Guide to the Best Nurse Bag for Healthcare Professionals

Image of professional woman smiling at camera
Written by Ann Real, BSN, RN Content Writer, IntelyCare
A healthcare professional uses their nurse bag.

Picture this — you strut through the hospital halls with your stethoscope draped around your neck and a bag by your side — comfortable, light, and organized. It’s not just any bag; It’s a portable command center.

The nurse bag is an embodiment of preparedness and professionalism, and this article is your ultimate guide on how to pick one. Because, let’s be real, you deserve a bag that’s as fabulous as your bedside manner.

If you’re looking for the best nurse bag for yourself or as a gift to someone special, keep these four things in mind:

  • Functionality: Ensure the bag has enough space and compartments to organize and carry essential medical tools, equipment, and personal items. Look for features like designated pockets for a stethoscope, pens, and other nurse accessories, and a secure area for sensitive items.
  • Size: Assess your daily needs to determine the appropriate size of the bag. It should be spacious enough to accommodate essential nursing supplies without being overly bulky. Consider if you need a larger bag for longer shifts or a more compact one for shorter ones.
  • Cleaning and maintenance: Consider the ease of cleaning the bag, as healthcare environments can expose it to spills and stains. Bags with wipeable or machine-washable materials can be practical for maintaining a clean and professional appearance.
  • Portability: Choose a bag with comfortable carrying options, such as padded handles or adjustable shoulder straps. Consider the bag’s weight to ensure it’s manageable for your daily tasks. Look for features like ergonomic design and lightweight construction.

Discovering the perfect nurse bag is key to a seamless healthcare routine. We’ve sifted through the market, prioritizing functionality, professionalism, and style to find the best bags that suit your needs. Optimize your workflow with our curated picks. All prices shown were accurate at the time of publication.

7 Popular Tote Bags for Nurses

A tote bag is a handy tool for healthcare professionals to keep things organized, making it easy to navigate those hectic shifts. Here are seven nurse bags we find particularly noteworthy:

1. TOPDesign Medical Bag

TOPDesign tote.
This practical tote bag by TOPDesign is made of high-strength outdoor polyester fabric, which is washable, scratch-resistant, and durable. It has eight exterior and five interior pockets — more than enough to fit your medical arsenal. It’s simple, convenient, and practical. Backed by over 5,000 reviews and an impressive 4.7-star rating, chances are you’ll be a fan too.

Price: Starting at $24.99

2. SHYLERO Nurse Bag

SHYLERO tote.
Introducing the medical bag by SHYLERO that has an impressive 21 pockets, providing ample storage. Spacious, waterproof, and budget-friendly, it’s an excellent choice to meet your versatile nursing needs. Last but not least, it comes in a variety of prints, allowing you to add a splash of color to your days.

Price: $37.99

3. Nurse Mates — The Ultimate Nurse Bag

Nurse Mates tote.
Tailored for nurses, this bag by Nurse Mates is a pro at efficient storage and quick access with specialized pockets. Crafted from heavy-duty water-resistant fabric, it’s rugged yet stylish, pairing seamlessly with any color. Boasting features like heavy-duty zippers, a slip-resistant bottom, and an interior laptop compartment, it’s a great choice for nurses.

Price: $57.95

4. ABAMERICA Clinical Bag

ABAMERICA tote.
Available in both medium and large sizes, this durable, water-resistant bag by ABAMERICA is tailored for nurses. With eight outside pockets and four inside pockets in each size, it’s the ultimate organizational solution for nursing professionals. It’s simple, functional, practical, and budget-friendly, with over 2,500 reviews and a 4.6-star rating.

Price: Starting at $23.99

5. Personalized Medical Bag

Black nursing bag with exterior compartments.
Available in a variety of colors, this utility medical tote is as versatile as it gets. Featuring organizational pockets on the outside and ample storage inside, it’s spacious enough for all your shift essentials. Complete with a small bag for storing smaller items and the added bonus of personalization — choose your color and put your name on it to make it uniquely yours.

Price: $31.50

6. Rabjen Nurse Tote Bag

Rabjen tote.
This versatile tote bag by Rabjen offers a roomy main compartment and numerous pockets for ultimate functionality. Adjust the shoulder strap or use the handle for easy carrying, and take advantage of the two insulated pockets to keep your food and drinks at the perfect temperature. Even more, its lightweight design and durable construction ensure easy portability.

Price: $37.99

7. B&J Designs Tote Nurse Work Bag

B&J Designs tote.
Tailored for medical workers, this Brooke & Jess medical bag is generously sized. With room for all your essential medical supplies and beyond, it flaunts 15 pockets, including a deep front sleeve and zipper pocket. Combining style, a funny logo, and functionality, it’s a great option for nurses wishing to spread smiles across medical wings.

Price: $54.95

5 Best Nurse Backpacks

A backpack offers a blend of practicality and style. Discover the top five expert-chosen backpacks to enhance your daily workflow.

1. LOVEVOOK Nurse Bag Organizer

LOVEVOOK backpack.
This medical backpack by LOVEVOOK seamlessly blends fashion and functionality. With more compartments than a surgical tray, this bag is your very own portable organization station — no more hunting for essentials in the abyss of your bag. Not only is it water resistant and equipped with hidden pockets, but it also features a USB charging port for added convenience. And the best part? It looks stunning.

Price: $32.99

2. The Ultimate Nurse Backpack

Nurse mates backpack.
Packed with pockets for nursing tools, this durable backpack by Nurse Mates is water-resistant and features heavy-duty zippers. With an insulated front pocket to keep items cold, you can not only fit all your medical tools but also keep your sandwich cool. It offers a choice of 8 colors to suit your style.

Price: $61.95

3. ETRONIK Nurse Backpack

ETRONIK backpack.
Designed for nursing essentials, this stylish backpack by ETRONIK has compartments and mesh pockets, including a detachable insulated lunch bag. It’s durable fabric, metal zippers, and breathable, stress-relieving shoulder straps make it functional and beautiful — giving your medical gear the fashion-forward treatment it deserves.

Price: $49.99

4. Personalized Nurse Backpack

Personalized backpack.
Elevate your style with this personalized nurse bag, large enough for all your essentials. Designed to hold a stethoscope, tablet, laptop, phone, and books, it boasts a structured frame that opens for quick access during medical emergencies. Stylish and customizable with your name, it’s the perfect choice for staying organized in the busy medical world.

Price: $34.95

5. FALANKO Backpack

FALANKO backpack.
This nurse backpack by FALANKO is made from durable, water-repellent nylon. With multiple exterior and interior pockets, it accommodates all the nursing essentials. And its stylish design makes it a great choice.

Price: $29.99

3 Accessory Medical Bags for Nurses

Accessory bags provide a compact and convenient solution for carrying vital medical tools during hectic shifts. Explore three little bags, designed to keep your essential belongings at your fingertips.

1. Custom Nurse Fanny Pack

Custom fanny pack.
Tailored for hectic nursing shifts, this petite bag acts as an additional on-the-go pocket, ensuring you have all your essential nursing supplies at your fingertips. This fanny pack’s clever design also allows you to customize it with your name. Check out our complete guide to the best nurse fanny packs.

Price: $16.99

2. Nursing Tools Waist Bag

Nurse tools waist pack.
This little bag by Nursing Tools is a game-changer for those constantly on the move, offering hands-free convenience while keeping all your essential supplies at arm’s reach. Featuring a total of 14 pockets — 11 in the front and 3 in the back — this bag is highly functional, catering to the dynamic needs of healthcare on the go.

Price: $23.99

3. Nurse Kit Bag

Nurse kit bag.
This bag can be a great gift for your coworkers. It’s a handy bag for storing pencils, scissors, and other essentials during shifts. What’s great about it is the personalization option — you can write a positive quote or your nurse’s name — making it a thoughtful gift for yourself or your fellow nurses.

Price: $12.50

Show Off Your New Bag at a New Job

Now that you’ve found the nurse bag you love, it’s time to do the same with your workplace. We help nurses find jobs that fit them like the right backpack fits all their essential tools. Don’t miss out on customized nursing job alerts from IntelyCare.