STLCC at Meramec supply list

WDWpixieRN, RN · May 14, 2007

I don't know that it's changed much since last fall when we started, but you're right about the pants and shoes. The scrub tops can be bought in the bookstore. There's a polo top or a scrub top that has a school logo embroidered on it. Tennies are the best at this point. Some instructors are a bit more lax than others, but they're your best bet for the long run and price-wise.

In addition, you will need a stethoscope. In one of the first few weeks of class, one of the instructors took orders for Littmans through the Student Nurse Association (I think that's what it was) for these....you won't need it right away and I know at least one person who had already bought hers returned it to the store as it was cheaper through school. So don't feel you have to rush out for that. You will need a watch with a second hand. I bought a Timex and love it. (This thread has some great suggestions for the "little" things -- clipboard, watch types, etc.)

Have at least 2 notebooks -- one for class lectures and one for lab notes. WalMart has these notebooks by Avery called "Flip Back 360" that fold flat for ease in notetaking (1" and 1.5"); one of each will be sufficient. You won't need much in the way of plain notebook paper; the Powerpoints are provided in a packet in the bookstore (or that's how we bought them for about $11) and you will use that for all notes most likely.

I know of at least one girl who had a PDA. I don't know of anyone in my clinical groups that has had one; you will be required to write up paper drug cards regardless, so unless you're very techie and have extra money, I wouldn't worry about one of those. Also, no one brought laptops to class. Again, most notetaking is done on the Powerpoints.

Many of us taped lectures. It is allowed and if you are one who benefits from listening to those, feel free to bring a recorder of some type. I didn't get in to the habit until this semester and found it helped a great deal for those times I "zoned" out during lecture, lol.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head. Let me know if you have any specific questions!!

And CONGRATS!! :balloons:

piscesgirl · May 14, 2007

What about stuff like a bp cuff, bandage sissors, pen light, etc. Do you have to get that on your own or does it come in a kit at the book store?

WDWpixieRN, RN · May 15, 2007

Didn't use the bandage scissors or penlight and didn't need really until this semester....I think the penlight is VERY optional, but could come in handy....the scissors I wished I'd had a couple of times, but borrowed them....they're both fairly inexpensive, so you may want to go ahead and purchase them...I didn't buy a "kit" at school....Scrubs 'N Beyond or another supply store has those if you want them....

As for a BP cuff, unless you plan on using it at home, do not invest in one of those!! There is equipment at the school lab to practice with and in the hospital you will use their equipment....they have the manual type which is mounted on the walls and the electronic kind that rolls around with you....do not spend the money unless you feel the need to personally use one at home!!

A good clipboard, preferably with a calculator would be nice for clinicals....I got mine at WalMart as suggested on that thread I posted above; it latches and holds things inside of it (really nice for tape, alcohol wipes, lunch money, etc.) and got several compliments on it.....couldn't find it at the end of the summer once it seemed school supplies were wiped out so you might want to go now if you're interested. It has a calculator at the top of it, too.....

piscesgirl · May 15, 2007

Thank you so much for the information. I kind of figured I wouldn't need to have my own bp cuff but just wanted to be sure. My mom has been having issues with her blood pressure lately and was planning on getting one anyway. Just wasn't sure if I should get a cheap one so if it was stolen I wouldn't be heart broken. I've seen those clipboards at walmart before and almost got one. Now I will. Thank you so much for easing my stress on getting everything before I start the program. Now if I can find some scrub pants that are atleast a little comfortable.