What to bring to classroom/clinical

PixieRN14 · Jun 27, 2013

I have a tote from Thirty One that I use. All I carry with me is my clinical manual, a binder to organize my patients, my stethoscope, pen light and writing implements. I also keep a small bag with breath mints, Chapstick and Advil. Our hospital stores our reference materials and we have Nurse portal, so no need to lug any books with us.

green34 · Jun 27, 2013

I haven't had issues with any clinical instructor about using my cellphone for my drug reference book. I don't wear a watch, instead I use either monitor or the clock on the wall. I bring a penlight, stethoscope, pen, some sort of scissors (either trauma shears or bandage scissors depending on which set I can find, sometimes I bring my hemostats, a mini pocket organizer to keep the pens and scissors in,

The only references you may need is a drugbook and a lab values book at clinical. I don't bring either.

I bring my books to class but I don't think we've ever used them. I may bring powerpoints. I also use my computer to play around on while I listen to te lectures. There are a lot of handouts that we get throughout the semester. I've done a mix of online and on campus classes.

I recommend taking manual blood pressures if you have the equipment. Sadly, a lot of hospitals are taking the manual cuffs out of the room. It's quick and easier to grab a manual blood pressure cuff than to fight for a portable monitor. Not to mention sometimes it's easier. Don't use your own BP cuff unless your school requires you to use it. I would be concern of the liability of getting a wrong BP or having a cheap one that was broken.

I would email your clinical instructor to find out if they have space for you to store a bag. Always keep your wallet, phone, and keys on you.

springchick1, ADN, RN · Jun 27, 2013

I haven't had issues with any clinical instructor about using my cellphone for my drug reference book. I don't wear a watch, instead I use either monitor or the clock on the wall. I bring a penlight, stethoscope, pen, some sort of scissors (either trauma shears or bandage scissors depending on which set I can find, sometimes I bring my hemostats, a mini pocket organizer to keep the pens and scissors in,
The only references you may need is a drugbook and a lab values book at clinical. I don't bring either.
I bring my books to class but I don't think we've ever used them. I may bring powerpoints. I also use my computer to play around on while I listen to te lectures. There are a lot of handouts that we get throughout the semester. I've done a mix of online and on campus classes.
I recommend taking manual blood pressures if you have the equipment. Sadly, a lot of hospitals are taking the manual cuffs out of the room. It's quick and easier to grab a manual blood pressure cuff than to fight for a portable monitor. Not to mention sometimes it's easier. Don't use your own BP cuff unless your school requires you to use it. I would be concern of the liability of getting a wrong BP or having a cheap one that was broken.
I would email your clinical instructor to find out if they have space for you to store a bag. Always keep your wallet, phone, and keys on you.

Every school is going to be different. This poster uses the clock at the hospital, I'm required to have a watch. If I show up without my watch, it's considered not having the uniform on so we get sent home and fail for the day. Other than that, I take a clipboard that opens up and stores things. I keep my pen light, scissors,hemostats, paper, and 2 of those 4 color pens in there.