This is a list of my all-time favourite products that I would buy a million times again. These are my holy-grail products, subscriptions and things I recommend to everyone.
Favourite College Products
1. 3M Littmann Stethoscope
My first purchase (besides school textbooks) was this stethoscope during health assessment class. Every future nurse needs a good quality stethoscope! The quality of this one is amazing and is used by so many students and nurses.
I didn’t even know you could buy this off Amazon! It is way cheaper on Amazon than the official Littmann website. The 3M Littmann often goes on sale, so keep checking Amazon before paying full price like I did. I also paid over $10 for shipping on the Littmann website when Amazon has free/discounted prime shipping for students
2. Picmonic
To other nursing students reading this that haven’t downloaded this app or signed up… well now is the perfect time! This is the BEST and most affordable studying app that you need to download! If you check out my 12 Studying Apps for Nursing Students blog post, I mentioned the best features! If you struggle to memorize or understand the major subjects, Picmonic will help you understand so much easier. It’s an audiovisual app with quizzes, mini videos and easy mnemonics to help you study for exams and the NCLEX.
It saved me so much time studying and made me enjoy learning other subjects. If you’re a visual learner, this app is perfect for you! It’s a free app but to unlock the best features, there is a monthly subscription fee. Unlike the other nursing apps, this app is affordable for students even on a budget. You can use my 20% discount link when you sign up to save even more $$.
For both nursing programs: LPN or RN you can select from:
- $3.19/month for 24 months
- $3.99/month for 12 months
- $5.59/month for 6 months
All prices above include my 20% off discount.
3. School Planner
I was terrible at scheduling time for my studies but having to balance nursing school and work, I needed a way to keep everything organized so I bought a planner. Using a cute, layout planner instead of a boring one actually helped me stay organized and stick to a schedule. Nothing feels better than a strikethrough or checkmark beside completed tasks.
I take about 10 mins of my day/week to write down important dates (exams and assignment deadlines) to keep me on track. I love using the weekly planner and the app, Daily Planner- Habit Tracker.
4. Hydro Flask
Ever since I switched from those standard bottles to a Hydro Flask, I could never go back. A Hydro Flask is one of the best water bottles to ever exist! They are a bit pricey but 100% worth it. I have the 21 oz/621 mL in the colour Frost and I bring it with me almost everywhere. I love that this bottle is not too heavy or bulky in my bag.
So, if you hate when your ice melts within 1 hour, get the Hydro Flask! Ice lasts over 12 hours even without refrigeration. This bottle is perfect for those long clinical shifts and summer days.
Click here to purchase this exact product on HydroFlask.com
5. Nursing Reference Cards
This is a new addition to my nursing school must haves list. I wished I purchased these earlier in my school semesters but I’m glad I’m still able to use them for my last semester and as a new grad. Out of the 15 cards, I already added 5 of them to my badge reel that I can use as a quick reference.
I bought the 15 card bundle from @nurseiq on Instagram. The creator of the cards is a nurse from Toronto, Canada. Her name is Barbara and she posts educational content for nursing students. Check her main page out @yournursingeducator on Instagram. More detail about these cards here.
6. Vessi Shoes
Looking for comfortable clinical placement or work shoes? Well these Vessi’s are not only comfortable but are water-proof! Their shoes remind me of Nike and Adidas shoes because of their style and design. I love that Vessi’s can be worn as everyday shoes, work shoes or running shoes.
I own the everyday sneaker in grey mist and I wear it to work and placement. These shoes are breathable and comfortable for 8+ hours of standing. They also keep your feet dry during rainy day walks/runs.
7. Scrubs
As a budgeting nursing student, I needed scrubs for my other work job. I didn’t want to pay over price for one pair when I could buy 2 pairs for the same price. So, I got my first pair from Amazon for under $60. As a petite person, these scrubs fit me perfectly. No hemming needed! Plus, they’re good quality. The Dickies brand caters to petites and sizes from xxs to 5 xl.
Favourite Fitness Products
8. Resistance Bands
Whether I’m at the gym or at home, I always incorporate resistance bands in my workouts. Short bands to long bands, you can get a really good (and sweaty) workout with just bands!
My absolute favourite resistance bands are from fitwsis.com. They are a small female Palestinian/American business ran by two humble sisters. I discovered them from Instagram and they post amazing recipes and fitness tips/workouts. If you check out their website they have many other affordable and eco-friendly fitness gear.
My favourite long band resistance bands are from Amazon. If you purchase the whole pack you get 5 different long bands, a door anchor, and handles. This pack is a must have for at home workouts! My other favourite fitness gear can be found on this blog post.
Favourite Beauty Products
9. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pomade
I’ve used this brow product for over 5 years and gone through 4-5 jars. A little product goes a long way and lasts up to a year for me. I haven’t tried any new brow products other than gels because I’m still addicted to how perfect this one is for me. This pomade glides on so easily and smoothly, I swear by it!
10. Coty Airspun Translucent Powder
The Coty Airspun powder is another OG favourite from high school. In the past 5 years I’ve used up about 4 of these powders. This powder is so light and keeps my makeup looking smoothly. It’s perfect for all skin types!
If you haven’t tried this powder yet, you’re missing out! It’s such an affordable setting powder for everyday makeup lovers. It’s been around since 1935, so definitely an OG product from back in the days and trusted by many in the beauty community.
Check out my other drugstore beauty favourites
Other Websites/Apps
11. Rakuten (previously Ebates) & Honey
I’m combing these two chrome extension apps because both have saved me over $200 combined. These are free website extensions that give you CASH BACK and coupons when you shop online. They have partnered with around 750 to 10,000 stores, so when you download the extension on your browsers and reach checkout, the extension automatically finds coupons and/or gives you a % or money back for each purchase.
I love that both are free and easy to install. I’ve saved a lot of money shopping from companies like Amazon, FashionNova, and Sephora using both these apps.
Click here to go to Ebates/Rakuten website. When you join you can get $10 off your first purchase of anything $25+.
Click here to go to Honey Website. If you join now you will get 500 honey gold = cold gold and redeem it for a $10 gift card. Honey Gold is redeemable for gift cards at popular stores like Target, Nike, Amazon, and more.
12. Poshmark
Another app I love to shop and sell from. Poshmark is a popular app for buy and sell fashion. You can make money and shop over 5,000 brands at discounted prices.
The only negative about this app is the expensive shipping price and you can only purchase within your country. Nonetheless, this is a great buy and sell app for popular clothing brands like Lululemon, Nike, Aritizia, etc. I specifically use this app to find activewear at a cheaper price.
Sign-up here to download the app. You can use my code AUDREYAPRILXO for $15 off your first purchase!
13. Amazon Prime
I signed up for Amazon while in school so I could take advantage of the first free 6 months. Prime membership becomes 50% off after 6 months. Amazon prime made it so much easier to get my school supplies, textbooks and other essentials within 2 days!
As a student, you are saving so much money purchasing from Amazon without even leaving your room. With the Amazon Prime, you also get free access to Amazon’s movies and TV shows.
Get your free Amazon Prime student account with this link
14. I Am (Affirmation App)
I love daily affirmation reminders to help empower myself and change negative thought patterns. Reading verbal affirmations help me stay focused on positivity and reaching my goals.
I haven’t tried any other affirmation apps but I already love this one. You can set daily affirmations by selecting a time frame and the amount of affirmations you would want to receive. With this app, there are other categories such as personal growth, love and relationships, gratitude, self-care, work and career, and more.