Essential items checklist
Uniforms and footwear
- Scrubs (2–4 sets to rotate during clinical weeks)
- Closed‑toe, non‑slip shoes with good arch support
- Spare scrub set and small laundry bag for soiled items
Prioritize fit, durability, and easy laundering. Many programs require specific colors—confirm before buying.
Clinical tools
- Stethoscope (lightweight, reliable acoustics)
- Bandage scissors and small utility scissors
- Penlight and reflex hammer (if required)
- Watch with second hand or digital second counter
- Small notebook and multiple pens (black/blue ink)
Invest in a decent stethoscope if your program recommends one—quality matters for auscultation practice.
Personal protective and hygiene items
- Disposable masks and hand sanitizer (as required)
- Minimal jewelry; short, clean nails
- Hair ties or caps to keep hair secured during patient care
Follow facility PPE and infection control policies rather than personal preference.
Study and reference aids
- Pocket drug guide or laminated medication card
- Small anatomy atlas or laminated landmark cards
- Flashcards (pharmacology, anatomy, abbreviations)
Use compact, durable references you can carry during clinicals for quick lookups.
Where to prioritize spending
Supportive footwear and a reliable stethoscope—these items affect comfort, safety, and clinical skill performance.
Durable scrubs, a quality penlight, and bandage scissors—buy well but look for student discounts or sales.
Multiple specialty gadgets; avoid overspending on nonessential accessories early in training.
Shopping strategies and cost‑saving tips
Buy used or rent textbooks
Used editions, rentals, and library copies reduce costs. Pair textbook reading with our Quizzes & Tests to convert reading into retention.
Student discounts and bundles
Look for student pricing from major scrub brands, stethoscope manufacturers, and medical supply retailers. Many vendors offer starter kits with discounted bundles for students.
Compare return policies
Choose vendors with flexible returns for shoes and scrubs—fit and comfort are personal and sometimes require exchanges.
Local buy/sell and forums
Use the LPN Forums to find peer recommendations, gently used items, and local swap groups for supplies and textbooks.
Infection control and laundering guidance
Follow your clinical site’s laundering policy. If laundering at home, wash scrubs separately when possible, use the hottest water allowed by the fabric care label, and dry thoroughly. Replace uniforms that are heavily stained, torn, or show wear that could compromise infection control.
For PPE and facility‑specific guidance, consult the LPN Quality Control and LPN Protocols pages.
Packing checklist for clinical shifts
- Clean scrubs and spare set; laundry bag for soiled items
- Non‑slip shoes, comfortable socks
- Stethoscope, penlight, bandage scissors, watch
- Notebook, pens, ID badge, and small snack/water bottle
- Hand sanitizer and any required PPE
Recommended brands and vendor types (general guidance)
Choose reputable medical supply retailers and well‑known scrub brands for durability and warranty support. For stethoscopes, consider mid‑range models that balance cost and acoustic quality. For footwear, prioritize brands known for support and non‑slip soles. Use program recommendations when provided.
Where to get help
If you’re unsure what to buy, ask your program coordinator for a required supplies list. Use the LPN Forums to ask peers about fit, durability, and where they found the best student deals. For equipment guidance, see the LPN Equipment page.