What do you take to clinicals?

Nursing Students General Students

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I know this question and/or similar questions have been asked, because I searched. Most of those threads are a couple of years old, though. I think this could benefit many of us entering nursing school in the fall. Thankfully, clinicals don't start (for me, anyway) until about the 8th week of classes. I'm just curious about what real life nursing students take to clinicals. According to my program, I must take

- tablet (Kindle, iPad, whatever)

- stethoscope

- clipboard

- hemostats

- bandage scissors

- penlights

- black ink pens

Where do you put all of this stuff? Where do you leave it? Do you stuff it all in your scrub pockets? I only have four. Four! :nailbiting: And not huge ones, either. Do you use pocket organizers? Overnight bags? Do your patients mind holding all of your stuff while you assess them. (Calm down, I'm just joking.) What about personal stuff like Chapstick, and anti-nausea medication, and food? Besides all of this, do you have to carry patient charts too?

I want the details: what you bring, where you put it. Many thanks. :)

Specializes in Case Management.

The link for the measuring tape:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s_ss_i_0_12?k=nursing+measuring+tape&sprefix=Nursing+meas

You can never go wrong with amazon :D

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Specializes in Case Management.

And yes please please please remember your id badge cause in my program they give out clinical warnings if you don't got it and two of those you fail that semester!

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I take:

black pen

small notebook

stethoscope

bandage scissors

watch

pen light

I brought my paper assignments too so I could complete info as I went along (those went into the pockets on my pant leg)

we were not allowed electronics of any kind. There are computers in every patient room, why would you need a tablet?

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Glad I read this, will be sure to purchase scrub pants with huge cargo style pockets. :up:

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Thanks, everyone! I will definitely add a tape measure and mini notebooks to my list. I actually think I already have a few mini notebooks. I'm nuts for school supplies so I always have extra stuff.

we were not allowed electronics of any kind. There are computers in every patient room, why would you need a tablet?

Computers in every room? Awesome. I guess it depends on the hospital. I know from shadowing at the site I'll have some of my clinicals at that computers are only at front desks and nurses' stations. I still think it is odd to need to bring an electronic device. You'd think they'd be yelling at you about keeping your electronics locked in your car. ;)

I for sure don't want to be one of those students who brings everything but the kitchen sink. I know over time I'll figure out what works for me. I am one of those people who always has a purse or bag with me filled with assortments of snacks, beverages, and the like. I get it from my mom. :sarcastic:

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Watch! Don't forget your watch! I we don't have ours we are asked to leave. It is considered part of our uniform.

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Just a little suggestion as far as wearing a stethoscope around your neck...don't! Littman doesn't recommend wearing them that way either as the oils in your skin will distort the tubing and eventually it will take on the shape of your neck. I roll mine up and keep it in my pocket and it's served me well for years.

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I second the not putting the steth on your neck. The tubing of my littman completely discolored from the oil of my skin, this happened to many other people I know as well. Unless your tubing is black and won't show discoloration, put it in your pocket.

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I second the not putting the steth on your neck. The tubing of my littman completely discolored from the oil of my skin, this happened to many other people I know as well. Unless your tubing is black and won't show discoloration, put it in your pocket.

I read something about that a few months ago. I'll see if it fits in my pocket. :geek:

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I haven't read all the replies yet, but here's what I brought!

Plastic clipboard that opens

Highlighter

2 pens (red and black)

Pencil

Small stack 3x5 cards for notes (clipped with a binder clip)

Stethoscope (tucked into my cargo pocket)

Pen light

Watch with a second hand

Bandage scissors

Hospital badge and name tag on scrub top

My driver's license and debit card

Drug app on my phone (I use Micromedex)

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Specializes in Case Management.

Sorry it's me again lol

I just feel like I should say that i only suggest the scope around your neck because I thought that would be a space saver because you said that your pocket wasn't that big and I usually wear my littman around my neck and the color didnt fade but I guess everyone is different.

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Sorry it's me again lol

I just feel like I should say that i only suggest the scope around your neck because I thought that would be a space saver because you said that your pocket wasn't that big and I usually wear my littman around my neck and the color didnt fade but I guess everyone is different.

It's not so much that the color will fade, but the tubing will stiffen and eventually, it will have a permanent curve where it has been around your neck. If it doesn't bother you, it's not a problem. Just thought I'd throw it out there for anyone who might not already know.

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