Anything helpful to buy for CNA position?

[Bumashes, MSN, APRN, NP]

Hey, I just got hired for a CNA position for surgical. Hoping to get some great experience during nursing school. Anyway, I know the usual stuff I'll need for the job, shoes, scrubs. But is there anything else that is handy to have with you as a CNA? Like a notebook, pens, etc. This is my very first real job in a healthcare setting, so I want to be completely prepared. I just thought that maybe there might be something that CNAs who've been there already might always be sure to bring with them. By finding out now, I won't have to go without due to my lack of practical experience. Thanks so much!

[ukstudent]

Take a multicolored pen. Paper should be provided and any PT. info needs to be shreded after. Make sure to take your stethescope and USE it. Ask questions and keep learning.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

The 4 color pen is good for making your own guide to what needs to be done and what has been done for who and such.

[Bumashes, MSN, APRN, NP]

Thanks. A multicolored pen is something I hadn't considered. I guess then I could make my own code for stuff, like blue is done, green is needs to be done, etc. Thanks for the info. And I will be bringing my stethoscope to auscultate anything I can!

[nurse2b2007SC]

a pocket size of hand sanitizer

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

Always carry a pair of gloves with you. If anyone is bleeding, you'll probably be the first to come upon the scene.

I used to carry a multicolor pen but found that they ran out at the worst times, so now I carry a black, a red, and a highlighter.

A manual blood pressure cuff can come in handy, but make sure that you have it labelled as brightly as possible or it'll "walk off." If you listen to someone's heart and the beat is irregular, best to take a manual BP.

[CJolin]

Thanks OP for posting this, I too was wondering about thease types of things. And good suggestions pp's!

Cari

[scizzerin]

If they don't already supply them, a gait belt.

[Bumashes, MSN, APRN, NP]

Wow! Thanks to all for the great advice. I'll definitely keep these items in mind while I'm out shopping.

[leslie :-D]

what are those black lumbar braces w/velcro called?

i've seen many nsg assistants wearing those.

i even thought about buying one for me: i've heard they really help w/back strain...if you do alot of lifting.

leslie

[fishinNbanjo]

Also a bottle of lotion. You will wash your hands about a million times, so lotion will help keep them from drying out, especially in the winter.

[casi, ASN, RN]

I'm a CNA in assisted living, and before you start buying stuff get into orientation and see what everyone else is carrying.

What I carry on me is: a good pen with a cap that I LIKE writing with and a clicky pen which is more convient, at least one spare pair of gloves you never know what you'll walk into or someone might try to hand you, scrap paper or a mini notebook that fits nicely into a scrub pocket.

A transfer belt is also a very good idea if the facility doesn't supply them and you do a lot of transfers. Facility will hopefully supply that though.

I'd leave the stethoscope and bp cuff at home. Unless this is something your expected to do and facility doesn't supply them. Bigger bulky things fall out of pockets and get lost.