School Nurse Supply Lists

 Suggested School Nurse Supply Lists

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Helpful School Nurse Tips:  Having the proper school nurse supplies and school nurse assessment tools for your job actually can make your job easier! The proper health center supplies will add to the functionality of your school nurse office. Check out the nurse's office supply lists below that were you created with the school nurse in mind. 

Online Shopping for School Nurse Office Supply Items

Having the right school nurse supplies and assessment tools can make your job easier and your office more functional. Check out the detailed supply lists for online shopping, digital resources, resource books, medication supplies, PPE, Type 1 Diabetes management, basic first aid supplies, and emergency items to streamline your workflow and enhance your preparedness.

Does your school district have a business account with Amazon? Mine does, and I love it! I order most of my school nurse office supplies from Amazon because the prices are reasonable and the shipping is FAST. On average, items arrive within three days—sometimes in just one or two days. This is great because I can order last-minute items, receive them quickly, and have time to use them before they expire.  View all of The School Nurse's shopping idea lists today.

DIGITAL SCHOOL NURSE RESOURCES

Why reinvent the wheel? This Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) storefront is packed with digital resources specifically designed for school nurses. Most items are editable and integrate seamlessly with Google Drive. Many school districts permit staff to buy from TpT, so check if you can purchase these valuable school nurse resources without using personal funds. There are many FREE items in The School Nurse TpT store too- take a look.

SCHOOL NURSE RESOURCE BOOKS

I love the convenience of online searches, but I also really appreciate a great resource book that I can hold in my hands. Can you relate? For school nurses, having a reliable book to reference can make a big difference in our daily routines. Whether it's a quick guide, a detailed health assessment manual, or an emergency care handbook, these tangible resources are so valuable. Check out this curated list of essential school nurse books that will help you stay on top of the latest nursing protocols and procedures.  If so, check out this list of school nurse resource books.

MEDICATION SUPPLIES

Before the pandemic, I averaged around thirty scheduled medications administered during the school day. However, throughout the pandemic, this number has significantly decreased due to various factors such as remote learning and reduced in-person attendance. Despite the drop, I always need to be prepared for the numbers to rise again as students return to regular school schedules. Ensuring that I have a well-stocked medication supply, proper documentation, and an organized administration system is crucial. It's essential to stay ready to meet the needs of students and handle any potential increase in medication administration efficiently. Check out this idea list full of useful supplies related to medications at school.  

Also, if you train any unlicensed staff to administer medication you might be interested in this- It's a free PDF guide- it's here to help. It serves as a reference that you can customize to fit your specific school and district needs. Feel free to add personalized notes and details to tailor the presentation to your audience.

Presentation Sections Include:

• Policy & Procedures
• Forms
• Medications
• Inventory
• Storage
• Administration
• Documentation
• Resources & References

FREE medication administration, documentation, & storage training presentation!

TYPE 1 DIABETES

This school year (2021 - 2022), 10% of my student population has a diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes. The majority of these students function completely independently and usually have all of their needed supplies. I might only see them if they need help with a site change, to treat a low, or a random high. Even though those students are self sufficient, the office needs to be prepared to step in when needed and have the proper supplies to meet the doctor orders listed in the Diabetes Medical Management Plans! 

In order to help make sure we have what they need, I keep many of the items listed in the Diabetes Idea List for School Nurses in stock in the school health center / school nurse's office. Do you too?

BASIC FIRST AID SUPPLIES

Are you even a school nurse if you don't have a favorite bandaid, thermometer, or way to make an ice pack?  Your state and your school district will determine exactly what type of first aid care you can offer your students.  You want to always protect your nursing license and make sure you are practicing within your scope and offering appropriate services. In most settings supplying a bandaid, checking a temperature, and offering an ice pack are within your scope.

Check out my favorites here: 4-wing fabric and latex-free bandaids, Welch Allyn SureTemp thermometer, Countertop Ice Maker! 

EMERGENCY SUPPLY ITEMS

Are you ready for a health emergency at school? As school nurses, we've got to be prepared for anything, anytime. Whether it's a student, staff member, or even a visitor, emergencies can pop up unexpectedly. If you're a school nurse, you've probably been there when someone needed urgent help, and if not yet, you will be—it's just part of the job. That's why having the right emergency response training, stocking up on essential first aid supplies, and having clear protocols in place are absolute musts. Explore our complete guide on school nurse emergency preparedness to make sure you're all set to handle whatever comes your way.

View DOASN blog posts related to my emergency response bag / box!

Check out these other popular DOASN blog posts & links:

SUPPLIES TO STOCK THE SCHOOL NURSE'S OFFICE

The School Nurse's Supply Lists

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Helpful School Nurse Tip: Understanding your office budget and figuring out what supplies to purchase is always a challenge. Hopefully these suggestions helps you decide what items you need v. what items you want.

GENERAL OFFICE SUPPLIES

When you think about stocking your school nurse office, general office supplies might not make your first list. However, having the right office supplies to keep all of yourself organized throughout the year will actually save you time throughout the school year. You'll be amazed at the amount of paperwork and piles that go along with the paperwork! Try to come up with an office organization system that works for you. If what you're doing isn't working then give yourself permission to change and try something new until you find a system that works. 

Are you wondering what my #1 recommended general office supply is? It is the DOCUMENT SORTER!  I first shared this time saver on my Instagram account in 2019, but I had been using the device for many years prior. I purchased this one with my own money years ago and use it daily. I organized papers that I've reviewed and are ready to be filed by last name. This provides easy access to locate a paper if I need it again before I have time to actually file. This happens and before I had this document sorter I would have to thumb through stacks and stack of papers trying to find what I was looking for- can you related?  With this document sorter my "let me find that" time decreases- a lot!

Some school nurses have more than one of these time saving devices. You can sort by grade level, teacher, item (school physical, sports physical, emergency action plans, etc). Whatever works for you. The possibilities are endless. 

Purchase your very own document sorter time saver HERE.  

View other general office supplies HERE and HERE.

FIRST AID SUPPLIES

What first aid supplies should you keep in your office?  This is such a hard question to answer because it varies from state to state and from school to school.  As the school nurse, you'll want to make sure you are practicing within your scope. You'll want to find out if your school district has physician standing orders for you to follow. You'll want to read up on your school district's policies and procedures for various health scenarios. Once you have all of those questions answered, then you'll know what sort of first aid supplies are appropriate for your school nurse's office. 

You can view some basic ideas here, but again- you'll want to make sure you know what you are allowed to use and what you are not allowed to use in your specific school.

                                          

BLOOD PRESSURE CUFFS

Should I check their blood pressure?  There may be times when you receive a doctor's order to check a blood pressure. There may be times when someone asks you to check their blood pressure. There may be an emergency when you want to check someone's blood pressure. Regardless of the situation; will you be prepared?  Do you have the proper size blood pressure cuffs to use and are they in good working order?  I personally purchased this one HERE and still use it!  I also have a large cuff available if needed; HERE.  This manual cuffs work great for me (coupled with my favorite stethoscope of course!). However, if there was an unlimited budget I would for sure order something similar to one of THESE! How about you?

STETHOSCOPES

Yes, school nurses use stethoscopes and I recommend having a good one too. My preference is Littmann. I appreciate how well the ear buds fit into my ears and how easily I can hear what I am listening to. What stethoscope is your preference?

Purchase the pictured Littmann stethoscope HERE and the colorful bracelets HERE.

THERMOMETERS

Assessing temperatures was one of the top duties during the 2020 -2021 school year. During the pandemic this responsibility was not reserved for school nurses only, it was shared with school administration, classroom teachers, and other school personnel too. Prior to the pandemic my favorite thermometer was the oral Welch Allyn SureTemp found HERE. I found this product to be accurate and very easy to use and clean. During the pandemic though, everyone seemed to make the switch to touchless forehead type thermometers, the one I used can found HERE. This one seemed accurate, but I found myself following up with an oral temp if I wanted to verify. 

ICE PACKS

I'll keep this section short because it should come as no surprise that ice packs are a staple in any school nurse office! There are a variety of ice packs available for purchase or to DIY. I prefer a countertop ice maker in my office with baggies wrapped with a paper towel. What is your preference? Also, check out this other DOASN blog post all about ice packs HERE.

MEDICATIONS &MEDICATION STATIONS

Medications! There is so much to say that I'm not sure where to start. Again, each school and school district might be a little different. First, know your nursing scope of practice within the state you are licensed and work in. Then, figure out your paperwork process for administering medications in the school setting. You can check out these digital resources on my Teachers Pay Teachers store HERE:

You'll also want to spend time defining a medication storage space in your office, spending time thinking about storage safety too. Also, do you have water available in your office for administration? Are there plenty of cups available too? These are all things to take into consideration when planning your office" medication station. Check out some traditional and unique storage supply options that might work in your office HERE.  In addition, here is a FREE training that might come in handy for you - it is editable too :)

PERIOD PRODUCTS 

Many states require the school provide period products to students for FREE. Is this a requirement in your state? In Illinois this is a requirement and you can read all about it HERE:  IL Public Act 100-0163  

I will link to several other articles with information you might find helpful:

1. NEA Period Poverty Article
2. P&G School Programs
3. Edweek.org Article 
4. FREE Teen Essentials Products- (please check availability) 

click to see how I got all of these supplies for FREE!

HYGIENE SUPPLIES

Besides period products, my school is lucky enough to never have to spend a penny on any sort of hygiene supply!  This luxury is made possible by the amazing volunteer group- Moms Who Care! If you have anyone in your community looking for a way to really make a difference then you should urge them to start their very own Moms Who Care in your school- you will not regret it. Contact them for more information :)

Thank you for reading! Stay safe & healthy!

 

Supplies For The School Nurse's Office

Do you have the medical supplies you need?

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Hopefully Helpful School Nurse Tip:  After you've been a school nurse for a while you will come up with your go to supplies for your office. Be basic, Be consistent. Get what works for you and forget about the rest.

IS YOUR NURSE'S OFFICE PREPARED 

A well stocked school nurse's office is essential and necessary  for any school nurse. Since there are a variety of health scenarios that a school nurse might need to deal with on any given day, we need to be prepared for anything. Most school districts allow a certain amount of money each school year to purchase required items for your office (use it or lose it). 

ORDER WITH EASE

Most school nurse's offices are very busy. So busy in fact, that you might not realize you are running low on an item until you are almost out. Sound familiar? Two day shipping in these times can be a life saver! Check with your school district; they might have a business Amazon account which usually offers no state sales tax and free shipping. If so, you can easily request your supplies from whomever is in charge of ordering, they can order your supplies and the items will magically arrive at your school within a couple of days. If not, you can put in a request to purchase the items on your own and ask for reimbursement when the items are received; however, you might not get reimbursed for sales tax. 

SUPPLIES AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

So, I've made lists of common school nurse office supplies available for purchase on Amazon! This list isn't everything, but hopefully the most common items used on a daily basis. Hope it helps. 

PPE

• Nitrile Gloves
• Vinyl Gloves
• Face Masks
• Face Shields
• Other PPE

BANDAGES most prefer flexible, latex free options

• 3/4 X 3 inch Strips
• 1 inch X 3 inch Strips
• 2 inch X 4 inch Strips
• 4 Wing
• Small Fingertip
• Large Fingertip 
• Spots & Ovals
• Knuckle

ICE PACK SUPPLIES

• Ziploc Style Baggies
• Professional Towels
• Plastic Wrap
• Ice Scoop
• Plastic Storage Bin
• Countertop Ice Maker

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION

• 5 oz Plastic Cups
• 5 oz Paper Cups
• 30 cc 30 ml Med Cups
• Our Favorite 5 G Water Container
• Pill Envelopes
• Pill Counter Tray
• Pill Cutter & Crusher Set

CLEANERS & SANITIZERS

• Disinfectant Wipes
• Disinfectant Sprays
• Hand Sanitizer

THERMOMETERS

• No Contact
• Oral With Probe Covers- Welch Allyn 
• Oral- Single Student

PERIOD PRODUCTS

• Pads
• Tampons

OTHER

• Kleenex
• Saline Solution
• Eye Drops
• Gauze Pads
• Athletic Tape
• Alcohol Pads
• Spray Deodorant

School Nurse Budgets: Tips for Making Every Dollar Count

Navigating the School Nurse Budget:

Tips for Making Every Dollar Count

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Hopefully Helpful School Nurse Tip: Whether you’re working with a robust or limited budget, knowing what funds you have, where they come from, and how to maximize every dollar can make a world of difference.

Introduction

A public school nurse's budget might not be the largest line item in the school’s financial plan, but every dollar counts when it comes to supporting student health. Whether you're a new school nurse or a seasoned professional, understanding your budget is crucial for ensuring you have the supplies, resources, and tools to meet students' needs throughout the year. Let’s break down the basics of a typical public school nurse budget, explore where funds typically come from, and discuss strategies to make the most of these essential resources.

1. Understanding the Basics of a Public School Nurse Budget

Most public school budgets operate on a fiscal year from July 1 to June 30, which means any unspent funds by the end of June often can’t be rolled over into the next year. This structure makes it critical to understand your budget early on and plan strategically for the school year’s demands. A school nurse budget might cover essentials such as:

• Basic medical supplies: Bandages, gloves, disinfectants, thermometers, and over-the-counter medications (as allowed).
• Equipment: Items like vision and hearing screening tools, blood pressure monitors, AEDs, and digital thermometers.
• Office supplies: Forms, filing systems, printer ink, and other supplies for managing records and documentation.
• Training and professional development: Some budgets may allow for conference attendance or CE courses.

Each of these areas directly impacts your ability to provide care efficiently, so being aware of your budget limits early on can help you prioritize and plan accordingly.

2. Know Your Funding Sources

Funding for school nurse budgets can come from multiple sources, including district funds, state health grants, and sometimes even specific programs that allocate funds for student health services. It’s helpful to have a conversation with your school’s administration or finance department to identify exactly where your funding comes from and what restrictions may apply. In some cases, donations, fundraising, or grants may also supplement a school nurse budget, so consider seeking these additional resources if your basic budget falls short.

3. Strategically Spend: “Use It or Lose It”

As you move into the second half of the school year, it’s a good idea to assess how much of your budget remains and create a spending plan for the remaining funds. This might include restocking items you know you’ll need for the next semester or investing in equipment that could make your job easier in the long term. Think of this mid-year check-in as a “use it or lose it” review. Identify priorities and stretch your budget by purchasing in bulk or collaborating with other departments on shared supply orders.

4. Planning Ahead for Next Year

Finally, keeping an eye on next year’s needs is equally important. Create a list of supplies or resources you would like to add to your office in the future, based on patterns you see in your student population’s health needs. If you’re noticing a higher number of students with chronic health conditions or mental health needs, consider advocating for specific funding to meet those challenges in the upcoming year.

Building a case for the importance of a well-funded school nurse’s office, complete with data on student visits, health needs, and the impact of proper resources, can go a long way in securing future support from school administration.

To Sum Up

Managing a public school nurse budget may feel like balancing a tightrope, but with a proactive approach, you can ensure every dollar serves a purpose. By understanding your funding, assessing your current needs, and planning for the future, you’re making sure that your students have access to the health resources they need to thrive. Remember, every tool and supply in your office contributes to a healthier school environment—so let’s make every dollar count!  

PS Members of my newsletter received access to a FREE editable school nurse budget sheet! Don't miss out on future freebies- sign up HERE to receive the monthly newsletter!

 Check out these other popular DOASN blog posts & product links.

Moms Who Care

It Takes A Village

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Hopefully Helpful School Nurse Tip:  It truly does take a village!  My students, school families, and staff are bless beyond measure to have the wonderful non for profit volunteer group- Moms Who Care at our school on a weekly basis!  

Moms Who Care Mission

Their mission is simple- Their impact is huge!

Helping students achieve success by meeting essential needs such as:
clothing, hygiene products, school supplies, and after school snacks.

Are you a school nurse who:

• collects stacks of  clothes in your office cabinet "just in case"?
• keeps a hidden stash of school supplies for students who need them?
• keeps snacks for certain students you know will be hungry later in the day?
• desperately wants to help more students meet their essential needs, but feel like you don't have enough time in the day?

Those statements described me, The School Nurse, years & years ago!

Then, one crisp fall day in 2009, the future founder of Moms Who Care (MWC)

worked up some courage, called the high school and asked if there was a staff member who would be interested in receiving gift bags full of hygiene products for students?

Thankfully, whoever answered the phone that day transferred the call directly to the school nurse's office! Little did the caller know, the service she offered was highly needed and we immediately took her up on the generous offer; and so, our village started!

At the time (2009) of the call, I had a large wooden cabinet in my office with curtains hanging on tension rods covering shelves overflowing with clothes, shoes, socks, hygiene products & a few random snacks for students. You can see in the below picture how my office looked many days. The floor covered with random donations waiting to be sorted and put on the shelves. The shelves were hidden behind the checkered curtains on the bottom right of the photo.

Now (2020), after offering services for over a decade to thousands of students,

my school family has a committed group of volunteers with the MWC organization who have a large room in the school (with windows) full of clothing displayed on department store style fixtures with custom shelving units lined with shoes, hygiene products, snacks and school supplies! 

They also have a separate storage room for off season supplies with an area to sort through donations and organize items. All donations are graciously given by generous community members! To say my students are blessed is an understatement.

Although the logistics of the program have changed over the years, 

the Moms Who Care mission has remained the same.

To help students achieve success by meeting essential needs such as:
clothing, hygiene products, school supplies, and after school snacks. 

Typically, students who participate with the MWC program qualify for the free/reduced meal program. However, students are never turned away;

there are so many scenarios where a student might benefit from participating in the program and we would never want to deny help to a student who might benefit from the program.

Moms Who Care focuses on serving the student as a whole person.

The MWC volunteers understand when the basic needs of the student are met, 

then the students are more prepared and ready to learn.  Students who are signed up shop monthly by grade level.  They are also allowed to go down as needed for specific items even if it isn't their assigned week to "shop".

For More Information Visit the MWC Website here

To Purchase Items & Send Directly to MWC click here (not an affiliate link)

Check out these other popular DOASN blog posts & product links.