Work bags: What do you take and what's in it?

Trekfan · Jul 31, 2011

I am starting a new job tomorrow and and just started cleaning out my work bag...what a mess! I've carried the same huge Vera Bradley tote for a little over a year and it's filled to the brim with a bunch of old bills, lotion, carbon copies of PTO requests, etc.
What do you use to carry your stuff to work? I probably need to downgrade to something smaller as my new work environment is cramped. What do you put in it? I have a makeup bag, extra car key, calendar, change, a calculator, my badge, pens, pencils and highlighters.

EVERYTHING thats not nailed down:) lets see I take , money ,pens ,meds,bc,snacks,dog food ,water , extra socks,tape ,clamps,pads ,lotion, old paychecks,bills, glouce meater ,what ever I need that day , change , epi pen , q tips, slipper socks?,

we'll thats all I can think of right now

Trekfan · Jul 31, 2011

i have a big red tote bag that i found at a thrift store for $.50.
i am embarrassed to admit that i carry a lot of junk in it:
pens (a pencil pouch)
feminine goods
planner
book
makeup bag (chap stick, and lipstick)
playtex sport wipes to freshen up
badge with locker key attached
travel size lotion
deodorant
mints/gum
in my car i keep an extra pair of scrubs, socks, and underwear. a few nights ago i got peed on and didn't have anything to change into. lesson learned!
i take a small lunch box and a covered insulated cup. a sandwich bag has utensils in it because it is impossible to find a fork/spoon when i need one

i have to ask how did that happen ?

pinkiepie_RN · Aug 1, 2011

I carry a messenger bag and my purse. I mean only to use my messenger bag to keep my clipboard in, but inevitably it holds the following as well:

shift brains
pens/pencils/highlighters
sodas
snack food
steth
bandaging supplies/ETOH wipes

People always ask me why it's so heavy. I didn't realize today until I took out 2 bottles of soda exactly *WHY* it was so heavy all the time. After all, all I do is keep my clipboard in it!

Trekfan · Aug 1, 2011

I am starting a new job tomorrow and and just started cleaning out my work bag...what a mess! I've carried the same huge Vera Bradley tote for a little over a year and it's filled to the brim with a bunch of old bills, lotion, carbon copies of PTO requests, etc.
What do you use to carry your stuff to work? I probably need to downgrade to something smaller as my new work environment is cramped. What do you put in it? I have a makeup bag, extra car key, calendar, change, a calculator, my badge, pens, pencils and highlighters.

OH yes I forgot I always try to carry a valum to work because you just never know win the sh#t is going to hit the fan you might need one !:)

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Aug 1, 2011

Adult, pediatric and infant stethoscopes. A drug book and neofax. lunch money, bottled water, gum, a pack of black pens, highlighters and extra fine sharpies.

I also carry a small notebook, a small calendar, lotion, hair ties, feminie products and a small makeup bag.

I never really know where I will be working so I need to be prepared.

FancypantsRN · Aug 1, 2011

Wow, I am grossly unprepared. I carry no bag. Just some pens, trauma shears and a lipstick in my lab coat pocket. I would be up the creek if I needed anything else!

melmarie23, MSN, RN · Aug 1, 2011

I carry my breast pump in it tote bag. Along with my pump, and bottles, it also has my wallet, keys, sunglasses, daily planner/calendar, lotion, gum, pens, work folder with misc paperwork. I wear my name tag and steth on my person when I go in. If I carry another bag, its usually just my lunch bag.

CarolinaGirl1112 · Aug 1, 2011

I'm just a Nursing Assistant student in clinicals, but I thought I'd contribute :)

In my bag:

Stethoscope

List of medical abbreviations

chapstick

extra hair ties

sugarless gum

hand sanitizer

hand lotion

wallet

extra pens/highlighters/sharpies

CPR face mask

NACES skills booklet

Photobook with pictures of my beautiful little girl

2 Fiber bars

Change for vending machines/lunch

Miniature flashlight

Feminine hygiene products

ID Badge and parking deck card

Just wanted to add, on the first day of clinicals, my instructor (who is an RN) brought what she called a "Survival Bag." It was a bag that had cereal bars, a little bit of money(in case someone forgot their lunch), tampons, band-aids, and tylenol. I thought it was so sweet of her, and she said she's a Mom so she can't help it, lol.

Katie5 · Aug 1, 2011

I take a backpack.
Currently has:
Pens
Lunch
Pocket mask
Rain Jacket since the weather is ridiculous lately

Laptop/charger???

creative scholar · Aug 1, 2011

In my locker are all of my scrubs/scrub jackets neatly folded (we are required to change into our scrubs when we get to the unit) sneakers, socks, feminine products, old papers, notebook, infant/adult stethescope, pens, reference text.

So in my purse is the following: keys, vaseline (for my lips) tylenol (when stress at work builds up), calculator, water bottle, and snacks (apple, carrots, yogurt, gum). i usually eat dinner before I go into work. i leave eveything at work that i really need in my locker, this way im carrying as minimial as possible back and forth to work.

Poi Dog · Aug 1, 2011

I have to ask HOW did that happen ?

During a brief change while the male resident was turned towards me. I forgot to put a barrier between me and the resident...I remembered when I felt some wetness on my left pant leg. :eek:

blackbird singing · Aug 1, 2011

During a brief change while the male resident was turned towards me. I forgot to put a barrier between me and the resident...I remembered when I felt some wetness on my left pant leg.

OMG oh no!! I might have to start keeping an extra pair of scrubs in my locker! haha