Any "tools" you love?

rafv · Jan 21, 2013

No opinions on the foldable clipboard....? What about EKG calipers? I've been reading some reviews, and the reviews seem to revolve around the plastic cover staying on. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance! I hate to spend the money and realize I've bought a dud! :)

Btw, the best money I've spent (in nursing school) has been on the book "Clinical pathophysiology made ridiculously simple"..,,

dah doh, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2013

I stopped using a clipboard when I switched to CCU. EKG calipers...I use to teach but not in practice unless there is a questionable rhythm strip, but I can usually figure it out without calipers. I always need scissors, Kelly clamps (hemostats), pens, mini Sharpie, a good light source to check pupils (not a nursing penlight) , Littman stethoscope, cheap calculator to figure out insulin gtts, snacks, water, coffee, and gum. Probably not what you wanted to hear, but true!

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Jan 21, 2013

I stopped using a clipboard when I switched to CCU. EKG calipers...I use to teach but not in practice unless there is a questionable rhythm strip, but I can usually figure it out without calipers. I always need scissors, Kelly clamps (hemostats), pens, mini Sharpie, a good light source to check pupils (not a nursing penlight) , Littman stethoscope, cheap calculator to figure out insulin gtts, snacks, water, coffee, and gum. Probably not what you wanted to hear, but true!

That's pretty much my list too. I found that a folding clipboard fits in my inside vest pocket, but it also renders the pocket on the outside less functional because the fabric is so tight that you can't easily get anything in there.

As to the EKG calipers, you can do pretty much everything you need using a piece of paper and something to make marks with. In any event, generally speaking, you should be able to determine rhythm by looking at the strip. I find that I only have to use the "caliper" method when the heart rate is too fast to simply eyeball for irregularly irregular QRS complexes. It's much easier to see when the rate isn't all that fast...

PediatricRNTX · Jan 21, 2013

My watch! It has regular AND military time!! Waterproof, and cute....$20

rafv · Jan 21, 2013

My watch! It has regular AND military time!! Waterproof and cute....$20[/quote']
Thanks so much for the tips! PediatricRNTX, what kind of watch do you have? Thanks again!

Compassion_x · Jan 21, 2013

My watch! It has regular AND military time!! Waterproof, and cute....$20

Ha, that's the kind of watch I need... I'm not too good with military time without counting on my fingers.

dah doh, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2013

I bought my Baby G watch over 10 years ago for $15 because it has military time, date, day of week, and a light. Yes it was cheap because I got a discontinued color at the outlet. Baby G watches run $60-100 now. I thought about replacing mine because the lavender color is sorta tan now, but after pricing a replacement, I just changed the battery. Timex also makes a military type watch that is less expensive. If you look around, you can probably find one that isn't too pricey.

rafv · Jan 21, 2013

Thanks! :)

PatMac10,RN, RN · Jan 22, 2013

I use the foldable clipboard and it fits in my clinical uniform and scrub pockets. I recommend the Tarascon Pharmacopoeia 2013 Classic for Nurses. I had the 2012 edition and it was a life saver in both pharm and clinical. There is a version available for Apple Products.

To be honest, an IPhone, I, general would be a great investment. No lie, 70% of my class have iPhones.

PediatricRNTX · Jan 22, 2013

Thanks so much for the tips! PediatricRNTX, what kind of watch do you have? Thanks again!

I have a Prestige cyber gel watch...I've used for about a year...$20...if it breaks..o well..got my use out of it!! I think I bought it from amazon.

rafv · Jan 25, 2013

Thank you! :)