A rolling suitcase....really???

FORTHELOVEOF!!!! · May 23, 2012

A rolling backpack, yes, suitcase, NO. That's a little excessive and a good way to break the binding on your huge textbooks, suitcases are big and open in the middle, nothing to keep your books from sliding around and destroying your folders and other papers. I don't take textbooks to class unless I think it's necessary, I read my books at home and take notes in class and put them together later. I haven't been to a class yet that I have NEEDED to lug my textbook to, I graduate in December.

annietart · May 24, 2012

Nah, I have my ipad with skyscape which has all my reference materials on it (FANTASTIC INVESTMENT!!! I have it on my iPhone too and that's what I take to clinicals.) I take my book and a small notebook to class and throw my pens in my purse. All I need it a tote bag. Really, all ya need is a notebook and a pen.

ER(notso)n00b, ASN, RN · May 24, 2012

Just about everyone in my class has a rolling backpack. The syllabus/lecture outlines alone weigh about 5 pounds, plus I usually bring a book or two so that I can study during lunch break. I got mine at Marshall's for $20, so it definitley didn't break the bank. This is the one I have: Amazon.com: Olympia Multi Function Rolling Shopper Tote Wheeled Luggage: Clothing

SerenePeach · May 24, 2012

In my nursing program, most people wore backpacks or tote bags. There were maybe a small handful of people who had rolling backpacks. We really didn't need to bring our textbooks to class, and the teachers lectured from powerpoints that were posted online. All I ever brought to class was my laptop that had all my notes on it, as did half the class. The other half would print out the powerpoints and take notes on it. I really don't think a rolling backpack is necessary unless you plan on staying at school to study for more than one class.

rubato, ASN, RN · May 24, 2012

One of my brilliant classmates came up with the idea of using s boxcutter to cut out the chapters in our GIANT book (we have concept-based, so basically one book for the whole program-not counting NANDA, drug, pharm, etc) and hole punching (some had each one collated and bound). Take what you need. Another classmate turned us on to selling textbooks direct on Amazon. People will buy anything as long as you are honest. My friend got $150 for the cut up book (it really is no different than the "binder-ready" versions that are sold).
As far as the rolling book bags-YES!!!!!

I love this idea. I'm not an ebook kind of girl, but don't want to resort to rolling bags if I can help it. I like to travel light and take the stairs.

Inori, BSN, RN · May 24, 2012

I went through 3 rolling backpacks in 3 years including prereqs.

Dakine (maker of outdoorsy gear) - , tough durable, big wheels, aluminun handle, waterproof, seam sealed zippers. the highest quality of all the brands i went through. TOTAL Weight= 25-30 lbs consisting of Medsurg Book vol 1 = 7 lbs, Insulated Luncbag with snacks, 2 meals, utencils Thermos of iced or hot coffee, ipad/labtop 2-6lbs, misc stuff like cell, calculator, pens paper etc added up another pound. During day I stuffed my jacket in the bag too. I called it my portable office / home as it has everything I need to conduct business or studying.

IndyElmer · May 24, 2012

I love this idea. I'm not an ebook kind of girl, but don't want to resort to rolling bags if I can help it. I like to travel light and take the stairs.

That's one of the reasons that I never switched to the suitcase. I liked the option of just picking up my rolling bag and taking the stairs. If I had put all the stuff from my backpack, rolling bag and lunch/dinner bag in just the one, I don't know if I could have lifted it high enough to get up the stairs! But divided between three bags, two of which I could strap to my back, I could carry my rolling case up a flight or two when I needed to :)

justchill, BSN, RN · May 25, 2012

Never took a book to a nursing class. Never had to.

SunshineDaisy, ASN, RN · May 25, 2012

I think I would have a heart attack if I cut up one of my books! I would say our class is about 75% rolling bags! We don't have to bring our books, but I do because the teacher always pointed out things to study for the tests (boxes and graphs and stuff). Plus, as another poster said, there's a little bit of everything in my bag! I will say, i never thought I'd be caught dead with a rolling bag, but a few years ago I injured my shoulder and couldn't wear my regular bag, so got the rolling one. Was such a shoulder saver, i guess

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · May 25, 2012

wheels-- one more way to avoid weight-bearing exercise.

think how toned you'll be by the end of the year if you work up to carrying your stuff every day, and you don't have to pay an expensive gym membership (or make time to use one) to do it.

seriously, people. you'll need that strength and endurance when you start work. if you can work out ways to build exercise into your daily routine, you'll be better off. wouldn't you teach your deconditioned patient that? go thou and do likewise.

ImKosher · May 25, 2012

Every time I see a rolling "back" pack I laugh. Suitcases are for the airport. Backpacks are meant for your back. Two strap that bad boy and avoid me laughing at you. I will, laugh at you. If your going to get a bag please look professional! Go to Office depot and grab a Samosite "business professional" bag. Don't look silly with a back pack on wheels or a suitcase. I will laugh at you. :lol2:

sandyfeet · May 26, 2012

First semester I used a rolling crate because in my program we were expected to bring books (professors would refer to them all the time), notes, supplies like a sphygmomanometer or stethoscope, and then any personal supplies like water, coffee, lunch. After first semester things calmed down and we didn't need so much, but first semester I had enough to worry about without adding on a sore back!