Attn Commuters: What do you always have in your bag?

mom35 · Jul 12, 2009

I like to listen to recorded lectures. I enjoy the commute, just sometimes it can be noisy.

caliotter3 · Jul 12, 2009

You might want to consider buying ebook versions of your texts, so they are available for your computer, and you don't have to lug the books around. Plenty of snacks, a bottle or two of water, a packed lunch to save money on eating, a portable CD player, a small kit of personal items: toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, wipes, female supplies, tylenol, etc. In your car you should keep an extra change of clothing and uniform in a plastic bag in the trunk. Make sure you have enough money and/or a credit card for emergencies. Your cell phone. A small pillow and light blanket in your trunk in case you want to nap during the day, especially on that 12 hour day. A rain coat or jacket in the trunk. An extra sweater or jacket. Just think what you would need if you were moving into your car for the duration and you'll think of something else to put in your car.

AccelCNL, MSN, RN · Jul 12, 2009

Remember to carry an umbrella.....wouldn't want to get all your things wet....

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 12, 2009

Healthy snacks, protein bars, etc.

shae_smiles · Jul 13, 2009

Peanut butter crackers and one of those energy shots...just in case.

I know this is not what you asked about, but I would suggest making a good friend also. There have been many days were I needed a nap before I drove home or some place to crash the night before a test, and my friends were there.

Friends are a commuter's best friend.

cursedandblessed · Jul 13, 2009

i think the notes you can download to the ipod are called vango notes.

a lot depends on your clinical setting, i was at one with no cafeteria, no soda machine, nothing!!

anyway here's my basic list:

pens

highlighters

pocket notepad

pocket procedure guide/rn notes/pda

ibuprofen/aleve/tylenol (i rarely use tylenol but some people like it)

a container with my morning meds-1 dose-bp, bcp, adhd(empty bottle of adhd med just in case someone asks), i've been known to get in a rush and forget them in the morning.

tampons-everyone knew who to ask for one.

extra clean uniform top/pants/underwear/bra-i put mine in a ziplock bag and just leave in the trunk. (ours are white, and i'm known for spilling and you never know when that underwire will decide to break/poke or aunt flo decides to visit-actually i don't put on my top until i get to the clinical site, i wear a tank, or tee and put the top on when i arrive.)

badges/nametags-mine don't leave the car, because i'd forget it was on the washer and leave it at home and that's a reason for the ci to send you home.

granola bar, single serve sunchips, grab a soda out of the fridge at home before i leave, a box of crystal light single serve w/ caffeine.

cursedandblessed · Jul 13, 2009

i forgot this one: liquid bandage, all of that washing your hands and gel sanitizer gets bandaids nasty and you don't want to have to change it every time. it provides a good seal and keeps out those nasty things like mrsa, vre, etc that you never know where they might be lurking. i apply mine with a swab in case someone else needs it.

AriesPanda · Jul 13, 2009

I am so glad I asked! Your suggestions are all wonderful. This has been incredible helpful!

I think I'll pull out my old rugby duffel bag and organize it with a lot of the items suggested to keep in my car (feminine hygiene products, raincoat, umbrellla, blanket, pillow, extra clothes, a set of toiletries, etc.)

And, great idea about a friend! Hopefully I'll find one of those! :)

Thank you all, I really appreciate your suggestions and advice!

AriesPanda · Jul 13, 2009

i think the notes you can download to the ipod are called vango notes.

wow, i had not heard of vango notes before, i just looked them up; what a wonderful resource!

the first time i went through college was 1993-1998; the internet was brand new and we didn't have ipod or mp3 players...and wow, how cool are flash drives? lol

thank you!

AriesPanda · Jul 13, 2009

a container with my morning meds-1 dose-bp, bcp, adhd(empty bottle of adhd med just in case someone asks), i've been known to get in a rush and forget them in the morning.

i'm an adhd'er too and keep my meds in my purse or i will forget! lol i was going to ask my pharmacist if there is any way he can print a solid paper with a copy of my monthly prescription on it so i won't get in trouble for carrying my adderal without the rx on the bottle. there must be some way to do it???

CuriousMe · Jul 13, 2009

I'm an ADHD'er too and keep my meds in my purse or I will forget! LOL I was going to ask my Pharmacist if there is any way he can print a solid paper with a copy of my monthly prescription on it so I won't get in trouble for carrying my Adderal without the rx on the bottle. There must be some way to do it???

Another ADHD'er here. I just keep the info sheet that comes with my meds each month in my backpack (it has my name, the drug name, the date I picked up the script and my Doc's name). I figure if they need more than that, then I can bring in my med bottle the next day.

Sorry, slightly off topic here...has anyone had any trouble with ADHD meds triggering a positive on a drug test?