Simplemost is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Nurse Scissors | 2023

Last updated on September 2, 2022
Best Nurse Scissors

Why Trust The Simplemost Score?

Simplemost is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to.Learn more.

Look for the Simplemost seal for products that are the best in a category.

Our Picks For The Top Nurse Scissors

Show Contents
Our Take
  Top Pick

Madison Supply Professional Nurse Scissors, 7.5-Inch

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Madison Supply

Professional Nurse Scissors, 7.5-Inch

Overall Take

Non-Stick SurfaceThere is a durable fluoride coating on these autoclavable nurse scissors.

  Runner Up

Prestige Medical Stainless Steel Nurse Scissors, 5.5-Inch

Prestige Medical

Stainless Steel Nurse Scissors, 5.5-Inch

Overall Take

Cute DesignThese nurse scissors have cheerful daisies on the blades.

  Strong Contender

Artzone Lister Compact Nurse Scissors, 5.5-Inch

Artzone

Lister Compact Nurse Scissors, 5.5-Inch

Overall Take

Cool LookThese unique nurse scissors are colored like a metallic rainbow.

  Also Great

A2Z SCILAB Anti-Rust Medical Nurse Scissors, 3.5-Inch

A2Z SCILAB

Anti-Rust Medical Nurse Scissors, 3.5-Inch

Overall Take

Blunted Tip for SafetyThe ergonomic handle on these nurse scissors will keep hands from becoming fatigued after a long shift.

Guide written by Anam Ahmed
Last updated on September 2, 2022

If you work in the medical field, it’s important to have a good pair of nurse scissors, sometimes referred to as bandage scissors. These scissors are unique because of their design. Instead of a straight blade like most scissors, the blade in nurse scissors is angled. This makes it easy to cut through bandages quickly and easily. The blade is also serrated, making the cutting action smoother.

The most common size of nurse scissors is 7 1/2  inches. This works for most adult hand sizes. However, you can also find smaller scissors, around 5 1/2 inches. Just make sure that the finger holes of the scissors are big enough for your digits.

If you are using the scissors in a medical capacity, then opt for a pair that are autoclavable. This means that they can be properly sterilized after using with the pressured steam inside an autoclave machine. If the scissors are not autoclavable, then they will begin to rust during this process. The steam can also cause the blades of the scissors to dull.

The Best Nurse Scissors

1
  Top Pick

Madison Supply Professional Nurse Scissors, 7.5-Inch

These nurse scissors have a durable fluoride coating, making them non-stick. They have a tactical design which enables them to cut through tough materials. The scissors are autoclavable.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Madison Supply
Model
2
  Runner Up

Prestige Medical Stainless Steel Nurse Scissors, 5.5-Inch

These unique nurse scissors have a fun design on the blades with white and yellow daisies. They are autoclavable and can be sanitized.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Prestige Medical
Model
3
  Strong Contender

Artzone Lister Compact Nurse Scissors, 5.5-Inch

You won’t mix up these nurse scissors with someone else's, due to their unique rainbow design. They are designed to cut through any type of bandage. The titanium-coated steel will not rust or corrode.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Artzone
Model
4
  Also Great

A2Z SCILAB Anti-Rust Medical Nurse Scissors, 3.5-Inch

The first thing you'll notice about these nurse scissors is their bright rainbow color. The second is the solid stainless steel construction that resists rust and wear. The scissors are also covered with a nonstick coating to keep them from sticking to a patient's clothing or bandaging.

Features


Specifications

Brand
A2Z SCILAB
Model

Our Nurse Scissors Buying Guide

If you work in the medical field, it’s important to have a good pair of nurse scissors, sometimes referred to as bandage scissors. These scissors are unique because of their design. Instead of a straight blade like most scissors, the blade in nurse scissors is angled. This makes it easy to cut through bandages quickly and easily. The blade is also serrated, making the cutting action smoother.

The most common size of nurse scissors is 7 1/2  inches. This works for most adult hand sizes. However, you can also find smaller scissors, around 5 1/2 inches. Just make sure that the finger holes of the scissors are big enough for your digits.

If you are using the scissors in a medical capacity, then opt for a pair that are autoclavable. This means that they can be properly sterilized after using with the pressured steam inside an autoclave machine. If the scissors are not autoclavable, then they will begin to rust during this process. The steam can also cause the blades of the scissors to dull.

Simplemost Fun Fact

Nurse scissors are often confused with trauma scissors. However, they are not one and the same. Nurse scissors have a thin blade with a dull tip and are best used for bandages. Their design makes it easy to slide a pair of nurse scissors underneath bandages without poking or cutting the patient.

Trauma scissors, on the other hand, are heavy-duty, and made for thicker materials, like denim, leather and webbing. They can also cut through wire. Trauma scissors are also typically larger in size than nurse scissors. They are meant for high-stress situations like emergencies, where time is of the essence and clothing or other materials need to be cut away within seconds.

The Nurse Scissors Tips and Advice

  • Opt for durable materials when looking for the best nurse scissors. Metal alloy blades are your best choice as they can be sanitized and cleaned properly. Metals are also non-porous, so they will not retain bacteria. Stainless steel is a common material used to make nurse scissors. It is a highly durable metal that is autoclavable. Some professionals prefer bonded titanium because it is three times stronger than stainless steel and can cut through thick materials like leather.
  • If you will be cutting through sticky materials like tape, opt for stainless steel nurse scissors that have a fluoride coating. This makes them non-stick. If there is no coating, it may be difficult to cut through sticky materials with ease.
  • If you are looking for nurse scissors with padded handles, you will need to ensure that the padding is made from a non-porous material and that it can be sanitized. Otherwise, the padding material on the handles can carry bacteria, which may lead to infections if you are using them around open wounds.

About The Author

Anam Ahmed 

Anam Ahmed is a professional copywriter and essayist based in Toronto. She has been writing on technology, travel, parenting, and business for over 10 years, and works with a number of high-profile organizations. Highly interested in personal health and wellness, she values finding the best products that help people regain their vitality. Anam earned a master's degree from the University of Toronto and a bachelor's degree from Queen's University.