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

[PediNurse3]

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.

[caliotter3]

First and foremost keep room for food, snacks, drinks, candy, gum, you know, the important stuff.

[BrazoriaLVN]

B/P cuff, stethoscope, clipboard, and most importantly extra feminine products

[K nurse-one-day]

snacks, mints, candy, gum, makeup, old papers, my nursing school books to study if i get down time (Im a tech), pens, my badge, a sweater, steth

[Poi Dog]

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

[coolpeach]

I take a backpack and a lunch kit.

Front pocket: Steth, badge, watch (all my other nursing stuff I keep in a bag in my locker).

Middle pocket: Gum, mints, body spray, lotion, keys, electronic cigarettes, cell phone cord, extra cell phone battery.

Back Big Pocket: tampons, hair clips, Tylenol, Pepcid, cough drops, brush, a little pouch with travel toothbrush, toothpaste, hair spray, mouthwash, a jacket, and my tens unit.

My lunch is usually some soup, a sandwich, and lots of munchie stuff like crackers, fruit, cheese, peanuts, chips etc. In addition, I usually have a monster, or 5 hour energy just in case I need it at 3am.

[prettymica, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN, APRN, NP]

I have a midsized bag.. i have steth, thermometer, bp cuff( auto and manual), pulse ox.. reference manuals.. gum, lotion,snacks, books and magazines that i never read, extras of nurses notes we never seem to have any at one of my jobs and PTO requests forms.. wallet from purse.

[RNperdiem, RN]

I carry a backpack.

Front compartment: cell phone and keys

Middle: pens, pencil, travel size container of asprin, calculator, lipstick and mints

Back: clipboard with bus schedule, lunch bag, teacup, magazine and a stethescope.

[JRP1120, RN]

I start my first nursing job this Wed - finally! :) These are great ideas, thanks for posting!

I will be adding my small container of Vicks vapo rub to put under my nose to stave off the nasty smells!

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

I take a backpack.

Currently has:

Laptop/charger

Pens

Lunch

Pocket mask

Rain Jacket since the weather is ridiculous lately

[raincitynurse]

Canvas tote (easy to wash!)

Inside: food bars, extra pens, stehescope, change purse, pop chips, girlie care products..

Lucky I scored a locker which is overflowing with stuff! Coffee mug, drink mixes, more food bars, work shoes, spare scrubs and jacket, a book I never read, piles of paper, and my"nurse purse" (specially made nurses hip bag that is crammed with swabs, shears, stickers, you get the idea)

Good greif! I sound like I live at the hospital!!

[MKS8806]

I have a small bag. I am on the nursing council, so I have a one subject paper notebook, and a folder with important notes and papers from meetings in. I also take my planner, tylenol, excedrine and advil migraine, and easy mac. I also take a lunch box with my food. I keep my stethoscope and pens in my locker at work.