January 10, 2022
Throughout the day, nurses need to be ready for anything. That's why it's important to come into work prepared with all the items that might be necessary during a long shift. From stethoscopes and extra scrubs to a packed lunch and a snack to eat on break, there's a lot to keep up with. Nurse bags are a popular way to keep things organized and offer practical features and style elements designed with medical professionals in mind. However, every nurse has unique needs, so a design that works for one might not be a good fit for another. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of some of the best bags for nurses and nursing students. Before we jump in, here's a quick look at the list:
- Nurse Mates Ultimate Bag
- Maevn ReadyGo Clinical Backpack
- Nurse Mates Ultimate Backpack
- HeartSoul Bella Backpack
- HeartSoul Madison Duffel Bag
1. Nurse Mates Ultimate Bag
- Price: $57.99
- Colors: Tie-Dye, Charcoal, Flowers, Galaxy, Butterfly, Black, Navy, Grey, Cats and Dogs, Awareness Ribbons
At the top of our list is the Nurse Mates Ultimate Bag, a consensus favorite among medical professionals for its versatility and durability. The main compartment offers a lot of space for bulkier items like an extra pair of scrubs or your shoes. The bag also features three additional interior pockets, including a large, padded pocket to keep valuables like your phone, wallet, keys, or tablet safe and secure. There are also three zipped compartments on the front, the first of which provides enough space for items like a blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, scissors, pens, and documents. Last but not least, you'll find a Velcro pocket on each side of the bag for quick and easy access, a perfect spot for your lunch or a snack.
In terms of durability and design, the Ultimate Bag features heavy-duty zippers, a stain-resistant and non-skid bottom, and extra padding on the back for comfort. There's also a removable padded strap, making it possible to convert this great shoulder bag into one of the best tote bags for nurses, depending on your preference.
Finally, this bag comes in a wide variety of colors and styles. With several unique patterns including butterflies, tie-dye, and an awareness ribbon print, there are options for everyone. All of these features combined make the Nurse Mates Ultimate Bag an easy choice for the best work bag for nurses.
2. Maevn ReadyGo Clinical Backpack
- Price: $69.99
- Colors: Turquoise, Camo, Cheetah Print, Navy Stripe, Berry (Mini)
If you're looking for a little extra space, the Maevn ReadyGo Clinical Backpack might be the right fit for you. The deep center pocket has plenty of room for all your essentials, plus a padded pocket large enough to fit a 15" laptop. Two front pockets offer space for smaller items, with pockets and a mesh liner to keep everything organized. On the outside, the ReadyGo includes two side pockets like the Ultimate Bag. However, both are taller pockets designed for a water bottle or thermos.
As for materials, the ReadyGo is made with water-resistant nylon fabric, perfect for everyday use and the occasional spill. The lightweight design makes it one of the best backpacks for nurses, and both straps can also be detached at the bottom and tucked away if you prefer to carry it as a tote. With a larger design, durable materials, and extra space for bulky textbooks and a computer, it's also our pick for best backpack for nursing students.
If you like the design of the ReadyGo but prefer a smaller profile, the ReadyGo Mini has the same great materials and functionality in a more compact design.
3. Nurse Mates Ultimate Backpack
- Price: $61.99
- Colors: Charcoal, Grey, Cheetah Print, Medical Supplies, Butterfly, Tie-Dye, Camo, Awareness Ribbons
Another one of the best backpacks for nurses, the Nurse Mates Ultimate Backpack offers a more traditional backpack design. Slightly taller than some of our other picks, this bag fits a full-sized laptop in the main compartment as well as important documents. Several additional zippered front pockets offer extra storage, and classic mesh pockets flank each side for bottles or small items.
Unlike some of the other options on this list, the straps on this bag are permanent and can't be tucked away or converted into a shoulder bag. However, a sturdy handle at the top still makes it possible to carry this bag at your side.
Made with water-resistant fabric, the Ultimate Backpack is available in charcoal, grey, tie-dye, and other stylish prints.
4. HeartSoul Bella Backpack
- Price: $64.99
- Colors: Black, Awareness Ribbon
Next up on our list, the Bella Backpack by HeartSoul provides a lot of the same features as the ReadyGo with a little added versatility. Inside the main compartment, you'll find plenty of space and a few additional pockets to tuck other items into. Unlike other options on this list, however, these inner pockets don't have zippers. Keep this in mind if you tend to toss your bag around and want to make sure things stay in certain pockets. The front boasts three additional zipped pockets, one of which has built-in elastic to help organize pens, scissors, and other tools. On the outside, you'll again find a deep pocket on each side for bottles.
The largest benefit of going with this bag is its versatility. While a backpack by name, the straps are removable and adjustable, enabling it to be worn as a backpack or shoulder bag, or converted into a tote bag if you prefer. As an added bonus, the bag contains a metal frame, helping it hold its shape and withstand drops and impacts over time.
In terms of styling, this bag is available in a variety of options, including a patterned black and an awareness ribbon print to show your support for a loved one.
5. HeartSoul Madison Duffel Bag
Last but not least, we round out our top five with the HeartSoul Madison Duffel Bag. Though it may not be obvious at first glance, this bag has a lot of convenient storage options. Inside, you'll find a zippered bag for cosmetics or other small items, a drawstring bag for shoes, and elastic straps to hold a variety of equipment. Outside, each of the long ends has a large slip pocket while a smaller welt pocket can be found on the front.
Long, padded straps make this bag easy to carry as a tote, and an adjustable shoulder strap can be added or removed as needed. The nylon material is also water-resistant, improving long-term durability and protecting your possessions in the event of a drizzle or an accidental spill.
Styles include a subtle heather grey with black accents as well as black camo and a matte black option with a rainbow strap for a pop of color.
Tips for Choosing the Best Nursing Bag
At the end of the day, the best bag for nurses is subjective. It's important to take your personal needs and work situation into account. For example, you might prefer a larger bag with more space if you're a full-time nurse with a dedicated locker, break room, or station to leave your bag. On the other hand, the best backpack for a nursing school student doing clinical rotations might be something smaller since you're less likely to have a spot for personal belongings. In those cases, a nurse pocket organizer can help by providing more space to carry your most essential items with you throughout the day without taking up space in your bag.
Whichever option you choose, we hope this list has been helpful in narrowing down your search. Feel free to browse our full selection of nurse bags to take a look at other great options that weren't featured here, and don't hesitate to reach out to our customer service team if you have any questions.