Back-to-School Essentials for Nursing Students

Heading back to nursing school—whether it’s your first semester or final year—means more than just stocking up on textbooks. Between clinicals, lectures, check-offs and everything in between, the right tools (and the right mindset) can make a big difference.

So what supplies does a nursing student really need? From study essentials to clinical gear and self-care must-haves, this guide breaks down the items real students swear by—not just the trendy extras.

Stay on Track: Academic & Organizational Tools

A Planner or Digital Calendar

Clinicals. Classes. Exams. Your schedule won’t manage itself. Whether you prefer a paper planner or live by Google Calendar, the key is picking one system and sticking with it. You’ll thank yourself later.

Color-Coding Tools

Highlighters, gel pens and sticky tabs are nursing school gold. Use them to break down lecture notes, organize study guides and flag anything you know will be on the exam.

Notebooks and Mini Notepads

Keep it simple. One full-size notebook per class keeps things organized, and a mini notepad during clinicals is great for jotting down vitals, procedures or quick med tips to review later.

Stock Your Clinical Bag with These Essentials

Stethoscope

It’s your day-one essential—and worth investing in early. A reliable stethoscope will follow you from nursing school through your first job.

Penlight, Trauma Shears & Watch

Pro-tip: phones aren’t always allowed on the clinical floor. An analog watch with a second hand is a must for taking vitals. Add in a good pair of shears and a penlight, and you’re ready for anything.

Clinical Bag Must-Haves

What most students keep close by:

• Hand sanitizer
• Extra pens
• Badge reel
• Tape
• An extra pair of socks (yes, really)

Some students even keep a full backup set of scrubs in their car or clinical bag—just in case. Need more nurse must-haves like compression socks, shift snacks or other handy essentials? We’ve got you covered.

Tech That Keeps You Learning

Laptop or Tablet

Choose something lightweight with good battery life, so you can study anywhere and everywhere.

Lecture Recorder or App

For those dense pharm lectures or high-speed instructors, a recording app can be a game-changer. Rewind, review, repeat.

Essential Apps

From dosage calculators to NCLEX prep, these are the apps many students lean on daily. Bonus: they make you feel like you’ve got a digital preceptor in your pocket.

Scrubs for Nursing School: What You Need to Know

Do Nursing Students Need Scrubs?

Short answer? Yes. Most programs require scrubs for clinicals, labs and check-offs. Some schools give you a specific color or brand, while others let you choose—as long as it’s professional and polished.

If it's up to you, go for comfort, pocket count and a fit that works for real-life movement. Because you’ll be bending, lifting and logging long hours on your feet.

What to Look for in Scrubs

Not all scrubs are created equal—especially when you’re juggling clinicals, lectures and 5 a.m. alarms. Here’s what to look for when navigating through the different types of scrubs for nursing school:

• Lightweight, breathable fabric that keeps you cool under pressure
• Stretch and flexibility for moving fast and staying comfortable
• Durable construction that stands up to repeated washes
• Functional pockets with real space, because you'll be carrying more than you think

Finding the right scrubs shouldn’t be a struggle. That’s why we curated our favorite nursing student scrubs made to feel good, fit right and come in colors for all—so you can walk in with confidence.

What Real Nursing Students Are Saying About Scrubs

Nursing students are nothing if not honest—and when it comes to scrubs, their top complaints come through loud and clear: stiff fits, boxy silhouettes, overheating and scrubs that shrink after a couple washes.

Here's what students actually want in their scrubs:

• Soft, stretchy fabric that holds up all day without digging or bunching.
• Pockets that carry it all, from pens and tape to your badge and snacks. If pocket layout matters to you (and it should), check out our guide to multi-pocket scrubs built for real shifts.
• Moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you cool during sweaty clinicals and fast-paced days.

It’s no surprise that so many nursing students gravitate toward Cherokee scrubs—they're built with the right blend of softness, stretch, moisture control and functional storage. Whether you’re heading into your first clinical rotation or powering through back-to-back lab days, these performance features can make a big difference in how you feel and function on shift.

Cherokee Scrub Collections Nursing Students Love

Shopping for your first pair of scrubs—or finally replacing the ones that don’t hold up? These Cherokee collections are tried-and-true favorites among nursing students for their comfort, functionality and shift-ready performance.

• Achieve Collection: Made from Comfort Pro™ knit fabric with 360° stretch, perfect for long clinical days and on-the-move multitasking.
• Cherokee Workwear Originals: A budget-friendly classic that’s been trusted for decades, with durable fabric and straightforward styles that often meet school dress code requirements.
• Revolution by Cherokee Workwear: A modern go-to with flexible fits, breathable fabric and low-maintenance care—ideal for those back-to-back shifts.

Whether you’re dressing for clinicals or packed class days, our women’s scrubs and men’s scrubs check every box—comfort, function and the fit you need to feel confident.

Wellness Essentials to Get You Through Long Days

Nursing school isn’t just mentally demanding—it's physically exhausting, too. These wellness staples can make long clinicals and hectic days feel a little more manageable.

Compression Socks & Supportive Shoes

Your feet and legs will thank you, trust us. Many students say this is the one area worth splurging on early. A good pair of shoes and compression socks can help reduce fatigue and keep you comfortable on your feet all shift long.

Personal Care Musts

It’s the little things that make a big difference. Keep these in your bag at all times:

• Deodorant
• Lip balm
• Hand lotion
• Extra hair ties

They’re easy to forget—but essential when the day gets long.

Snacks & Water

Unpredictable breaks mean you’ll want to have snacks that keep you going. Protein bars, trail mix or a bag of almonds can save your focus when lunch is late. And don’t forget a big water bottle—you'll need it more than you think.

Our Tips for Nursing Students

We’ve gathered a few tried-and-true tips from current students and recent grads—simple habits that make the school year smoother:

• Keep a full backup set (scrubs, socks, deodorant, snacks) in your car or clinical bag. You’ll be glad you did.
• Join or start a study group early—even if things feel manageable. The support goes a long way.
• Invest in a whiteboard for home. It’s a game-changer for exam week reviews.
• Jot down clinical experiences as you go. You’ll forget the details later—and those little wins matter.

Finding the Perfect Scrubs Fit

Scrub fit matters—especially when you’re balancing back-to-back shifts, laundry days and a packed class schedule. Whether you’re between sizes or switching collections, it’s worth finding a fit that supports how you move.

From jogger scrubs to straight-leg pants, knit-panel tops to zip-front jackets, Cherokee offers a wide range of silhouettes—all made with modern, shrink-resistant fabrics designed for real clinical life. Not sure where to start? Check out our guide on how scrubs should fit to find your ideal match.

The start of the semester is your chance to set the tone. With the right scrubs, tools and mindset, you’ll walk into every class, lab and clinical with confidence.

Ready to gear up? Shop Cherokee’s back-to-school picks and make this semester your strongest yet.