Best Pens Nurses Steal from Each Other

Let’s be honest — in nursing circles, pens disappear faster than lunch breaks. 😂 Whether they’re clipped to lab coats, stuck in badge reels, or borrowed (ahem, appropriated) from a coworker’s pocket, some pens are basically nurse currency.

Why? Because nurses don’t just write — we scribble vitals, chart meds, write care plans, sign shift reports, and jot notes mid-chaos. That means not all pens are created equal — some are reliable, smooth, long-lasting, and perfect for hospital life, and others… become a legend after being stolen 3 shifts in a row.

In this post, we’re breaking down the best pens nurses actually steal — meaning the ones that are dependable, comfortable, and built for the fast pace of real world nursing.

What Makes a Great Nurse Pen?

Before we get into the actual recommendations, here’s what nurses really need in a pen:

• Smooth ink flow — no blotchy writing mid-chart
  
  

• Fast-drying ink — hospital charts wait for no one
  
  

• Comfortable grip — because you write a lot
  
  

• Durability — they get tossed, clipped, and rugged
  
  

• Pocket-friendly — fits badge reels and scrubs pockets
  
  

Now — onto the pens that meet all of those and get “stealing” status in real nurse units.

1. The Classic Gel Pen Nurses Can’t Let Go

This one is the original favorite — smooth gel ink, bold color, and super reliable. Nurses love it because it glides across charts and feels great in hand under pressure.

Real World Nurse Reason:
Smooth like butter, dries fast enough to avoid smudges, and they last surprisingly long.

2. The Fast-Dry Rollerball Pen That Writes When You Don’t Have Seconds

Rollerball pens are known for keeping up with quick note-taking — perfect for when triage blows up or a code page goes off.

Real World Nurse Reason:
If you’re writing fast, this one won’t let you down — and that’s why it tends to cycle through units.

3. The Badge Reel Pen That Never Leaves the Pocket

Some units use pens that clip right on your badge holder — nurses love these because they’re literally right where you need them 24/7.

Real World Nurse Reason:
No more fishing around pockets or bags mid-rush — instant access.

4. The Comfortable Grip Pen for Long Shifts

When you’re charting everything from vitals to care plans over 12 hours, grip matters. This pen has a cushioned grip so your fingers don’t get sore.

Real World Nurse Reason:
Nominal investment for comfort that your hands will thank you for on long shifts.

5. The Multi-Color Set That Nurses Borrow for Organization

Color coding is real in nursing: black for notes, blue for meds, red for alerts — a set like this helps nurses stay organized fast.

Real World Nurse Reason:
Add color coding to your charting and watch the organization magic happen.

6. The Fine-Point Pen That Makes Tiny Notes Legible

Sometimes charts require small, neat handwriting — especially on flowsheets or tight spaces on paper charts.

Real World Nurse Reason:
Perfect for detail work without smearing or bleeding through pages.

Real World Nurse Pen Tips You Didn’t Ask For (But You Need)

📍 Always have backups

Pens disappear like socks in a dryer — always carry at least 2.

📍 Keep a nurse stash

Designate one in your lunch bag or locker so you’re never caught unarmed.

📍 Label your favorites

Cute key tags, sharpies, color dots — nurses with labeled pens are less likely to lose them.

📍 Choose pens that feel good

If it feels cheap or flimsy, you will ditch it mid-shift (and someone else will take it).

See all recommended gear on the Best Nurse Gear page.

Final Thoughts

Nurses don’t really steal pens — we acquire them through force of habit and necessity. 😄 The best pens are the ones that keep up with the pace, feel good while writing, and hold up to the chaos of real world nursing.

Whether you’re charting, writing notes, or jotting reminders during a code, these are the pens nurses keep grabbing — and never giving back.