[risly438]

Hey Everyone...

This fall I start a 2-year RN program and I was curious: what are some things I should buy, ahead of time, that would make school easier? Any specific suggestions or not-on-the-usual-list things people have found helpful? Thanks for the input!


in upstate NY,
Jason

[SteveRN21]

My recommendation would be to get a good laptop (I'm permanently attached to my MacBook) to take to class, or even the local Starbucks to get some studying done...

I also would recommend finding a good monthly or daily planner ( I personally like monthly better, so I can see ahead) and fill in important dates ahead of time, like birthdays, dentist appts, work shifts, class days, etc. Then add in projects and reading assignments once you get your class syllabi.

Get a decent backpack with a laptop pocket, as messenger bags tend to be too small for me. Fill it with:
-Calculator
-Water bottle that won't leak
-thumb drive for papers, etc.
-mini stapler, mini hole punch, white-out, highlighters, pens, index cards, plenty of pencils/erasers for tests.
-medication case with the essentials. Imodium, ibuprofen, allergy pills, etc.

I usually put all the powerpoint slides/notetakers from each class in it's own 1" binder. Once I finish the test for a section, I remove the material for that section and store it for the final. It cuts down on the weight.

Hope this helps, and good luck in school!

[tonomunoz]

Sounds good SteveRn21....I start my two year RN program in the fall, and I was trying to figure out what all to get. There's no supply list, and I didn't want to over do it. Thanks...

antonio

[tanthalas]

If you have access to www.nursingconsult.com, you don't need to buy a lot of texts.

Don't forget to buy your "how to talk to women: volume 1-10" series though.... haha jk

[locolorenzo22]

Comfortable shoes..can make or break you.
Steady, water-reisistant watch- need it for pulses, rates, etc...
clipboard/binder/calculator for papers, etc.
I always kept all my notes in one notebook, and one binder per class...made it easy to find. and could keep powerpoints in there.
bandage sissors, pens/highlighters/sharpies, etc....came in handy more days than not.

[BradleyRN]

Get a good digital recorder to tape your classes. Get one that holds at least 24 hours. They have a USB port and transfer the data to your pc as waves which can then be burned to CD and listened to in the car. It will certainly make you a better student and all you have to do is drive!

[dan1100rt]

Check if your program requires you to have a stethoscope and a penlight (mine did).
I went through a lot of pens and highlighters with all of the reading and note-taking. Several different colors of highlighters can be helpful when you're reading - different colors can mean different things (e.g. yellow for informational; blue for definition, etc. - you'll come up with your own system)
If your professors post their lectures electronically and you choose to print them for class, invest in the higher-capacity print cartridges (or a home laser printer if you have the $).
If you're buying a laptop, Apple does offer a 10% student discount, or check their refurbished laptops - the Macbooks are a good starter laptop:
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...&nclm=C61AFE24
(the white Macbooks tend to get dirty around the keyboards - black is better for that)