What’s the Best Nursing Clipboard?
Whether you’re looking for a system to organize your hand-off notes or needing a gift for a nurse in your life, a nursing clipboard is a practical tool. But if you’re going to be running around with a clipboard from shift to shift, you don’t want just any old office clipboard. The best nursing clipboard is one that meets your unique needs. Here are some practical tips for choosing one, and our top 10 clipboards for nurses.
Find the Best Nursing Clipboard: Here’s What to Look For
While you’re looking for a clipboard for yourself or someone else, there are a few things to keep in mind. A nursing clipboard is different from one that you might use in an office or on a construction site. Consider these parameters when you’re looking for the best nursing clipboard:
- Materials: Choose a clipboard that is made of hard, nonabsorbent material. Nurses might bleach their clipboard several times per shift, so it’ll need to be able to withstand this treatment without soaking up chemicals. Avoid leather, fabric, or foam backing.
- Design: For nurses on the go, foldable or compact designs that slip into a pocket can help ensure a clipboard doesn’t get left in a patient’s room or elsewhere. Foldables can also help keep patient information private. On the other hand, some nurses might prefer a storage clipboard that doesn’t fold but has room for pens, nursing brain sheets, and more.
- Specialty: Many nursing clipboards have cheat sheets on them, which is great for finding clinical information in a pinch. If you’re getting a clipboard for someone else, try to find one that’s relevant to their specialty — a nurse that works in the pediatric ICU won’t need a cheat sheet with adult blood pressure values.
- Privacy: Many nursing clipboards have personalization options, which are great for a special gift. But remember that patients may see this clipboard, so using personal information — like last names or kid’s names — might make some nurses uncomfortable.
10 Best Nursing Clipboards
- Akerland Designs Personalized Nursing Clipboard
- Dexas Duo Clipcase
- Hongri Plastic Clipboard
- SFLHHDM Storage Clipboard
- Sooez Clipboard with Storage
- Sooez Spiral Clipboard
- Trade Quest Dry Erase Clipboard
- TribeRN Nursing Clipboard
- Trustnice Tri-Fold Clipboard
- WhiteCoat Bi-Fold Clipboard
*Prices were accurate at the time of publication.
1. Akerland Designs Personalized Nursing Clipboard
If you’re looking for a personalized touch, this clipboard from Etsy is a great option. It can feature a first name on the front and back, and you can get a preview of your personalized clipboard before it ships. With 20 fonts and several colorways to choose from, this will make a nurse in your life feel special.
Price: $28.99
2. Dexas Duo Clipcase
Need a storage option that’s a bit more utilitarian? This three-way folding clipboard features several writing surfaces, two separate flat storage compartments, and secure latches that can withstand heavy use. You’ll have space for a writing pad, as well as clinical guides and cheat sheets of your own, with this heavy-duty clipboard.
Price: $25.33
3. Hongri Plastic Clipboard
Looking for something more simple? A basic durable clipboard is great for nurses who don’t need all the bells and whistles. This low-profile option has a pen holder and a latch for hanging it up at the nurses station.
Price: $5.58
4. SFLHHDM Nursing Clipboard
This side-opening storage clipboard comes with a designated slot for your pens, which could stop them from wandering off during your shift. The interior storage on this clipboard can hold up to 200 pages and the rounded edges make it comfortable to carry. It also comes in 13 colors to choose from.
Price: $9.98
5. Sooez Clipboard With Storage
If you’re needing more storage for papers and reference sheets, this clipboard features two separate compartments. The top paper compartment is clear, so you can view guides and handoff information without getting your papers dirty or wet. The bottom compartment also features a pen storage area, so you always have something to write with.
Price: $14.99
6. Sooez Spiral Clipboard
If you need to take a lot of notes during your shift, this clipboard combines a spiral-bound notebook with folders that make it easy to organize papers. The letter-sized notepad can be refilled, so you won’t have to replace it when you run out of paper, and the colorway options make it fun to customize.
Price: $14.99
7. Trade Quest Dry Erase Clipboard
Want to keep it simple, but you need more writing options? This clipboard has a secret superpower — it’s also a whiteboard! This option is great for jotting down vital signs and other quick reference data. And once you clip paper into it, that information is covered — all at a price that’s hard to beat.
Price: $5.95
8. TribeRN Nursing Clipboard
With heavy-duty plastic and great storage, this clipboard is a handy addition to your shift supplies. It comes with laminated reference sheets on hematology, medical sSpanish, pediatrics, medications, and more, so you’ll always have the clinical guides you need. And you can keep pens and penlights in the handy storage container.
Price: $19.97
9. Trustnice Tri-Fold Clipboard
This aluminum tri-fold clipboard fits a standard paper size, and folds down to fit in most scrub pockets. It also comes with medical reference sheets, which you can paste onto the clipboard or carry with you on the go. You can find this sturdy clipboard in black, blue, mint, pink, and purple.
Price: $19.99
10. WhiteCoat Bi-fold Clipboard
This full-size folding metal clipboard includes a clinical cheatsheet on arterial blood gasses, pupil size assessment, cardiac murmur grading, and more. Its sleek design and sturdy clip will help you stay organized throughout a busy shift. With 11 colors to choose from, you can pick a shade that fits your personality.
Price: $39.99
Put Your New Clipboard to the Test
Once you’re equipped with the best nursing clipboard for you, why not check out job opportunities to put your skills to work? We’re here to help you find the right nursing job that fits your needs.