Table of Contents
The best pens for nurses
Are you tired of ink smudging all over your documents?
Nurses are often busy with note-taking and documenting patients’ details. Failing to have a good pen can make fulfilling your duties overwhelming.
Many nurses have a hard time with poor-quality pens while at work. For instance, your writing could be unclear or untidy due to smudging and ink smearing. Misplacement and loss are also common problems that can make it hard to complete your tasks efficiently.
Therefore, investing in a good pen will make your nursing experience a lot easier. A practical pen for a nurse leaves clear lines and smooth writing. Since nurses often move around while working, having a portable pen is vital. Having multiple colors will also assist in color-coding to retrieve information without difficulty.
The best nurse pens are necessary tools that every nurse should have. They will grant you confidence and ease while jotting down crucial details. I have compiled a list of the best pen options for a nurse that can help you meet your overall and specific needs.
Best overall
Pentel EnerGel RTX Retractable Liquid Gel Pen
Pentel EnerGel RTX Retractable Liquid Gel Pen
Nothing ruins a writing experience more than smearing and smudges that leave your work looking untidy and hard to read. These pens combine the benefits of using liquid and gel ink. They guarantee you fast drying and smooth writing.
- Features:
- Durability:
- Comfort:
- Value for money:
As a nurse, you need a pen you can rely on to document essential details as you carry out your duties. I recommend the Pentel EnerGel RTX Retractable Liquid Gel Pen for general use. The 12 Count (Pack of 1) pen dimensions are 0.75 x 7 x 7.38 inches. You can use its 0.7mm stainless steel tip for normal lines or the 1.0mm tip for more bold lines.
The pens come in assorted colors with no duplicates. Thus, you can have more colorful and organized writing for more accessible information retrieval. They are also durable and affordable since you can refill them. We also recommend these pens since they have rubber at a specific place on the barren for comfort while writing to ensure a firm grip.
Even though the Pentel EnerGel RTX Retractable Liquid Gel Pen is the best choice for nurses, it does not work well with low-quality paper. Its bold and clear writing prevents you from writing on both sides of the paper due to the pen’s bleeding. I recommend using it to write on one side of a page. You can also use thick paper.
Best multicolor pen
BIC 4-Color Retractable Ballpoint Pen
BIC 4-Color Retractable Ballpoint Pen
The Bic 4 color pen allows you to choose between blue, black, red, and green in one pen. It offers you value for your money since it is long-lasting, and you can refill the ink when it runs out.
- Features:
- Durability:
- Comfort:
- Value for money:
Bic 4 color ballpoint pen makes your nursing job simple. The 3-count pens dimensions are 5.75 x 0.25 x 0.25 inches and weigh 1.44 ounces. The pen has four assorted colors (blue, red, black, and green) in one pen. Therefore, you can change from one color to another depending on your work organization. It also makes it easy to color-code or journal.
The product has long-lasting ink that enables you to use it for a long time. In addition, the ink is refillable, allowing you to continue enjoying the benefits of using multiple colors in your work.
The pen is also retractable, making it comfortable to hold and easy to use. It comes with a hole that enables you to attach it to a lanyard making it convenient to use. Its 1 mm medium point tip lets you hold and control the pen.
However, some customers have expressed the need to wipe off dried ink from the ballpoint pen’s tip every time before using it.
Best with key ring
Pentel Mini RSVP Ballpoint Pen
Pentel Mini RSVP Ballpoint Pen
These pens are durable when you take proper care of them. I recommend attaching them to a lanyard or even the zipper of your bag. That way, they make a durable set that you can access quickly whenever you need them.
- Features:
- Durability:
- Comfort:
- Value for money:
Are you tired of losing your pens? You need a pen that you can access quickly and keep for a long time while at work. I recommend the RSVP Mini Ballpoint Pen (1.0mm), Medium Line, for a nurse. These pens are 0.69 x 5.25 x 7.38 inches and weigh 2.69 ounces. You can attach the pens to a lanyard by the hole in their caps.
This pen’s pack of eight has assorted colors of Black, Red, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink, Sky Blue, and Violet. Besides, the color of each pen is the same as the color of the barrel, which makes color-coding easy.
The pens write clear and smooth lines of medium size that are easy to read. Hence, the pens are easy to use on small notebooks. Having a small size also enables you to carry them around in a purse or pocket easily. There is also a latex-free area on the barrel that allows you to grip the pens firmly when writing.
Some users have expressed concern that the hole at the cap tears or expands over time. However, you can avoid this by handling the pens with care to avoid damaging them.
Best affordable
Uni-ball 207 Retractable Gel Pens
Uni-ball 207 Retractable Gel Pens
The Uni-ball 207 gel pens offer excellent value for money, unlike many pens in the market. They are affordable yet effective, making it easy to write or document your work.
- Features:
- Durability:
- Comfort:
- Value for money:
Are you a nurse looking for a pen that offers you an excellent writing experience at an affordable price? Uni-ball Signo 207 pens are perfect for you. The pens come in one pack with 12 pieces. Their dimensions are 0.3 x 0.5 x 7.6 inches and each pen weighs 0.32 ounces. The black pens are retractable, enabling you to store them safely while not in use.
The pens have black ink that offers perfect coloration. They are designed to stick on paper when you write. Thus, it is difficult for anyone to alter your written documents. The ink is also water-resistant and acid-free, drying quickly on paper.
The pens are sleek and cushioned to offer you increased comfort and control while writing. They are made from polyester material, enabling you to write for an extended period without feeling exhausted. They have accents made of metal that are stylish and offer a top-notch finish.
Despite offering a superior writing experience, some pens in the package have sharp points that could tear the paper if you use a lot of force while writing. I recommend holding the pen lightly as you write to prevent creating a mess on the form.
Best with buckle clip
Tatuo 24 Pack Shuttle Pens
Tatuo 24 Pack Shuttle Pens
The pens come in a pack of twenty-four pieces. The large number ensures you have replacement pens, which makes for a good gift for nurses who often need a pen. Even though the ink is refillable, some users find that the price is affordable enough to dispose of empty ones and buy a whole new pack.
- Features:
- Durability:
- Comfort:
- Value for money:
Having pens of different colors makes color-coding easy. However, the Tatuo 24 Pack Shuttle Pens with Buckle Clips make it even easier by having four different ink colors in one barrel. Changing color between blue, black, red, or green is as easy as a simple click.
These pens have a weight of 12.6 ounces and a size of 5.51 x 4.72 x 0.59 inches. Their size makes them portable since you can fit them easily in your pocket or purse. Nurses can easily clip these pens on their badges for convenience. Since they are retractable, storing them is easy, and their use is more convenient.
Tatuo pens are superior products. But, they are less appealing due to their wide barrels. However, having multiple ink chambers improves functionality, which triumphs appearance when choosing a pen.
Best for nursing students
BestGrew 10pcs Doctor and Nurse Pens
BestGrew 10pcs Doctor and Nurse Pens
The Best Crew pens’ unique design and value for money make it an excellent investment. It is best for personal use or as a gift to someone in the medical profession.
- Features:
- Durability:
- Comfort:
- Value for money:
Best Grew doctor and nurse ballpoint pens have an attractive design that makes them appealing to nursing students. They have doctor /nurse cartoon faces at the back of every product. Their dimensions are 6.1 x 4.8 x 1.3 inches and weigh 5.6 ounces. The product makes a perfect gift for nursing students, nurses, doctors, and co-workers.
The unique pens are black and 100% new. They write well, and they are also available in various colors. One package comes with ten pieces enabling you to replace them after a long service. I recommend refilling the ink if it runs out to give the pens a longer service life.
The pens are made of Polymer clay that is long-lasting. The material also makes them easy to hold and comfortable to use. Since they are retractable, you can safely store them and conveniently use them when you need to write.
However, it is vital to note that the pens’ material makes them susceptible to breakage. It is best to handle them with care and avoid dropping them to prevent breaking.
What to look for in a good pen for nurses
Before purchasing a pen for a nurse, there are various factors that you need to consider. Unlike other pens, it should offer comfort and write well for an extended period.
You need to consider the following factors before making that critical choice.
The size of the pen
The first thing that you need to consider is the size of the pen. You should pick one with a comfortable barrel diameter for easy gripping and writing comfort. It should fit well within your grip so as not to cause any discomfort when used extensively over time. To select the best size, you need to try out different pens with different diameters to know the perfect size for your hands.
You should avoid thin pens as they can cause strain to your hands and fingers.
The material of the pen
You should also consider the type of materials used in making the pen for durability and comfortability. The best material for a nurse’s pen is plastic material as it is lightweight and very durable. The product should also have a material that does not slip from your hands to avoid creating a mess. Anti-slip material gives you a better grip and helps prevent the pen from falling to the ground while using it.
I recommend keeping off pen materials that are slippery and not durable. They can wear off within a short time, which is not what you need as a nurse.
The tip of the pen
There are pens with fine tips, medium tips, and broad tips. A fine-tipped pen is ideal for detailed work, while a broad-tipped pen is suitable for filling in large areas quickly. A medium tipped pen falls between these two types, and you can use them for both tasks. If you need to do a lot of detailed work, then go for a fine-tipped pen. A medium tip is best for general use.
It is best to avoid pens with broad tips as they can affect the quality of your work.
The ink of the pen
Most nurses prefer pens with black ink as it is very legible and does not fade over time. However, if you are used to other colors, you can go for a pen with your preferred color ink. Just make sure that the chosen color is easy on the eyes and does not cause eye strain. You can opt for a pen with multiple colors to enable you to switch from one color to another.
However, as a nurse, you need to avoid pens whose ink smears easily as they can destroy your work. I also recommend avoiding those whose ink fades after a short while as you can lose vital information.
The design and style of the pen
When selecting a pen for nurses, you should also consider its design and style. The pen’s design should be such that it does not cause any distraction or hinder your work. It is essential to have a sleek and simple design that will not take away your focus. The style of the pen is also essential. You need to consider if it will match the other equipment you are using.
You should avoid pens with too many designs ornaments on them as they can be a distraction. A simple design without any distractions is ideal for nurses.
The weight of the pen
Weight is an essential factor to consider when selecting a pen for a nurse. Some pens are lightweight, while others are too heavy and bulky. The weight of a pen depends on the material used to make it. An ideal pen weight for a nurse is heavy enough to provide a sturdy grip for effortless writing but not too heavy to weigh down your hand and cause fatigue.
Lightweight pens can also affect the accuracy of your handwriting when in use over a long period. If you plan to write with it continuously, you should go for a heavier pen.
The price of the pen
If you want to save some cash, it is essential to consider the prices of different pens before choosing. Brands have varying prices for their products, so it is best to choose one with an affordable price tag without compromising quality if you are on a tight budget. You can also choose to go for branded pens if you have the money as they offer high-quality products. It is best to ensure that the brand you select is reputable and has a good customer service record.
In that regard, avoid expensive pens that are not of good quality. The last thing you need is a pen that will fail to serve its purpose when you need it.
Retractable or capped
Depending on your preference, you can choose a capped or retractable pen. Both pens have pros and cons, so it is essential to consider which one works best for you. A retracted pen can extend the nib when in use, while a cap prevents dirt from getting into the tip and causing damage and drying out of ink if not in use. Most nurses prefer retractable pens as they are easy to use and maintain, while others enjoy using capped ones because of their appearance.
A retractable or capped pen with the right features is what you need as a nurse for easy writing without errors.
FAQ
How do retractable pens for nurses work?
Retractable pens have a mechanism to extend the pen when in use and when in storage. All you need to do is hold down the clip and slide the pen until it is fully extended. You need to hold down the clip and slide it back in until it clicks into place to retract the pen.
Retractable pens are easy to use, making them excellent for most nurses. They are also easy to maintain as you do not have to worry about the ink getting into the cap and drying out.
What is the ideal weight of a nurse pen?
An ideal pen should weigh approximately 0.25 ounces. It needs to be heavy enough to provide you with a sturdy grip, but not extremely heavy as it weighs down your hand, causing fatigue. Pens that are too light can affect how accurate your handwriting is when using them for long periods. It means that if you are planning to write with it continuously, then I recommend a heavier pen.
Why do nurses prefer a black pen?
Most nurses prefer black pens as they are easy to read and do not show any smudges or mistakes. They also match with all nursing uniforms and equipment. A black pen is a must-have for every nurse. You can select those that come in various colors if you want to add some personality to your writing. It can also help in organizing your notes.
What should I look for when purchasing a nurse pen?
When purchasing a nurse pen, you should consider the weight, price, retractability or capping mechanism, and color of the pen. Choosing a reputable brand with a good customer service record is also essential. Perfect weight for a nurse pen enables you to write for long periods without fatigue, while an affordable price allows you to purchase multiple products. The retractability or capping mechanism makes a pen easy to use.
What are some common problems with nurse pens?
The most common problem with nurse pens is the ink leaking and getting into the cap. It can damage your papers when this happens, making them challenging to read. Another problem is when the pen does not write smoothly or the ink smudges. It can be frustrating, especially if you are in a hurry.
The best way to avoid these problems is by choosing a quality pen that comes from a reputable brand. Before purchasing it, you should also read reviews to ensure that it writes smoothly without any smudging.
Final verdict
The best pen has the ideal weight, fine point, affordable and perfect size. It is also essential to purchase pens from a reputable brand to ensure quality. Pens that leak and smudge can be frustrating. It is best to avoid these issues by choosing one of the reviewed pens in this article. I wish you all the best as you choose the perfect nurse pen.
