Fall Survival Kit for Nurses: Curated by Kelley Johnson

Fall in healthcare brings its own set of challenges—cooler weather outside, unpredictable hospital temps inside and an uptick in flu season cases. To help nurses stay ready, we asked Kelley Johnson, RN, MSN—a nurse, educator and well-known voice in the healthcare community—what she keeps in her bag to stay comfortable, energized and prepared for anything a shift might throw at her.

From everyday tools to seasonal add-ons, Kelley’s nurse survival kit is packed with practical essentials and personal comforts that help her power through even the longest days.

Everyday Must-Haves

For Kelley, a few basics always make the list: a stethoscope, good pens that actually write, a notepad for quick notes, and a watch.

“These keep me from feeling like I’m running around all day,” Kelley says.

These simple tools help her stay efficient and organized, even when the pace of the unit gets overwhelming.

Personal Comfort Items

Working in healthcare takes a toll on your body, so Kelley makes sure her bag includes items that help her feel grounded and energized:

• Compression socks – “I’m super tall, so I really feel like I need assistance here to keep everything flowing.”
• A good water bottle – “If I don’t make hydration easy, I won’t do it. I also need my water to stay ice cold.”
• Protein-rich snacks – Meat sticks, hummus with crackers or Larabars. “I like something that won’t make me crash two hours later but keeps me full and focused.”
• Lip balm and hand lotion – Essentials for battling dry hospital air and endless handwashing.
• Phone charger – “A dead phone is my worst nightmare at work!”
• One “reset” item – Peppermint essential oil or gum. “Something to help me take a breath when things get chaotic.”
• Comfortable shoes – Supportive footwear to carry her through long hours on her feet.

Fall Survival Essentials for Flu Season

When cooler months hit, Kelley adds a few seasonal extras to her kit:

• Extra masks, especially for high-risk units during peak respiratory season
• Pocket-sized hand sanitizer for quick clean-ups
• Immune-support staples like vitamin C packets or throat lozenges
• A light jacket or long-sleeve underscrub for unpredictable hospital temps
• Tea bags or instant coffee for those late nights

Kelley's Tips for Staying Healthy in Fall

• Hydrate more than you think you need – “If I don’t make it easy, I won’t do it.”
• Don’t skip real meals – Prioritize solid nutrition to sustain energy.
• Sleep whenever you can – Even short naps help during demanding weeks.

Shop Comfortable, Easy-Care Scrubs

Whether it’s everyday work or flu season, the right scrubs can help you feel prepared. Healing Hands scrubs for women and men are crafted with soft, breathable fabrics that are easy to care for—just wash at home, dry and you’re ready for your next shift.

Kelley’s fall nurse survival kit is more than just a packing list—it’s a system for staying prepared, supported and comfortable all season long. By stocking your bag with everyday essentials, comfort boosters and flu-season add-ons, you’ll walk into every shift with confidence.