Top 5 Products to Help Stay Organized in Nursing School

Entering nursing school is full of excitement and challenges. You have textbooks to read, skills to practice, lectures to attend, and patients to care for – often all in the same week. The secret to not drowning in deadlines or falling behind in classes is not about being superhuman; it is about staying incredibly organized.

A few simple tools can make a huge difference in keeping your notes, schedule, and most importantly, your sanity in check. These items are intended to help you keep track of everything from patient vitals to your next exam date, ensuring you’re always a step ahead throughout your nursing journey.

1. Clinical Bag: The right bag is essential for a smooth clinical experience. You’ll need a place for your stethoscope, shears, and other essentials without them getting jumbled up in a chaotic mess. While there are many great choices, we at Arizona College of Nursing provide Core students with a medkit tote, which gives you a head start. You’ll need a separate bag for your other supplies to keep them from getting lost. A waterproof crossbody bag with at least eight compartments tends to be a lifesaver for nursing students. A crossbody style is a great choice because it keeps your hands free, which is a major plus when you’re fumbling with gloves or a patient’s chart. The waterproof feature is also crucial as it protects your valuable tools and notes from spills and the unpredictable nature of the clinical environment.
2. Foldable Clipboard: This is a game-changer for taking quick notes during rounds or when standing at a patient’s bedside. It gives you a solid writing surface and then conveniently folds to fit in your scrub pocket or bag. It’s a small item that makes a huge impact on your efficiency, especially when you need to jot down a vital sign or a quick reminder without a desk in sight. If you want to go an extra step, look for one with a built-in cheat sheet on the back to make your life during clinicals even easier.



3. Expandable File Folder: During the initial days of class throughout the rest of the year, you are bound to get a mountain of papers, including syllabi, handouts, care plans, and more. Having an expandable file folder is considered a must-have for many nursing students as it ensures everything you need is neatly sorted. You can dedicate a section to each class or clinical rotation, so you’ll never have to dig through a messy stack of papers again. This simple tool will save you countless hours of frantic searching and help you feel more in control of your coursework.
4. Badge Reels: Your ID badge is your ticket to everything in the hospital. A breakaway lanyard with an ID holder is the best way to keep it secure and easily accessible. Having the breakaway feature is a crucial safety measure that prevents choking if the lanyard gets caught on something. The reel allows you to swipe your badge without taking it off, and you can even attach your keys or a small reference card to it. There are so many different holders available, allowing you to customize them to fit your style and preference.
5. Planner: Having a planner is practically non-negotiable in nursing school. A good planner is your most powerful tool for managing your time, ensuring you are always aware of what is on your plate for the days, weeks, and months to come. Use your planner to block out dedicated study sessions, track due dates for assignments, and keep your clinical rotation schedule straight. Whether you prefer a paper planner, a digital calendar, or a whiteboard, staying on top of your schedule is the first step to staying in control and avoiding last-minute stress. Be sure to check it daily to stay on top of everything.

These tools are not just to help you stay on top of your busy schedule during nursing school but will also give you a sense of control over your packed life. The key to successfully navigating nursing school lies in working smarter and not harder. This will help you focus on what really matters: learning to be an amazing nurse.

Information in this post is accurate as of October 16, 2025.

*The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/). All Arizona College of Nursing and Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (https://www.abhes.org/), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.