Carrying all that stuff to clinicals . . .

lemonaidangel · Sep 21, 2008

I carry my stuff in a backpack. It holds everything that I need, and it's better than putting all that weight on one arm.There is no shame is walking into a hospital with a bag on your back. They all know you are a student, and instead of spending money on something that looks cool, just use what you have. It's more economical. Goodness knows that we students need all the extra monies that we can get!

Oh, and instead of bringing ALL of the textbooks and papers that are required for clinicals, see if you can divide it up between your group. You know, one person brings fundamentals, one brings NANDA handbook, another brings an assessment book, the other brings med surg text, etc. That way at the end of 4 years (or 2 as the case may be), you won't be looking like a hunchback from carrying all that stuff!

Jw1724 · Sep 21, 2008

So, I've started accumulating my items for clinical . . . bandage scissors, stethoscope, clipboard, pen light, different colored pens, sharpie, PDA . . . other stuff I'm forgetting. Don't forget any books I might need!!
So, what do you carry all your stuff in when you go to clinicals?? Is there some neato bag out there for this purpose? I really don't want to go to my first clinical at the hospital carrying my school bag on my back!
Any suggestions??
-J

I don't bring any books to clinical. Most units will have reference books for student and staff use. Some girls bring their nursing diagnosis book but I would never bother to bring my actual textbook. I bring a folder with my paperwork in it, a pen, scissors, kelly clamps, stethoscope around my neck with tape on it and my cell phone stays in my pocket. I used to bring a PDA but it never seemed worth it.

pinkiepie_RN · Sep 21, 2008

I use one of those hard plastic pencil boxes to drag my stethoscope, penlight, pens, scissors, tape, etc in. It goes in a messenger bag that's got my clipboard and clinical paperwork in it.

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Sep 21, 2008

I buy scrub pants with plenty of deep pockets. That's where I put my scissors, penlight, pen, alcohol wipes, and car keys. All I carry is my clipboard and drug book. I just set the drug book down somewhere at the clinical site.

I always like traveling light.

truern · Sep 21, 2008

I learned fast to limit what I brought to clinical sites....there's just NO where to store it!!

Besides, there's always text books, drug books, etc available. All you really need is a plastic clipboard/binder that opens to store your clinical paperwork, pens, etc., a stethoscope, and some bandage scissors.

Oh, and breath mints

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Sep 21, 2008

Get a clipboard with a storage compartment. That's good for holding your notes, pens, scissors, a calculator, little odds and ends, and possibly a small reference book or three.

shrimpchips, LPN · Sep 21, 2008

I use one of those "storage clipboards." It's a clipboard that has a little clip that you unlatch and it opens and you can throw things inside. I have pockets, but only so many! (and my school prohibits cargo pockets) - so the clipboard really helps. I got mine at Walmart for ~$9 which is cheaper than office supply stores (like Office Max, Office Depot or Staples) - you'll pay at least $15 for a nice one there. Mine also has a solar-powered calculator on the top which really comes in hand when I have to do some math calculations!

RNMeg · Sep 21, 2008

I keep everything in my pockets. I have the Nursing Constellation software for my PDA, and it has a drug guide, clinical topics (things like apgars and vitals reference ranges and other little facts I might forget), a lab reference, etc. I don't need to carry any books because of my PDA. I just keep pens and penlight and cash and car keys in my pockets, and my steth around my neck. It's so much better than trying to find a little nook where my stuff won't get stolen :chuckle

chevyv, BSN, RN · Sep 21, 2008

I too use a clipboard with a storage area, it also has a solar calculator built in. We are not allowed to bring any bags onto the unit. I always have my drug med book with me for the fast look ups and also my clinical nursing skills book. If I'm not familar with something I have to do, I can look it up before the instructor asks her million questions. That book I started carrying for 3rd semester clinicals because thats when we start prepping iv tubing, doing iv's, and the more advance stuff that I couldn't touch as a cna. My pens, bandage scissors, pen light, are in various pockets of my lab coat and my stethescope is always hanging on my neck unless I'm using it. (docs walk off with them around here).

hypocaffeinemia, BSN, RN · Sep 21, 2008

So, I've started accumulating my items for clinical . . . bandage scissors, stethoscope, clipboard, pen light, different colored pens, sharpie, PDA . . . other stuff I'm forgetting. Don't forget any books I might need!!
So, what do you carry all your stuff in when you go to clinicals?? Is there some neato bag out there for this purpose? I really don't want to go to my first clinical at the hospital carrying my school bag on my back!
Any suggestions??
-J

Stethoscope: Neck

PDA: Waist

Penlight, trauma sheers (better than bandage scissors), hemostat, penlight, EKG caliper (best self defense weapon in existence!), cargo pocket of scrubs.

Clipboard: hand

chevyv, BSN, RN · Sep 21, 2008

Stethoscope: Neck
PDA: Waist
Penlight, trauma sheers (better than bandage scissors), hemostat, penlight, EKG caliper (best self defense weapon in existence!), cargo pocket of scrubs.
Clipboard: hand

Trauma sheers? What's the difference? Are the stronger or sharper? I looked them up and they looked the same......