Thanks to technology, today's best gadgets for nurses and clinicians do a lot more than they used to! From high-functioning stethoscopes to multi-use clipboards to at-home massagers and sleep aids and more, here are 15 must-have gadgets for nurses and other healthcare professionals.
-
Ready to take the next step on your clinical career ladder? Search jobs now
15 Best Gadgets for Nurses & Clinicians
The best gadgets are more than cool and convenient — they actually help you do your job more quickly, and sometimes more accurately. They offer protection, help you stay organized or take faster notes, and any number of other benefits.
In short, the best gadgets are also an investment in your career! With that in mind, here are the 15 best gadgets for nurses and other healthcare professionals.
-
Pro tip: Need a gift for a healthcare hero in your life? This list of gadgets is a great place to start!
#1: Digital stethoscopes
Digital stethoscopes can make your life easier and your info more accurate. The best ones improve sound detection and provide amplification, and feature built-in clocks for time-based readings and Bluetooth connectivity to instantly save data without having to write it down.
-
Pro tip: From the 3M Littmann Classic III to the Eko CORE 500™, here are the 6 best digital stethoscopes for respiratory therapists.
#2: Stethoscope cases
Protect your investment in a new stethoscope with a premium case. The best ones are lightweight and easy to carry as well as protective. They also help keep you organized with extra room for tubing, penlights and other accessories.
#3: Penlights
Speaking of penlights — is there a more essential gadget for nurses and clinicians? In the digital age, they offer not only a source of light but also built-in pupil gauges, ruler markings, no-slip handles, and batteries that last days, all while being portable and easy to pocket.
-
Pro tip: Top brands include Weltool and Nextorch, but there are tons of generic penlights available for those who tend to misplace them!
#4: Clipboards
Has any clinical accessory evolved as much as the clipboard? What was once a simple plank is now a multi-purpose gadget complete with storage compartments for organizing notes, forms, and other documents and expandable to offer writing surfaces, too. Notable brands include Tribe RN and Rimilak.
#5: Wristband memos
Simple but endlessly useful, reusable wristband memos let you jot down info anywhere you are. Use them for quick notes, to-do lists, memos to yourself, or whatever you need to remember. If nothing else, they’re a useful backup tool for those moments when digital tools (or their batteries) fail.
#6: Vein finders
This handy gadget for nurses and clinicians is a real game changer. No matter how strong your vascular access skills are, vein finders can still help you improve the speed and accuracy of IV insertions. See a list of popular models here.
#7: Smartwatches
With built-in timers, voice recorders, and more, smartwatches can assist with lots of daily tasks. They can also help you stay on top of your own well-being with step counting, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and other self-care features.
#8: Digital alarm clocks
Ditch the blaring alarms and start your day on the right note with a digital clock that offers natural sound and lights and gradual dimming to promote relaxation as well as sound sleep and gentle awakenings.
-
Pro tip: Often cited as a great clock for nurses, the Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock may also be eligible for your healthcare professional discount.
#9: Portable massagers
One of the best at-home gadgets for nurses and clinicians, portable massagers are another self-care essential. They can soothe tension, aches, and soreness, reduce fatigue, and even improve blood circulation and sleep, leaving you feel rested, refreshed, and energized.
-
Pro tip: WIRED's list of top massagers includes a range of brands and prices.
#10: Smart-goggles
Take massage one step further with this gadget designed to soothe headaches, relieve stress, and promote better sleep. The best smart-goggles offer heat, vibration, and compression therapy in a single device.
-
Pro tip: Therabody’s SmartGoggles 2nd Gen may be available with your healthcare discount.
#11: Smart water bottles
Yet another daily essential that’s been updated for the digital age, smart water bottles aren't just stylish, but they also let you know when it's time to hydrate. Some also offer UV purification, app syncing, and other cool features.
#12: Smart lunch boxes
Is a lunch box a gadget? It is if it's designed to keep your meals fresh, separated, insulated, and temp-regulated, with internal pockets for extra protection.
-
Pro tip: Famous for their water bottles, Yeti also makes a number of handy lunchboxes and coolers, which may be available with your healthcare discount.
#13: Resistance bands
No time for the gym today? Even if you are hitting up a fitness center on the reg, resistance bands let you stay active with cardio throughout the day, no matter where you are — say, your break room or an outdoor park, weather-permitting.
#14: UV cell phone sanitizer
You’d be amazed at how many germs and contaminants your phone gathers during just one day — especially at work! That makes UV cell phone sanitizers a must for nurses and clinicians. And, while some can be expensive, others are affordable enough for you to buy extras.
#15: Chargers & power banks
Don't forget to keep your gadgets powered up with portable chargers! Choose a high-powered model for when you need a fast charge, or and keep a portable power bank in your nursing station or car in case of emergencies.
Put Your Gadgets to Use with a New Healthcare Job
Time for a new career opportunity? Whether you're a nurse or allied clinician, you'll always find thousands of open jobs across the U.S.A. at the HealthTrust jobsite! Search now to see what’s available.
Search Nursing & Healthcare Jobs
Note: The content on this page is provided for informational purposes only. HealthTrust Workforce Solutions is not affiliated with, and does not specifically endorse, any of the brand or companies listed on this page.
