As a night shift nurse on a Cardiac Unit, I’ve figured out what actually helps during long overnights. I work 12 and 16 hour shifts and these are the products that have genuinely helped me so much in my career! If you’re looking for nightshift nurse essentials that actually make a difference, you’ve come to the right place!
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Tip #1: after my work stretch when I get home from my last shift, I try to only take a 3 or 4 hour nap. That way I’m not a total zombie and can spend time with my family. And then I try to go to bed early ish that night. This helps me to “flip my sleep” back to somewhat normal hours!
Tip #2: Get good sleep on the night you are off and get to actually sleep!
Tip #3: Take care of yourself! You cannot be a good caregiver if you are not taking care of yourself. I struggle with this and I feel overwhelmed at times with caring for young children, aging parents AND the sickest members of our community. But I’ve learned I do a better job taking care of others when my needs have been met.
Click the titles for the links to the products!
This stethoscope makes it easier to hear heart, lung and abdominal sounds clearly, even in the hospital with all the alarms and background noise. Another thing I love is that you can turn the volume up and down which I use a lot now that I’m getting older. With sound amplification and noise reduction, it’s a helpful tool for nurses who want more clarity during assessments, especially on those long shifts.
Protective case for your Eko stethoscope- durable, easy to pack, and great for keeping your gear pristine!
Croc clogs are lightweight, comfortable shoes that are ideal for nurses on their feet all shift. Easy to slip on and off, they offer cushioned support during long hours. I’ve worn these for LOTS of 16 hour shifts and I prefer them over any sneaker. I also like these ones because they have a slight platform to give me some extra height since I’m 5’2.”
Same clogs just without the platform height for those of you who don’t want the higher sole.
Fitrell Compression Socks (Nurse + Runner Approved)
Whether I’m on my feet for a long hospital shift or heading out for a run, these Fitrell compression socks are a go-to. They offer supportive compression that helps with circulation and reduces leg fatigue, without feeling overly tight or uncomfortable. They stay put, breathe well, and are comfortable enough to wear for hours — which makes them ideal for nurses, runners, and anyone who spends a lot of time moving. Affordable, practical, and easy to add into both workdays and workouts.
I always bring my YETI coffee tumbler on shift- it keeps my drink the right temp no matter how crazy the night gets and fits easily in my bag. I have several in different colors that way I always have one ready for my next long night!
This Stanley 40 ounce water bottle makes it easier to stay hydrated during long shifts. The large size means fewer refills, and it keeps your water cold throughout the busy night.
Lately, I’ve been loving the Stanley lunch box — it’s sturdy, roomy, keeps everything cold, and survives getting tossed in lockers, break rooms, and my car without issue. If it can survive a hospital shift, it’s nurse-approved in my book.
I am a huge coffee drinker! But sometimes on nightshift I need a little extra boost of energy. So I love this Active drink from Plexus! I’m a Cardiac nurse so I stay away from energy drinks but this is a healthy alternative with natural vitamins and 100 mg of caffeine. It’s refreshing and is the perfect pick me up!
Sleeping during the day is hard, but these velvet blackout curtains allow me to get the rest and recovery I need between shifts. Also the velvet texture is stylish and makes the bedroom look elegant while also providing the darkness I need to sleep during the day.
As a night shift nurse, good rest is non-negotiable. The Hatch sound machine helps block out noise which is huge for me since I have small kids at home which can make it difficult to sleep during the day. But with this sound machine, I’m able to sleep through the noise of kids and recharge before my next long shift.
A good badge reel can be a great ice breaker for you and your patient. Amazon has loads of different ones but here are some of my favorites! The badge reel pictured here was acutally given to me by my coworker who has since passed away from melanoma. Prior to his diagosis, he would buy animal badge reels by the hundreds and then he would hand them out to all the nurses/hospital staff. We called them our “spirit animals.” I still have mine and miss my sweet friend all the time.
If there’s anything I’ve learned as a nurse it’s that life is short. Cherish every second becuase it can be gone in the blink of an eye. Be grateful for your health and make the most of everyday. Life can change in a second. Celebrate every birthday, cherish every loved one and always be kind because you never know what others are going through.
MomlifewithKelsey 
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