In hospitals, there are many things that contribute to the well-being of the patients and they can be either living and non-living. We however often forget to appreciate the latter for helping us recover during our time in the hospital. One such thing is the clipboard carried by nurses. It is responsible for keeping all the crucial information in one place safely so that they are all easily accessible to the nurse whenever it is required. That is why having the best nursing clipboard is a necessity of nurses



Why do nurses still need a clipboard?

Yes, one might begin to reason this considering the advances in technology. In spite of so many revolutionary discoveries in the field of medical science and information technology, why would a nurse need a clipboard when all the resources of electronic medical records are available to her? Well, to state it simply there are still lots of things required to be jotted down on the go. Some of those items are small items from the store, essential notes, and prescription data received from the doctor etc. which are obtained during live checkups. Now nurses need to have a temporary place to jot these valuable data so that they can give it a permanent form later on. Moreover, there are hard copies of medications and test results which they often need to carry on their person at work. Now in order to successfully carry them safely and efficiently, nurses require a stable surface on which they can write on as well, both standing and sitting. A clipboard fits the bill in such cases. They are just what the nurses’ need in times of their routine checkups and patient monitoring.

Things to consider while buying the best nurse clipboard

If you go and search the market for the best nurse clipboard you will get a large variety of them at your disposal. They may vary with respect to color, design, size and even features. This will invariably make the choice of buying the right clipboard a bit difficult. Yet it can be simplified provided we keep certain things in our mind while buying nurse clipboards. There are certain aspects that must be given deep thought and reflection as they affect the overall utility of the product. Factors such as size, storage space, durability, weight and even price matter a lot while purchasing your desired nurse clipboard. Moreover, you must factor in your own personal requirements alongside the above aspects. Have a look at the common factors that must influence your choice of nurse clipboards.

Storage space

Nurses work in environments that require them to carry a lot of docs which are quite sensitive. These documents may include data such as patient data, medications etc. On top of that a writing device must be carried so that nurses can scribble anything down when required to do so. Therefore, a clipboard having separate storage compartments where documents can be kept in a classified manner would be of immense help to the nurses. It would protect the documents and provide the nurse a smooth experience while accessing them. Adequate storage space along with efficient compartmentalization is the first thing to look for in a clipboard.

Size, weight

Now this one goes without saying that the clipboard must be of a size and weight that would suit the carrier best. You don’t want a clipboard that has a lot of storage space but weighs nearly a ton when filled with paperwork. The bearer must choose a size and weight that is convenient for her, keeping in mind that the documents are properly and safely housed inside them. In case space isn’t your priority then a super slim clipboard is the obvious choice for you. It will be lightweight, preferably made of aluminum or hard plastic and must offer superior mobility to the carrier.

Durability

Might be the most desired feature of a clipboard. A clipboard that is water, dust and shatter resistant will work wonders for the nurse. She might have to carry it around for the majority of the day and in harsher environments where the clipboard might be subject to major falls as well. A durable board will house the documents safely and save the nurses the trouble of changing clipboards after the one has broken.

Accessories

This one is kind of a luxury but can be significant in many cases. Having a design where accessories can be added so that additional docs can be attached to the clipboard is a huge bonus. It saves you the trouble of carrying two clipboards when the luggage increases. Having a reference reminder along with the board is also largely helpful for nurses having a hectic schedule.

Price

In general clipboards come with affordable price tags for nurses. But still nurses can factor out the cost and features of the product while buying it. A student who requires quick access to a lot of things might choose a bit pricey one that has extra space or more features than a regular one.

HIPPA Compliant

This is strictly for those who plan to carry lots of sensitive documents of patients. A HIPPA compliant clipboard is just the thing you need to maintain privacy rights.

Top 5 Nursing Clipboards

Now that we have established why a clipboard is essential for a nurse and in general and you have come across the factors to consider while buying them, let us have a look at the top products currently available in the market. This just adds to your convenience so that you do not have to go through hundreds of webpages searching for the right product. The description given below of the top five products contain the pros and cons of the products as well. Have a read and decide thereafter.

WhiteCoat Clipboard- Black- Nursing edition

For people searching for a nursing clipboard which is also foldable then this clipboard from WhiteCoat is a great option for fulfilling all your professional needs as a nurse. The design is such that it can be folded in half and has the capacity to store around 30 paper sheets without creasing them. It maximizes space to a large extent and offers mobility while keeping all the features of a clipboard intact.

Other than that, the product is HIPPA compliant which means patient’s privacy is safely maintained as well as sensitive data of any other kind. Medical records can be stored very safely using this clipboard. The clipboard is made of aluminum and weighs significantly light so that the user can feel comfortable carrying it for long intervals of time. As per the general size of the medical uniform pockets are concerned, these foldable clipboards can be folded and kept inside them without any hassle so that you can roam around hands free when you do not require their use. Medical reference info can also be found on the exterior of this clipboard. This information includes ABG values, IV uses, SEPIS/SIRS and injection sites along with other useful information such as two rulers for taking medical measurements. The black color provides a very aesthetic look to the clipboard.

What we like

Foldable clipboard which allows the nurse carry it inside her medical uniform while keeping her hands free for other tasks. HIPPA compliant clipboard which facilitates safe storage of the confidential files. Lightweight yet sturdy build. Has a capacity of over 30 paper sheets without suffering from creases. Contains medical references on the outside.

What we dislike

No negative aspects have been identified as of yet.

NRSNG Nursing clipboard + toolbox combo

This is one of the best combo of a nursing clipboard + toolbox available in the market. A great package for every busy nurse as well as students who face difficult times while remembering all the medical references on the fly. The clipboard itself is made of sturdy materials which are designed to provide complete protection to all the sensitive docs carried inside it. It also possesses an internal compartment for storage of papers, calculator, notes, scissor or any other medical essentials as well as a separate space for storing pencils and pens. The clipboard can also hold a standard size tablet inside it when required. The closure is also latched which provides prevention of the clipboard being unintentionally opened. Common procedures as well as medical terms are provided as reference notes on the clipboard front. A large number of removable cheat sheets and materials are provided along with it. They are

3 clinical templates including drug card, report sheet and brain sheet.

4 nursing cheats (total 8 pages) which includes Cardiac, ABGs, Hemodynamics, Mnemonics etc.

2 Lab value badge cards.

This clipboard and toolbox combo from NSNRG acts as a perfect nursing gift for your fellow nurses.

What we like

Large number of essential removable cheats provided.

Excellent compartmentalization facilitating a large capacity for medical records.

Medical references are provided.

What we dislike

Might be a bit heavier on the pocket.

NRSNG Nursing clipboard

Another fine product from the manufacturing house of NRSNG, this nursing clipboard is all you need to assist you in fulfilling your duties as a nurse. NRSNG claims that the design is done by experienced and critical care nurses. It includes a free nursing report sheet as well as a brain sheet which has been tested on surgery and clinic floors. The clipboard is fairly durable and can be handled very comfortably without any hassle. The storage space is more than 1 inch and the clipboard also comes with an individual compartment for pencils and pens. The top is removable, and it provides the user the choice to add the extra storage space or not as per their requirement. The clipboard is hundred percent HIPPA compliant which provides an assurance that all the confidential patient details are safe inside it.

What we like

The clipboard has two clips at the top which allows the clipboard top to be entirely removed.

Includes a clinical brain sheet and a report sheet which provides a genuine framework.

Includes reference guides designed by nurses working in ICU environments.

1-inch deep storage spaces

Superior built quality.

What we dislike

Devoid of any extra features.

WhiteCoat Clipboard- Vertical- Teal- Nursing edition

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WhiteCoat’s very own version of the vertical clipboard is a fantastic buy for any nurse looking for a vertical clipboard to suit her nursing requirements. The clipboard is made of lightweight aluminum and has enough space to carry 15 paper sheets without enforcing a single sheet. All the documents can be carried really safely inside this clipboard which is vertical instead of horizontal providing extra ease in carrying it. The outside of the clipboard contains a quick reference guide having detailed daily info such as injection sites, lab values, EKG interpretation etc.

What we like

A full sized vertical clipboard.

Can be fitted inside scrub pockets when folded in half

HIPPA compliant product.

Lightweight yet sturdy aluminum built.

What we dislike

Some nurses prefer the horizontal product instead of the vertical one.

Nursing reference clipboard with wire clip

The basic nursing clipboard which comes with a wire clip to enable you keep all you need at one place. Nurses can attach all their daily required documents in one place and make them easily accessible. The wire clip provides extra support and bonds all the paperwork together, not letting them slip out due to the slightest interference. It is built with superior material and provides a sturdy quality to the product. Reference materials are provided at the exterior of the clipboard for ready guidance to the nurses on the go.

What we like

Wire clip for strong binding of the paperwork.

Good quality material.

Ready references available.

What we dislike

The wire clip might often damage the papers if not handled with care.

Final word

Choosing the right clipboard for assisting your nursing duties depends largely on your requirements. But we do not think that you will face any such requirements that are not met by either one of the clipboards stated above. The above five nursing clipboards are the best available options out there in the market for you. Have a detailed look and decide for yourself.