Nurse Jen's Trusted Recommendations
Practical products I genuinely recommend after more than 30 years as a registered nurse
A Personal Note From Nurse Jen
Over the past 30+ years as a registered nurse, patients, friends, and now many of you on YouTube have asked me questions like "What blood pressure monitor should I buy?" or "Is there a pill organizer you actually recommend?"
Rather than answering those questions one at a time, I created this page. Every product here is something I recommend because it's practical, reliable, and solves a real problem I've seen during my nursing career.
I hope this page saves you time, helps you avoid wasting money on products that don't work well, and makes it a little easier to stay healthy, safe, and independent.
This page is a work in progress. As I continue making videos and answering your questions, I'll keep adding products that I genuinely recommend and personally believe can make life a little easier.
Health Monitoring
Omron Silver Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor
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Why I recommend it
If you're monitoring your blood pressure at home, I generally recommend an upper-arm monitor rather than a wrist monitor because they're typically more accurate when used correctly. The most important thing is using the same validated monitor consistently and following the instructions carefully.
đź’ˇ Nurse Jen's Tip
Your blood pressure monitor is only as helpful as the technique you use. Sit quietly for at least 5 minutes before taking a reading, keep both feet flat on the floor, support your arm at heart level, and avoid talking during the measurement. Most importantly, don't panic over one unusual reading. Trends over time are usually much more valuable than a single number.
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Zacurate Pro Series 500DL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
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Why I recommend it
A pulse oximeter can be a useful tool if you have a heart or lung condition—or if your healthcare provider has asked you to monitor your oxygen levels at home. I like this model because it's simple to use, has a large, easy-to-read display, and doesn't overwhelm people with unnecessary features.
đź’ˇ Nurse Jen's Tip
A pulse oximeter is just one piece of information. Don't rely on the number alone. If you're feeling short of breath, having chest pain, or simply feel like something isn't right, seek medical attention even if the reading looks normal. The FDA also recommends paying attention to your symptoms, not just the device reading.
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Vicks RapidRead Digital Thermometer
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Why I recommend it
Every home should have a reliable digital thermometer. I recommend a fast oral thermometer because it's simple to use, provides accurate readings when used correctly, and doesn't rely on forehead or no-touch technology, which can sometimes be affected by technique or environmental conditions.
đź’ˇ Nurse Jen's Tip
A normal temperature doesn't always mean everything is okay.
As we get older, serious infections sometimes cause only a mild fever—or even no fever at all. If you have shaking chills, confusion, shortness of breath, severe weakness, or you simply feel much sicker than the thermometer suggests, don't ignore your symptoms. Always pay attention to how you feel, not just the number on the screen.
Managing Medications
AUVON Weekly AM/PM Pill Organizer
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Why I recommend it
One of the simplest ways to reduce medication mistakes is to organize your medications before the week begins. A weekly pill organizer makes it much easier to see whether you've taken your medications and can help prevent accidentally skipping—or doubling—a dose. I prefer organizers with large compartments and secure lids that are easy to open but stay closed when dropped or carried in a bag.
đź’ˇ Nurse Jen's Tip
Fill your pill organizer on the same day every week—Sunday afternoon works well for many people. And don't throw away your prescription bottles. Keep them in a safe place so you always have the original labels, dosing instructions, and pharmacy information if questions come up.
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Ezy Dose Medication Security Storage Lockbox
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Why I recommend it
Many people think medication safety only applies to children, but that's not always the case. A lock box can help prevent accidental medication mix-ups, protect controlled medications, and give caregivers greater peace of mind.
đź’ˇ Nurse Jen's Tip
Store medications in a cool, dry place—not in the bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and humidity can affect how some medications are stored over time. Unless the label specifically says refrigeration is required, a bedroom dresser or kitchen cabinet away from heat is often a better choice.
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Care2Fit Auto Centering Pill Cutter Device
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Why I recommend it
Trying to split tablets with a kitchen knife often leads to uneven pieces and wasted medication. A proper pill cutter makes it easier to split tablets accurately when it's appropriate to do so. This pill cutter is easy to use, durable and can split multiple pills at once.
đź’ˇ Nurse Jen's Tip
Never split or crush a medication unless your healthcare provider or pharmacist says it's okay. Some tablets—such as extended-release, delayed-release, or enteric-coated medications—should not be cut because doing so can change how the medication works.Jordan Reeves
Living Alone Safely
Medical Guardian Medical Alert System
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Why I recommend it
If you live alone, a medical alert system isn't about expecting something bad to happen—it's about protecting your independence if it does. I've cared for many people who were able to get help quickly because they had a way to call for assistance after a fall or medical emergency. The goal isn't to use it often. The goal is to have it available if you ever need it.
If you spend time outside your home, I'd encourage looking at a GPS-enabled device rather than an in-home-only system.
đź’ˇ Nurse Jen's Tip
A medical alert system only works if you're actually wearing it. I know it isn't the most fashionable accessory, but neither is lying on the floor for hours because you couldn't reach the phone. If you decide to get one, make it part of your daily routine—put it on when you get dressed in the morning and wear it consistently.
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Moen 16-inch SecureMount Grab Bar
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Why I recommend it
One of the easiest ways to reduce your risk of falling is to have something sturdy to hold onto where falls commonly happen—especially getting in and out of the shower or stepping over the edge of a bathtub. I recommend a permanently mounted grab bar because it's designed to support your body weight when installed correctly.
đź’ˇ Nurse Jen's Tip
A grab bar should be installed into wall studs or with hardware specifically designed for your wall type. I don't recommend relying on suction-cup grab bars as your primary safety device. They may be helpful as temporary balance assists on appropriate surfaces, but they are not intended to safely support your full body weight the way a properly installed grab bar can.
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GE Motion-Sensing LED Night Lights
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Why I recommend it
Many falls happen at night when people get up to use the bathroom. A motion-sensing night light gives you enough light to see where you're walking without having to fumble for a light switch or turn on bright overhead lights that can make it harder to get back to sleep. It's a small change that can make your home noticeably safer.
đź’ˇ Nurse Jen's Tip
Place motion lights where you actually walk—not just where they look nice. I recommend thinking about the path from your bed to the bathroom, down hallways, and near any stairs. A few well-placed lights can do far more than one bright light at the end of the hallway.
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🚧 More recommendations are coming!
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I'm continuing to add products that I've found helpful after more than 30 years as a registered nurse. Rather than recommending dozens of products all at once, I'm building this page carefully with items I genuinely trust and would feel comfortable recommending to my own family. Check back from time to time—I'll continue adding new recommendations as I create more videos and discover products I truly believe are worth sharing.
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More Helpful Resources
đź“– Free Guide
If you want to feel more prepared for your next medical appointment, download my free guide:
What To Say At Your Next Doctor Visit
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👩‍⚕️ One-on-One Consultations
If you're dealing with a complex medical situation, helping an aging parent, recovering from a hospitalization, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the healthcare system, I also offer one-on-one Healthcare Consultations.
Together we'll review your situation, answer your questions, and create a personalized action plan so you can move forward with greater confidence.
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I only recommend products that I genuinely believe are helpful and would feel comfortable recommending to my own family.
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