Entering Nursing School in August

ashburns4ever · Jun 18, 2008

congrats!!!!! im still waiting. what you listed is what you need. i would bring pen/paper to clinicals. what i hear you will learn the most w/ hands on learning. good luck.

Angel@MyTable, RN · Jun 19, 2008

I begin NS on August 25.

I have heard of a lot of student nurses investing in PDA's. I am investing in a Palm T/X, and there are great programs you can download (go to skyscape.com and I have heard people speak highly of the Constellation pkg.). You can carry the PDA in your pocket, and the Palm T/X comes equipped with free internet!

Here is one link where you can find some info on PDA's, stethoscopes, etc.

https://allnurses.com/forums/f50/ati-pda-stethoscope-309585.html

YeaH! I am sooo excited to start

Ang_RN · Jun 19, 2008

I have a blackberry, with everything I have to buy I am not going to be able to invest in another PDA!

TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN · Jun 20, 2008

If your watch doesn't have one already, get something cheap with a second hand on it. You will need this during physical assessment for timing respirations, HR, etc.

Ang_RN · Jun 20, 2008

My watch does have a second hand, but it has a circle of rhinestones around it.. and they specified "plain watch with second hand" I am not sure if mine is plain enough. I can't get a cheap one though, I will get a rash. I know thats weird, but I have two watches that don't give me rashes and they are both fossils and not very plain.

Also.. it said something about only wearing a plain wedding band during clinicals. How strict is everyone's schools about that? My engagement ring and band are molded together now and the e-ring has a nice sized diamond on it. Think I should just not wear it on clinical days?

TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN · Jun 20, 2008

The only suggestion I can offer about the watches is to carry one of the cheap ones in your uniform pocket so that you can take it out and hold it in your hand for those times when you need it. I'm thinking if your school has a policy on how fancy a watch is, then they probably mean it!

So far as plain bands for clinicals, this is for your safety and the safety of your patient. Rings with stones can scratch the skin. This may not seem like a big deal to you, but some of these patients will be extremely frail and their still will be what they call friable (which basically means it damages very easily). You just don't want to run the risk of hurting anyone. Also, if a ring has stones (which means it has a setting) there is a slim chance that germs may get into the setting and you will either pass these organisms on to another patient, or yourself.

I don't wear any of my nice stuff to work simply because - well think about what you will be doing and I am sure you can figure it out. You will be wearing gloves, but they break and will probably ore likely brake if you are wearing rings with stones in them. Save your nice stuff for your days off.

Ang_RN · Jun 20, 2008

You know.. the info about the rings was so obvious.. What the heck was I thinking? I have scratched my own kids with my ring.. DUH.. thanks for reminding me of the obvious.

I think I will just get a plain watch.. I will have to find something that won't give me a rash though. I will probably have to buy a pricey plain watch :)

sbostonRN · Jun 23, 2008

I got a plain watch from my uniform store. You can always get a cheapie watch from Target and change the band to something that won't irritate your skin. Mine has a leather band and I'm thinking of switching it to an expandable band so I can push it up my arm when washing my hands.

I know it stinks, but I wouldn't wear your engagement ring to work. Too many germs to carry home with you! I am not engaged yet but I know it will make me sad to take my ring off for clinicals, but I do want to keep it nice.

Good Luck starting school :) I am starting in August too!

Ang_RN · Jun 23, 2008

Thanks for the advice and Good Luck to you too!!

*ac* · Jun 23, 2008

I wear cheap plastic-band watches (from Target) - they can be cleaned with alcohol. I like the ones with 24-hour military time as that is how I have to chart.

Rings are an infection control issue. Also the stones can get caught on gloves, which could pull out the stone, or break the glove. It's not worth it.

In NICU, no jewelry or watches allowed at all. You have to use the wall clock.

funfunfun · Jun 23, 2008

Hi...I am also starting RN school in Sept. Curious: What exactly are you studying? I feel like the next 3months I will be just sitting around and have plenty of time to study and would love too but don't know what to study. Some people said to brush up on my math others said to do nothing and enjoy my summer...but I want to study "something" just don't know what.