foldable clipboards

The 6 Best Foldable Nursing Clipboards

Written by: Kristine Thorndyke

Foldable Nursing clipboards are one of the most helpful investment a nurse can make. Whether you’re a nursing student just starting clinicals, a new nurse, or an older nurse, there’s a clipboard that suits your needs.

Still studying for the NCLEX? Check out our main NCLEX page for more resources! 

In a hurry? Here are our top 3 picks:

Best Budget
Best Overall
Best Lightweight
Primary Rating:
4.5
Primary Rating:
5.0
Primary Rating:
5.0
$11.99$8.23
$24.97$17.97
$38.95
Best Budget
Best Lightweight
12/02/2024 06:54 pm GMT

The 6 Best Nursing Clipboards

Tribe RN Foldable Nursing Clipboard

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Best Designed Clipboard

This helpful design has everything you need in a nursing clipboard, making it at the top of our list of the best nursing clipboards! The front has a place for you to store information and clip your writing utensils, while the back has quickly accessible medical references printed. It’s a great nursing student clipboard as well as for practicing nurses alike, especially because the HIPAA-compliant storage space lets you store sensitive patient documents.

This nursing folding clipboard comes in five different colors: black, pink, red, purple, and light blue. The included reference sheet is color coded, so you can find relevant information quickly. It’s a great option if you want a vibrant nursing clipboard that reflects your ideal aesthetic, while also protecting your patient information and giving you ample storage space.

  • Color-coded clinical cheat sheet
  • Can access additional online cheat sheets for free
  • Can also be purchased with additional cheat sheets here
Best Overall
Nursing Clipboard with Storage and Clinical Cheat Sheet by Tribe RN Nursing Clipboard with Storage and Clinical Cheat Sheet by Tribe RN
5.0
$24.97 $17.97

Imagine having an all-in-one folding clipboard with reference sheets for easy look-up of information.. well now you can with the Tribe RN foldable nursing clipboard!

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12/03/2024 12:44 am GMT

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Whitecoat Foldable Nursing Clipboard

Most Lightweight Nursing Clipboard

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This is a full sized nursing clipboard made from lightweight aluminum construction that I found super lightweight when testing the product. The design is HIPAA compliant, ensuring that it can be used to hold sensitive patient documents and information and makes for a high-quality medical clipboard. It’s also great for holding important medical reminders and cheat sheets.

The foldable clipboard is made for students, nurses, and other medical professionals. Of the different options for foldable nursing clipboards, this one is one of the only designs to include a powder-coated finish, which helps with lasting durability. This is one of our favorite foldable clipboards of the year!

  • HIPAA compliant
  • Powder-coated finish
  • Cheat sheets are nursing-specific
Most Lightweight
WhiteCoat Clipboard - Nursing Edition WhiteCoat Clipboard - Nursing Edition
5.0
$38.95

A foldable clipboard made from sturdy, yet lightweight aluminum.

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12/02/2024 09:49 pm GMT

Officemate Portable Clipboard Storage Case

Best Foldable Clipboard with a Handle

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This nursing clipboard with storage functions can double as a briefcase! Not only is there an excellent nursing clipboard, but the case has a large inner pocket that can hold letter-sized papers. Three smaller outer pockets are also included so that you can organize small articles, pencils, and pens. One of the outer pockets is even magnetized for further ease of use.

There are separate filing pockets for business cards and CDs, ensuring no CDs get scratched or damaged due to use. The clasp system comes with a strong clip, and there’s also an ergonomic hand grip included.

Overall, this is a great investment if you have accessories you need to carry around in addition to a clipboard. The CD holder in particular makes it an excellent medical clipboard option for nursing students and medical professionals on-the-go.

  • Ergonomic hand grip
  • Heavy duty clasp system
  • Lots of storage space
Best Clipboard with Handle
Officemate Portable Clipboard Storage Case Officemate Portable Clipboard Storage Case
4.5
$25.36

This is a super handy clipboard with an ergonomic handle for easy carrying to-and-fro.

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12/02/2024 07:24 pm GMT

Related: Shop The Best Medical Scissors Guide

Saunders SlimMate Nursing Clipboard

Most Sleek Nursing Clipboard

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This plastic foldable clipboard comes in an 8.5 x 12 inch size, making it perfect for standard sized papers but also can be used as a medical clipboard. It’s manufactured by Americans who are blind. The foldable clipboard opens from the top rather than the side, making it easy to open with one hand. This can be especially helpful for nurses who are trying to multitask!

The thin construction offers a sturdy nursing clipboard along with 3/4 of an inch of storage space. It can hold an entire pad of paper, loose sheets, and writing utensils.

This foldable nurse clipboard construction material is durable polypropylene, and the snap closure keeps all stored materials protected from the elements and potential impacts on-the-job. The smooth writing surface can hold multiple sheets of paper simultaneously. It’s easy to slip into a bag or larger storage space, but it’s also easy to carry around on its own. Though it lacks an ergonomic hand trip, the ability to open the storage space with one hand is invaluable for busy nurses juggling multiple tasks.

  • Made from durable polypropylene
  • Strong clip holds 1/2 inch of paper
  • Colorful design options
Most Sleek
Saunders SlimMate Plastic Storage Clipboard with Low Profile Clip Saunders SlimMate Plastic Storage Clipboard with Low Profile Clip
5.0
$14.99 $11.99

This is a super sleek and lightweight clipboard made from durable polypropylene.

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12/02/2024 09:45 pm GMT

Related: Stay Organized With This Digital Nursing School Planner

Officemate Antimicrobial Slim Clipboard

Best Antimicrobial Clipboard

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This is among the best foldable nursing clipboards and comes in five potential colors, from a professional black and dark green to a more fun blue, purple, and pink. It’s perfect for anyone who’s frequently on the go. This nurse clipboard is a combination of traditional clipboards and additional storage space, so you can keep track of your important papers.

You can also attach writing utensils such as paper and pens. The low profile metal clip and ergonomic hand grips make it ideal to carry around portably. It’s also built with antimicrobial protection, ensuring that it’s ideal for the average medical professional.

When closed, the clipboard functions exactly like any nursing clipboard, with a helpful plastic pocket to hold writing utensils. Opened up, it can hold pads of paper along with other thin sheets of information and accessories. Some people find it helpful to invest in a perfectly-sized pad of paper to tuck inside the clipboard. It can hold patient notes, to-do lists, and important reminders.

  • Ergonomic finger grips
  • Helpful pencil compartment
  • Affordable price
Best Antimicrobial
Officemate Slim Clipboard Storage Box Officemate Slim Clipboard Storage Box
5.0
$14.16

Who can resist a handy foldable clipboard that also features antimicrobial protection!?

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12/02/2024 09:46 pm GMT

Dexas Slim Nursing Clipboard

Best Budget Clipboard

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This foldable nursing clipboard is convenient for carrying as well as easy on the wallet. Like most of the other foldable clipboards that made our list, this medical clipboard will latch close securely, keeping all items inside of it safe from weather or spills. Secure latching is key for nurses, as you don’t want any unwanted liquids making it onto your belongings.

  • Made in the USA
  • Outside steel clip
Best Budget
Slimcase 2 Storage Clipboard with Side Opening Slimcase 2 Storage Clipboard with Side Opening
4.5
$11.99 $8.23

With 19 fun and neon color options, these are some affordable foldable clipboards for nurses looking to add a pop of color to their uniform.

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12/02/2024 06:54 pm GMT

What to Look for in a Nursing Clipboard

1. Sturdiness

You don’t want your nursing clipboard to fall apart. You should be able to carry the nursing clipboard without worrying about your storage space or the safety of your documents. Make sure to invest in a nursing clipboard that has an adequate amount of storage space, and whose construction is made from durable materials. Said material should also be easy to clean. When you purchase foldable clipboards, make sure that the clasp is tight and strong, so there’s no risk that your papers might fly everywhere unexpectedly.

For those looking for sturdy nursing clipboard, you can’t go wrong with the Saunders SlimMate Clipboard.

Saunders SlimMate Plastic Storage Clipboard with Low Profile Clip Saunders SlimMate Plastic Storage Clipboard with Low Profile Clip
5.0
$14.99 $11.99

This is a super sleek and lightweight clipboard made from durable polypropylene.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/02/2024 09:45 pm GMT

2. Foldable

The majority of nursing clipboards are now foldable, and with good reason. The benefit of having a folding nursing clipboard is that you can conveniently fold it for easy transportation and storage. All of the clipboards on this list feature a foldable design, and we recommend opting for this design.

3. Security

The security of your documents is especially important in the nursing field. HIPAA has strict compliance rules regarding the way you store patient documents. You’ll want to be sure that any nursing clipboard you invest in is HIPAA compliant, which means that any patient documents are secured and well-hidden from prying eyes. For HIPAA-compliant clipboards, consider the Tribe RN clipboard.

Nursing Clipboard with Storage and Clinical Cheat Sheet by Tribe RN Nursing Clipboard with Storage and Clinical Cheat Sheet by Tribe RN
5.0
$24.97 $17.97

Imagine having an all-in-one folding clipboard with reference sheets for easy look-up of information.. well now you can with the Tribe RN foldable nursing clipboard!

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/03/2024 12:44 am GMT

4. Organization

Organizational tools are a nurse’s best friend. Your storage space should have at least some organizational quality to it; you should be able to store pads of paper, patient documents, and writing utensils comfortably. Some foldable clipboards have multiple internal and external storage compartments like Officemate’s portable clipboard.

Officemate Slim Clipboard Storage Box Officemate Slim Clipboard Storage Box
5.0
$14.16

Who can resist a handy foldable clipboard that also features antimicrobial protection!?

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/02/2024 09:46 pm GMT

There are even magnetic capabilities attached to some, perfect if you have heavy magnetized pens or other such writing utensils. Keep the organization rolling with these top backpacks for nurses or invest in some highly organized nursing bags

Nurse Clipboards FAQ

Why do nurses need clipboards?

Clipboards are used by nurses and medical professionals to keep important notes about patients as well as storing small items.

What’s the best foldable nursing clipboard with storage?

Nurses recommend the Saunders Storage Clipboard Box for its storage space, which can fit small items such as pens, documents, and loose papers.

Are all nurse clipboards HIPAA compliant?

It’s recommended to check when purchasing your nursing clipboard that it includes HIPAA compliance.

Best Folding Nurse Clipboards – Wrap Up

Whether you are seeking a foldable clipboard that is HIPAA compliant or simply seeking something to keep you organized, you can’t go wrong with any of these 6 in our list.

If you’re still not sure which clipboard to buy, then consider opting for our top pick by Tribe RN.

Best Overall
Nursing Clipboard with Storage and Clinical Cheat Sheet by Tribe RN Nursing Clipboard with Storage and Clinical Cheat Sheet by Tribe RN
5.0
$24.97 $17.97

Imagine having an all-in-one folding clipboard with reference sheets for easy look-up of information.. well now you can with the Tribe RN foldable nursing clipboard!

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/03/2024 12:44 am GMT

Have you purchased any of these nursing clipboards or foldable clipboards yet? Which one? How do you like it? Share your thoughts with us by commenting below!

Looking for more nursing tools? Shop our favorite nursing penlights!

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