Nursing Students General Students
Published Dec 30, 2013
Hello! I will be starting my first semester of nursing school in January and I need a backpack. I am deciding if I should get a rolling backpack or not. Give me advice!!!
besaangel, ASN, BSN, MSN, CNA, RN, APRN, NP
430 Posts
For light days
fūl Backpack Laptop Case BB5242BPGREY - Best Buy
When needed, something like this:
Solo PT136-4 17.3 Inch Rolling Laptop Case Classic Collection
LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN
1 Article; 1,265 Posts
I never thought I would want a rolling one either. But I got one for first semester of NS, a Jansport Driver 8, and it probably saved my back. Those books are huge, not to mention if you have lab that day you'll need to have your lab book(s) and steth and BP cuff yada yada. The Driver 8 is huge and when I have a two class day I can barely close the zipper. But it held up great.
jaycam, RN
1 Article; 459 Posts
Just make sure it is made from durable material. My 1st semester my backpack tore halfway through. My one textbook is 10lbs and we need it every day. Another strategy is to make friends with the person beside you and share the load. We sit at tables of two and the first semester I brought one of the heavy books and my table partner brought the other one, it worked well.
I love this idea. It's important to be able to work with the other students as well. I'm worried I wont know any of my classmates as I can be a bit shy and may be nervous to even start this coversation.
SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP
3,152 Posts
Having survived my 1st semester of nursing school, I can honestly say go for a roller bag! It will save your back & shoulders.
ER(notso)n00b, ASN, RN
184 Posts
I used a rolling backpack for the first semester when we were required to lug a bunch of big books around with us. By second semester, I didn't have to carry much so I switched to a regular backpack. I would wait until your first week of class to get an idea of what you will be expected to bring with you. Also, talk to other students who are further along than you to see what they use.
cate3624
30 Posts
Thanks guys! I have asked older students but they all say it depends on you or they carry all their stuff in an actual backpack.
Fearless_leader
368 Posts
Rolling all the way.
Last week I took one of nursing books with me to work to start reading of course. I carried it in my Jansport backpack. HONEY...... I wish I had used my rolling back pack that day. OMG it was so freaking heavy!! I didn't think it would bother me at all hey it was only one book. I start school as well and ain't know way I will carry any of my books on back again. Gesh....
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Rolling-Fashion-Laptop-Tote-Zebra/29535278
this is the rolling backpack I bought. I love it.
EMT-PJean
61 Posts
Rolling backpack all the way!!! Once you get your nursing textbooks you will be glad!!! If money is tight you can get one for 20-30 dollars on amazon. Name brand Olympia. My nursing classmates and I all bought one with different designs!!!
Caribbean Character
222 Posts
go on LLBean.com they have some good sized rolling backpacks with retractable handles and they are garaunteed for life.
SL2014
198 Posts
Ya, I also didn't every have to carry a whole lot to school. I used a large purse...
akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P
3,498 Posts
Normally I use a roller backpack. I bring my laptop, notepad/notebook, a few pens & pencils, whatever powerpoint printouts needed, and whatever books I need to bring with me. A roller definitely helps out a LOT when it comes to moving quickly... The fact that I can turn it into a regular backpack is a bonus for when I need that extra mobility.
christina731
851 Posts
I always thought rolling backpacks were kind of dorky until I got my first semester nursing books. I had long days with multiple classes/labs and at times needed 4-5 books plus my notebooks. My Jansport driver 8 saved my back and shoulders! And it helps to not have to carry stuff around in my hands for my 15 minute walk from the parking lot to my classroom.