Crap! Am I a crusty old bat nurse?? Carrying pens...

[klone]

So I've noticed an interesting phenomenon lately. Our unit regularly gets students of various kinds - nursing, EMT, APN, etc. The nursing and EMT students sit in on report. Because they come to the unit often looking lost and uncomfortable and out of place, I try to do my best to get them oriented and comfortable. Explain the report, give them a report sheet and a clipboard and a place to sit.

But one thing I've noticed is that almost always, they don't have a freaking PEN!! I've snapped at a few of them, "Rule number one...ALWAYS have a pen on you!"

Yesterday my charge nurse pointed out that since everything is on the computer, they probably rarely need/use pens. I kind of had an "Oh ****!" moment. Is she right?? Is it actually possible to get through your day as a nurse without needing to carry a pen (or 2 or 4) in your pocket nowadays?

[guest2117]

I cannot work without my 4-color Bic, I keep a spare or two in my locker

Yes! I save the printout reports in case I'm going to have the same patients for 3 nights in a row. I use Black for the first night, Blue for the second night, and green for the third night. Red is for important notes/important things to underline.

[amberdragonfly, ASN]

Soon to graduate student nurse here...we ALWAYS have pens and I can't imagine trying to get through a shift without. I keep 2 different colored pens and a permanent marker on me.

[jodispamodi]

Definitely need a pen, how else to write vs in an emergency? or take report? How do these students take notes in class? You still very much need a pen in the real world for all different reasons.

[Howej1]

Between my locker, my bag I carry to work and my car I bet I have 50 pens. I also have several highlighters to use on discharge instructions. Even if I do not have paper I always have a Pen. When I am at the grocery and not wearing scrubs and I reach for my pen in my scrub pocket(not there of course) I am always disappointed.

[Tenebrae, BSN, RN]

I have at least four pens on me at most times. One for writing, one incase the first pen craps out. One for when someone else wants to borrow one and forgets to return it and at least one in reserve. I also carry several large pieces of paper for when someone rings in and I need to write stuff down in a hurry

[Have Nurse, ADN, RN]

No, you need a pen, in order to write notes on the sacred parchment (AKA paper towels).

That is hilarious! LOL Agreed!!

[Nursetom1963, BSN]

Yes! I save the printout reports in case I'm going to have the same patients for 3 nights in a row. I use Black for the first night, Blue for the second night, and green for the third night. Red is for important notes/important things to underline.

My system is Black for what I look up before shift change (I come in 20-30 minutes early and get the basics down) and what I get in report, Blue for what I find in my assessment, green for things I need to DO, and red for allergies and critical stuff. I save my sheets from day to day, but fill out an new one every day-one per pt. (I never trust my memory-too many years and too many beers)

[klone, MSN, RN]

Maybe paramedics don't need pens? I swear, every single paramedic student that comes through our unit, I have to tell them to go get a GD pen!

[direw0lf, BSN]

Millennial here

I would love small tablets to replace 90% of pen use. (but I always have 2 pens and 1 perm marker in pockets)

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

No, you need a pen, in order to write notes on the sacred parchment (AKA paper towels).

Or, if you work in the OR and A) don't have paper towels readily available and B) don't have to worry about washing the scrubs, your sacred parchment is your scrub pants.

[Twinmom06, ASN, APN]

always have 2 pens in my pocket because if I don't invariably the first one craps out!

[Nonyvole, BSN, RN]

My family finds it funny that a gag gift has turned out to be one of my most valued treasures.

A 6-color pen.

It's currently being held together with silk tape.