly without leaving nitrile gloves dangerously slick.
XSHEAR® 7.5” Extreme Duty Trauma Shears
Thick steel blades shear through multiple layers of heavy clothing without bending or jamming.
Honorable Mentions
▪ Retractable badge reels – often themed
▪ Individually wrapped alcohol prep pads – a ton of them
▪ Protein or granola bars – half eaten, half saved for hour eleven
▪ Compression tape – one nurse said from her personal stash because she can not trust the supply room at 3am
▪ Small hair ties and bobby pins for maintenance