Clinical - A Place for Your Things

[Deredain]

A male fellow student and I have been accepted into the nursing program and we were wondering about clinical. The women have their purses to keep their stuff in. What do the guys do with their wallet, keys, etc. when they arrive for clinical? I can't keep it in my uniform pants. Do we get a locker?

The women have it so easy! (winks)

[NCRNMDM, ASN, RN]

We have to carry nearly all of our books to clinical in case we need a reference text, so we all carry our backpacks. None of the females in my clinical group carry their purses, they just carry a backpack. When clinical starts, I zip my wallet and keys into the backpack. We cannot, however, put them in lockers, so they are left open to whomever finds his/her way into the break room. So far, I haven't had any problems with things going missing, but I realize that it's a possibility.

[caliotter3]

We brought backpacks and bookbags into the nurses break room. Of course, things could be stolen, so you have to be careful. Hard to find, but possible: a white butt pack to wear around the waist to keep keys, cash, nursing items in. Good for both men and women.

[Bob_N_VA]

Not sure what your uniform looks like, but I have pants with pockets so I keep my wallet there. We also have these silly looking vests and the pockets are deep enough for bandage scissors and tape and other stuff you need to have on the floor. Even the scrubs the hospital issues for working in maternity or nicu have a back pocket in the pants, thats where I keep my wallet. No need to take it out when you are working, but at least it's secure.

[ImKosher]

I hate carrying my wallet in my back pocket. It feels like it can fall out at any time. I'm going to carry a back pack. If your worried about people looking through your stuff, just get little locks your used on your luggage.

[guest042302019, BSN, RN]

I don't carry much anymore. I don't need to look up stuff as much as I used to. They have computers and drug books there. During the first and second level, we had time and needed to look more stuff up. The basics are repetitive so you memorize that stuff quick. Otherwise, I only carry my wallet, and clipboard with various forms inside to write notes and information down during clinical. Good luck!

[Kiwiguy]

The wards here normally have a nursing locker where staff can put their things, bring only the basics with you.

[aclays]

Every place will be different. I always took my backpack to every clinical, and would leave my valuables in it. Sometimes I'd leave my backpack in the staff room, sometimes right next next to the charge nurse depending on which rotation I was in. Just be ready to be adaptable, and don't leave anything too valuable behind just in case!

[veggie530]

I bought a wallet-type thing that carries ID, CPR card etc... and just put all of my wallet items in there. It came with something that hangs from your neck, so I wore it under my uniform hanging from my neck so it would never get lost.

[RKpianoman, APRN]

I take my drivers license and a credit card, wrap a few small-bills around them, and wrap that with a rubber band...goes in front pocket. I keep my house/ancillary keys in my jeep, car key goes in other pocket. Cell phone usually stays in my car or in a classmates backpack/purse. Drug book and clinical paperwork go in my hands. Steth around neck, light and pens in pockets, shoes on my feet and a smile on my face.