Can I bring these stuff to clinical?

NursinginProgress · Aug 25, 2009

Can we bring a backpack or handbag to clinicals?

Any items that are optional should be discussed with your instructor(s). Depending on the facility they may not have the storage space, trustworthy employees to place your things there temporarily. If they do its up to your own discretion. Some clinical sites has the – bring nothing in take nothing out policy that excludes the usage of pocketbooks, backpacks or etc.

Are we allowed to wear a sweater over your scrub?

It really depends on what your instructor(s) advise. But do note that you are and probably will get your hands dirty and you will work and will get hot unless you’re constantly cold..hmm..*lol* Just ask your instructor(s).

Snacks, something during breaks or possible places to get food?

ASK YOUR INSTRUCTOR(S). Normally there’s a lounge that staff can go run off and hide for a few seconds to get something eat that has vending machines, refrigerators and microwaves.

First day of clinical?

First day you are given the tour, told the rules and depending upon your facility, given an assigned CNA and residents. Then depending upon the workload you may or may not have to start moment you are flying solo. As far as bringing items, I packed light. I kept the basic pen and note pad, stethoscope, watch, breath mints, a few dollars for vending machines and in case someone needed bus fare and I stock piled my pockets with gloves because by mid-day all glove boxes were empty and there was a secret society of the healthy glove committee where you couldn't find a single pair that fit! *lol*

My best advice on this is to ask as many questions prior to clinicals and pay lots of attention to what your instructor(s) may say. Not everybody will have the same experience as you.

Good luck with your CNA!

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Aug 25, 2009

That all depends on your clinical instructor. Honestly the only thing I took into my clinicals during my CNA and my VN clinicals was my lunch, and my keys. Everything else I locked in the trunk. You never know there might be sticky fingers around the facilities. Just take the bare minimum is the best advise I can give. Oh, I forgot to mention I took my own stethoscope and blood pressure cuff with me.

pomegranate · Aug 25, 2009

All I brought with me was my keys, my lunch, my phone and my lip balm.

Honestly, though, I can't imagine they'd let you wear a sweater over your scrubs...if you think you'll be cold (which is doubtful, you'll be running around constantly) wear a long-sleeved shirt underneath. And they make "scrub jackets" but it might not go with your uniform, if you have one.

Busia · Aug 27, 2009

We weren't allowed to bring anything inside except our keys, which we put in a basket our instructor kept in the office. If we brought lunch or a backpack or anything, we had to keep it in our vehicle. There were some students that got a ride, rode a bike or took the bus to clinicals, and they had to keep their things in another students vehicle. We could keep a few dollars in our pockets for lunch, and I kept a small notebook, pen, and hand sanitizer in my pockets.

sonomala · Aug 30, 2009

We had to bring 2 black pens, a watch with a second hand, a pocket size notebook and our skills list with us each day or we lost points. We left all of our coats ect in the activities admin office but we had special permission to do that because one of our classmates worked as an assistant in that office. Every place is different but the ltc we worked at fed us lunch and many around here offer the option for students to buy theres.

KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN · Aug 30, 2009

We were allowed to bring our purses/bookbags with us to clinicals, they let us leave it in the employee break room. At clinicals we were required to bring a pen, our BP cuff & stethoscope, a watch and our checklist of skills we performed during clinicals. I brought hand sanitizer but I didn't really need it b/c at the facility they had a hand sanitizer pump on every wall. The facility had a convenience store, but we brought our food since it was only open like twice a week. But really that depends on your facility. Some are bigger than others. If you think you'll be cold, you should get a scrub jacket that matches the color of your uniform,that's what a couple of girls in my class did. But check with your instructor just to be on the safe side. Like others mentioned, the first day is really just a walk through of the facility, and there you'll probably find out about rules and other important stuff. Good luck & have a great time--clinicals was my favorite portion of the class :) Oh & see if the facility is hiring!

CaitlinLiz · Aug 31, 2009

When I was in clinicals, we could bring bags *with* us but not onto the floor. We had to leave all coats and bags in the break room where the employees kept their things as well. As for wearing a sweater. We were told to where a long sleeve shirt that we could push the sleeves up on under our scrub top, but nothing over the scrub top. As far as lunch goes, we could buy a lunch for something like $7 but I always took mine and left it in my locker. When we got to the facilities on the very first days at each one we got a tour, but other than that were told to buddy up and answer call lights on our own. If there was a negative pressure room with a light on, we were told not to enter without the teacher. When we did showers, it was two of us and the teacher and the patient/resident. I would definately ask if they are hiring like someone said in a past post. What more of an easy way to transition than to work where you learned some of your skills? Good luck!! :)