Being a nurse isn’t easy. Between 12-hour shifts, the constant stress, and trying to squeeze in a life outside of work, I’ve tried numerous products that promised to make things easier. Truth? Most of them were a waste of money. That’s why I want to share what works for me. These are the nursing essentials that help me stay comfortable, take care of myself, and feel like a human being after the hardest days.
The Only Shoes That Saved My Feet
I’ve bought multiple big-name nursing shoes over the years, and none of them solved my biggest problem. My feet would cramp so badly on my long commute home that I’d end up crying from the pain. The turning point was finding platform Crocs for nurses.
They don’t magically erase every ache. Let’s be real, 12-hour shifts are brutal no matter what. But they’ve cut down my foot pain more than anything else I’ve ever tried. The difference is enough that I can get home, still have energy to eat dinner, and not dread my next shift.
👉 Check out the Crocs I wear for 12-hour nursing shifts
Why I Swear by a Simple Zip-Up Jacket
Hoodies never worked for me. They mess up my curly hair, and in an emergency, trying to pull one off quickly is the last thing I need. Instead, I always bring a plain zip-up jacket.
It keeps me warm during freezing night shifts, and when things get hectic, I can slip it off in seconds. It’s such a small change, but I feel more put together and less distracted by little things like static cling or messed-up curls when I wear it.
👉 See the zip-up jacket I always keep in my nurse bag
🍱 Meal Prep = Sanity Saver
If I don’t plan ahead, the vending machine wins. Those snacks not only drain my wallet, but also leave me feeling sluggish halfway through my shift. That’s why I use durable meal prep containers for nurses to pack real food.
On good weeks, I prep chicken, veggies, and healthy snacks ahead of time. Even on the bad weeks, just having my food ready means I don’t spiral into vending machine regret at 2 a.m. Meal prepping feels like an act of self-care for future me and saves me money every month.
👉 Grab the meal prep containers that help me stay fueled on 12-hour shifts
🚿 My Post-Shift Reset
The moment I walk through the door after a long shift, I crave a routine that washes the hospital off me not just physically but mentally.
For me, that looks like taking a long, hot shower. I don’t rush it. I take time to scrub, exfoliate, and actually feel clean. Then I moisturize while listening to an audiobook. I usually pick something light and engaging, the kind of story that distracts me from replaying stressful moments of the day.
This ritual signals to me that work is done and now I get to just be myself again.
👉 Try Audible free and make your own post-shift reset routine
Wrapped in a Lavender Cocoon
Before bed, I spray Cille Scents lavender room spray around my room. The moment the lavender scent hits the air, it feels like I’m wrapped in a calming little cocoon.
It’s the easiest way I tell my brain that it’s time to rest. That small sensory cue makes such a big difference. It helps me fall asleep faster and makes my room feel like a safe, restful space after a chaotic day.
👉 Shop the lavender spray that helps me finally sleep deeply
These might seem like simple things, but they’ve been game-changers for me as a nurse. If you’re struggling through long shifts, I hope some of my favorites can make your days a little easier and your nights a little more restful.
👉 What’s your number one must-have for surviving nursing shifts? Share it in the comments. I’d love to hear what works for you.
If you’re dealing with burnout too, check out my burnout story.
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