As a nurse who is always busy and on the go, it can be quite a challenge to find the best nursing bags. Well, if you are in need of a nursing bag but don’t know how to start looking, then you’re at the right place.
In this guide, we will provide you with the factors to look for in the best nursing bags and also a list of what nurses usually carry in their bags. After that, you can have a look through our review of the best bags for nurses and you might even find one or two that you like. Without any further delays, let’s dive right into it.
| Image | Product | Editor’s Comment | Rating | Get The Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
ADC Nurse Physician Nylon Medical Bag | Most Budget Friendly Option
1. Large interior compartment. |
9.7/10 | Check Current Price |
 |
Nurse Mates Ultimate Bag | Most Recommended Option
1. Have zipped compartments and side pockets. |
9.5/10 | Check Current Price |
 |
Himawari Travel School Backpack | Most Elite Option
1. Two adjustable shoulder straps. |
8.5/10 | Check Current Price |
 |
Crest Design Shoulder Bag | New Product
1. Zipper for closure to keep the main compartment dry and secured. |
8.5/10 | Check Current Price |
 |
Vera Bradley Triple Zip Hipster Crossbody Purse | New Product
1. Can be carry by hand or worn over the shoulder. |
8/10 | Check Current Price |
 |
Sunny Snowy Laptop Tote Bag | New Product
1. Made from nylon, PU and Polyester material. |
8/10 | Check Current Price |
 |
NGIL Large Canvas Tote Bag | New Product
1. Waterproof canvas material. |
7/10 | Check Current Price |
What to Look for in the Best Work Bags for Nurses
With a ton of choices available on the market, it can be quite difficult to find the best bags for nurses if you’re not sure what to look for. However, if you take the following considerations into account, finding the best nursing bag would be a much easier task.
Bag Size
The first and most important thing to consider when you’re buying a bag, whether for nursing or not, is the size that you need. Ideally, a nursing bag should offer enough to store all the essential medical gear and also your personal belongings. We will take you through some of the things that are usually found in the bag of a nurse, so keep on reading to find out more.
The list is just a brief reference for when you make a list of the things that you need to store in the bag. After making the list, it will be much easier for you to decide whether you need a large or small work bag. If you’re still not sure about the suitable work bag size, you may ask a colleague what work bag they recommend.
Storage/Compartment Space
Besides paying attention to the size of the work bag, you should also look at features like the storage organization, compartments and pockets that are provided. Not only does the work bag need to be large enough, but it should also allow you to get your things or important gear quickly. Hence, the reason you need a work bag with sufficient compartments.
Having interior pockets or compartments also helps to keep your items organized so you don’t have to spend too much time looking through your work bag. Try to avoid bags that don’t offer any compartment at all if you don’t want a messy work bag.
Durability
Working nurses or medical professionals are busy most of the time and they are unlikely to have that much spare time to shop for new bags. As such, it is essential that the bag you’re looking for is durable to be considered as one of the best nurse bags.
A good work bag for nurses should last for many years because you are unlikely to have the spare time and money to constantly shop for replacements. Whether a nurse bag is durable or not, depends on its design and the material used. The common materials for a work bag include cotton canvas, polyester, nylon, denim, leather and others.
Other than material, you should also pay attention to the brand of the bag and read some customer reviews about the products made by the company. If the company offers a warranty with their product, it would be much more favorable.
Easy to Clean
Whether the bag you choose is easy to clean or not will depend on the type of material used to construct the bag. As a nurse, you will often be in hospitals, emergency departments and medical centers, which means the bag will be collecting germs and bacteria. This is why it is important that the bag can be cleaned and can be done so easily for sanitary and hygiene purposes.
Design/Style
The design or style of the work bag is also a crucial factor to take into consideration, especially for nurses who are fashionable. If you wish to look stylish during and outside of work, you can consider going for designer work bags/totes. But, make sure to keep the previous considerations in mind as well. It’s not worth it to sacrifice functionality just for something more stylish.
Price
The final consideration when looking for the best bags for nurses is the price. We recommend you to come up with a budget first and look for bags that are around the price you’re comfortable with. However, we recommend you to not skimp on a good-quality bag even though it might be slightly out of budget because a good one will last you for a long time and save you a lot of money in the long run.
What Nurses Usually Carry in Their Bags
Here is a list of things that nurses usually have in their bags:
- Clinical stethoscope and stethoscope case
- Sphygmomanometer
- Bandage/dressing scissors
- Digital thermometer
- Pulse oximeter
- Nurse watch
- Alcohol wipes/hand sanitizer
- Medical tape
- Saline flushes
- Telemetry calipers
- Mobile phone
- Stationeries
- Planner
- Tablet/laptop
- Hand cream/lotion
Not every nurse has the same items in their work bag, but the list above can be a good reference for you to make a list of the things you need to store in your nursing bag.
Best Bags For Nurses To Take To Work
With a better idea of what you need to look for when looking for the best nursing bags, we present to you our list of the 10 best bags for nurses. These bags are carefully selected and we believe that one of the bags will certainly satisfy you.
1. ADC Nurse/Physician Nylon Medical Bag
Specifications
- Dimensions: 11” x 15” x 5”
- Weight: 1.1 lbs
- Heavy-duty nylon
- 8mm foam padded bottom
- Double zipper opening for main compartment
Features
The next best nursing bag we have for you is the ADC Nylon Medical Bag. This is by no means a designer bag and is solely made for the convenience of nurses and medical professionals. It is made from a durable material and has a large interior compartment to hold all your medical tools.
Apart from the large inner compartment, this medical bag comes with multiple pockets on the exterior as well, allowing you to access your items quickly. The ADC Nylon Medical Bag also has a duffel-style design and features durable handles so you can carry it everywhere you go. An adjustable shoulder strap is also included if you prefer hands-free carrying.
Most importantly, you can expect your medical gear to be well protected with the foam padded bottom. You can even toss the bag around during an emergency and not worry about the items breaking.
You will like this product if:
You are looking for bags made specifically for a medical professional. This medical bag is made to carry medical equipment and is the perfect choice for nurses who want something practical.
You want a work bag with great durability. Not only is this bag made with a durable material to last for a long time, but it is also foam padded to protect your items.
You will not like this product if:
You are not a fan of its design. Since this bag is solely meant for a medical professional to store his/her medical gear, its style might not be appealing to everyone.
2. Nurse Mates Ultimate Bag
Specifications
- Dimensions: 13” x 9” x 14”
- Weight: 1.3 lbs
- Water and stain-resistant fabric
- Heavy duty zippers and seams
- Multiple storage and document compartments
Features
When it comes to the best bags for nurses, it would be a shame not to include the Nurse Mates Ultimate Bag. This nursing bag is one of the most well-known work bags for nurses thanks to the utility it offers.
Not only does it have plenty of storage space to store your medical equipment, but it also has three zippered compartments and three side pockets to store things like your stethoscope, lunch and other accessories. The storage space inside also includes a padded compartment where you can store your laptop or tablet and keep it protected.
The overall construction and design of the Nurse Mates Ultimate Bag are also clever and durable. The bag has a large hinged mouth that makes it easy to access what you store inside the bag. Plus, it is made of a waterproof material so you don’t have to worry about water damage.
You will like this product if:
You are looking for a work bag made specifically for nurses. As the name suggests, the Nurse Mates Ultimate Bag is a work bag made for nurses to store their medical essentials.
You like to choose from different colors and designs. The Nurse Mates Ultimate Bag is offered with over two dozens of color and design choices so you can have more to choose from.
You will not like this product if:
You are not a fan of its bulkiness. Due to the large sizing of this nurse bag, it can be quite bulky even if there isn’t anything stored inside.
3. Himawari Travel School Backpack
Specifications
- Dimensions: 11″ x 16″ x 6.3″
- Weight: 1.4 lbs
- Eco-friendly waterproof canvas
- Built-in detachable USB cable
- Can hold a 15.6″ laptop
Features
The next option we have for you is unlike the others that were mentioned. The Himawari Travel School Backpack can be an excellent choice for nurses that prefer using backpacks over duffels or totes. It has a minimalist style and is made out of an eco-friendly canvas, which is perfect if you want to contribute to a greener environment.
The Himawari Travel School Backpack comes with two adjustable shoulder straps so you can adjust it to your liking and comfort for longer wear. As such, your shoulders are less likely to feel tired and fatigued when carrying this bag, even after 12-hour shifts.
What you’ll get from the Himawari backpack is one large front pocket that is zippered, two small inner pockets for you to store small items and two side pockets for you to carry your water bottles. The bag comes with a USB charging port and cable too, so you can charge your smartphone or tablet even when you’re on the go.
You will like this product if:
You prefer using a backpack. Not every nurse is a fan of a duffel or tote bag and as such, the Himawari Travel School Backpack would be a great choice.
You like bags with ample storage space. There are zipper pockets on this bag and the compartments it provides are large enough for a nurse to store his/her medical gear and belongings.
You will not like this product if:
You don’t enjoy using a backpack. Some nurses might prefer using other types of bags and if you’re one of them, then this would not be the ideal choice.
4. Crest Design Shoulder Bag
Specifications
- Dimensions: 15″ x 6.3″ x 11″
- Weight: 1.5 lbs
- 100% Nylon
- Adjustable and detachable shoulder strap
- Polyester lining
- 12 months warranty
Features
The Crest Design Shoulder Bag is the ideal bag for nurses who are into stylish bags that come with a large main compartment. Additionally, items kept in the main compartment will also remain secured and dry thanks to the use of a zipper for closure and water-resistant nylon fabrics for construction. It is also easy to clean, which is great for busy medical professionals.
Within the main compartment, you will find a padded laptop compartment, two inner pockets and an elastic mesh organizer so you can keep your items organized. Plus, there are four zippered pockets at the front of the bag and one back-slip compartment for easy access to your commonly-used items.
The Crest Design Shoulder Bag can be carried using the two top handles or on the shoulder because the bag comes with a comfortable shoulder strap. If you find the shoulder strap uncomfortable, you can remove it too.
You will like this product if:
You are looking for bags for nurses who are always on the go. Not only is the Crest Design Shoulder Bag easy to clean, but it also comes with four zippered front pockets and a back-slip compartment so you can get what you need in a quick manner.
You want a durable bag. The bag is made of water-resistant nylon fabrics so it can last for a long time and it also has a 12-month warranty for peace of mind.
You will not like this product if:
You prefer a lightweight bag. Without anything stored in the main compartment or the pockets, the bag weighs about 1.5 pounds which is on the heavier side.
5. Vera Bradley Triple Zip Hipster Crossbody Purse
Specifications
- Dimensions: 11.5″ x 1.8″ x 11.8″
- Weight: 9.4 oz
- 50% recycled cotton, 50% cotton
- 56-inch adjustable strap
- Machine washable
Features
The Vera Bradley Triple Zip Hipster Crossbody Purse is another stylish bag for nurses who are looking for something more interesting than the typical medical tote bag. There are over 20 different styles available and there will certainly be one that suits your personal style.
This bag doesn’t just come with one zipper pocket, but it has a total of three pockets and hence the name, Triple Zip Hipster. It has an open main compartment, interior slip pockets, and pen pockets so every nurse can keep their gear organized and accessible.
A comfortable strap is used to give every nurse a comfortable carrying experience and the strap can also be adjusted to carry by hand or worn over the shoulder. In addition, the Vera Bradley Triple Zip Hipster Crossbody Purse is extremely lightweight so nurses or nursing students can travel lightly and easily.
You will like this product if:
You are looking for a lightweight bag. This tote bag for nurses is incredibly lightweight, weighing in at about 9 ounces only.
You don’t have the time to hand wash your bag. The Vera Bradley Triple Zip Hipster Crossbody Purse is machine washable so you don’t have to clean it by hand.
You will not like this product if:
You prefer nursing bags with more pockets. Although this bag features multiple pockets, it is still quite little as compared to some that feature up to six exterior pockets.
6. Sunny Snowy Laptop Tote Bag
Specifications
- Dimensions: 17.1″ x 5.5″ x 14.5″
- Weight: 1.23 lbs
- 100% Nylon
- 0.6cm thick padded laptop layer
- Top zipper opening
Features
Finally, we have the Sunny Snowy Laptop Tote Bag, a bag that is great for work, school, travel and as a gift. The materials used to construct this bag don’t just include nylon only, but PU leather and polyester materials are used as well.
The Sunny Snowy Laptop Tote Bag comes with a top zipper that ensures your nurse gear is protected. Besides your nurse gear, the large storage it provides also allows you to store valuables and other items like a laptop, clinical stethoscope, mini umbrella, lunch bags and many more.
Unlike most bags for nurses that feature bulky pockets on the exterior, the Sunny Snowy Laptop Tote Bag has a clean appearance and not a single zipper pocket is featured on the exterior. However, it does come with a slip pocket on the front for you to store smaller items.
You will like this product if:
You are a fan of bags with no exterior pockets. The appearance of this bag is clean and only features one small pocket.
You are looking for a large bag. Since there aren’t many pockets on the exterior, the main compartments of the bag offer ample space for you to store all your supplies.
You will not like this product if:
You like to choose from more colors and designs. Sadly, there are only 7 colors available which are quite limited as compared to other options.
4. NGIL Large Canvas Tote Bag
Specifications
- Dimensions: 18.5″ x 7.5″ x 13″
- Weight: 1.19 lbs
- Canvas material
- Mesh lining
- Side mesh pockets on both sides
Features
One of the largest bags for nurses in our list has to be the NGIL Large Canvas Tote Bag. Besides being one of the largest bags, this canvas tote bag for nurses is also offered with a wide range of colors and designs. In fact, it has over 50 colors and designs that you can choose from and some of them are designs of medical gear.
Not only is the NGIL Large Canvas Tote Bag easy to clean with the use of a waterproof canvas material, but the bag is also collapsible so you can store it easily when it is not in use. The storage space it provides is exceptional and it is zippered to keep your items secured.
In addition, you can find several slip pockets at the front and rear that close up with Velcro. You will also find side mesh pockets included with the NGIL Large Canvas Tote Bag so you can store your water bottle, lunch or accessories that you need to access quickly.
You will like this product if:
You want a large nurse bag. This tote bag is one of the largest choices on our list which is perfect for nurses or healthcare workers who are looking for something spacious.
You want a bag that can be easily stored. Storing the NGIL Large Canvas Tote Bag can be done easily because it is collapsible which doesn’t take up a lot of space either.
You will not like this product if:
You prefer tote bags that come with adjustable shoulder straps. Unfortunately, this bag can only be handheld as it doesn’t come with a shoulder strap for carrying it hands-free.
7. Baggallini Avenue Tote Top Handle Bag
Specifications
- Dimensions: 12” x 13” x 6”
- Weight: 0.32 oz
- 100% Nylon
- Polyester lining
- Zipper closure
Features
The first nursing tote bag we have for you is a combination of style and functionality. The Baggallini Avenue Tote Bag comes in various designs and color choices so you can easily pick one that you like most.
This tote bags for nurses has a lightweight and roomy design with tons of compartment space for you to store your medical equipment and personal items. Its interior compartment is spacious and features a zipper to keep your items safe. Additionally, you will also find a padded laptop pocket inside the main compartment and it comes with a closed loop to keep the device secured.
You can also expect the Baggallini Avenue Tote Bag to last for a long time because it is made with durable nylon fabric with textile lining. Its shoulder strap is also extremely sturdy and can be adjusted based on how you want to carry the bag.
You will like this product if:
You want a stylish bag. The Baggallini Avenue Tote Bag is somewhat of a designer bag that has a modern style and it’s an excellent choice if you want to look good while having a functional bag.
You need a bag with a good amount of space. This bag comes with a large compartment space and is definitely enough to put all your essential items inside.
You will not like this product if:
You prefer affordable tote bags. Since this bag is more of a designer bag and not designed specifically for nurses, it is priced slightly more expensive and not considered as an affordable tote bag.
8. Rockland Duffel Bag
Specifications
- Dimensions: 18.2″ x 12.6″ x 3.5″
- Weight: 1.63 lbs
- 100% Polyester
- U-top zippered opening
- Polyester lining
Features
If you are looking for a nursing bag that has a rugged design and can withstand rough use, then the Rockland Duffel Bag should suffice. This duffel bag has a sturdy construction with the use of a durable polyester that is water-resistant at the same time. It makes this a versatile bag too because it can be used for traveling as well.
The Rockland Duffel Bag features a large zippered compartment that is great for storing essential medical equipment, books, a laptop or a tablet like an iPad, medical clothes and many other items. Besides that, it also comes with two zippered pockets at the side and front of the bag, allowing nurses to store more items while allowing them to be easily accessible.
This bag also comes with a shoulder strap that is fully adjustable so you can carry it with ease. The strap is also detachable if you prefer carrying it by hand. Overall, it is a sturdy bag with a rugged design that can certainly get the job done.
You will like this product if:
You like rugged nursing bags. The Rockland Duffel Bag has a rugged style that appeals to some people and if you are a fan of it, then this would be a great nursing bag for you.
You are looking for something inexpensive. This large bag is one of the cheapest options on the market today and is a good choice if you have a tight budget.
You will not like this product if:
You don’t like the styles offered. Most of the styles and designs offered for this bag aren’t exactly the most appealing to everyone so it could be a hit or miss for you.
9. ESVAN Floral Water Resistant Shoulder Tote Bag
Specifications
- Dimensions: 14.6″ x 15.4″ x 4.7″
- Weight: 13 oz
- Polyester lining
- Zipper closure
- Original floral leaf design
Features
For nurses who want a fashionable and functional tote bags, the ESVAN Floral Water Resistant Shoulder Tote Bag would be the best choice. Not only does it provide ample room in the main section for storage, but there are also two inner open pockets and an external zippered pocket. Additionally, there are also two mesh pockets for water bottles or an umbrella.
The sturdy base of the bag also ensures that your medical supplies and personal items are well protected. As such, you can store your shoes, uniforms, laptops and other essential medical gear without any worries.
Each floral design on the ESVAN bag is a unique design and not something that can be found easily. There is also a wide variety of designs and styles available so there will certainly be one that suits you.
You will like this product if:
You are looking for a durable bag. The ESVAN Floral Water Resistant Shoulder Tote Bag is made with durable polyester fabric so you can expect it to last for a long time.
You want a fashionable bag. The designs that this nurse tote bag is offered with are very fashionable and is definitely the right choice if you are looking for something stylish.
You will not like this product if:
You don’t prefer bags that require hand washing. Unfortunately, this bag does require a bit more effort when it comes to cleaning it which might not be what every nurse wants.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a nursing student or a registered nurse, you will need a good work bag as a storage for all the items that you need. Now that you have gone through the list and the considerations when picking the best bag for a nurse, you will be able to make a clever and informed decision on which ultimate nursing bag is the best for you.
FAQ on Nurse Work Bag
What are the best nursing bag materials?
Materials that make a good nurse bag include nylon, canvas, polyester, and leather. These materials are extremely durable and are also waterproof. Most importantly, they can be cleaned easily which is exactly what every nurse would like.
What type of bags is best for nursing students?
As a nursing student, you not only need a bag that can fit all your textbooks and notebooks, but it needs to keep your laptop secured as well. Ideally, you should go for a tote bag or a backpack that comes with a padded laptop sleeve and is roomy enough for your books and personal things. It would also be great if the bag comes with a padded shoulder strap so it would be more comfortable carrying the bag.