Clinical Bag?

mermette · Jan 12, 2005

I got a great rolling backpack from LLBean. Granted, you can get them anywhere, but the concept is great. It holds my drug book, IV drug book, disease and diagnosis book, care plan book, textbook and notebook (with all my notes for the current lectures/exam and clinical paperwork). We're urged to get as much of our paperwork done to hand in at the end of clinical and to meet that goal it helps to have all of this stuff with you.

Also, it has other pockets for your wallet, cell phone, keys, stethoscope, and the contents of your pockets (alcohol wipes, 2x2's, penlight, pens, scissors, hemostats, and whatever else you pick up through the day - and will definitely need again the next day). Plus it has room for a water bottle on the outside - which is always nice to have because you can never drink enough water to stay hydrated with all the running around.

Last, but not least, you don't have to carry all this stuff on your back - it just rolls along nicely behind you. During the week I have a smaller shoulder bag that I have just my textbook and notebook in, so the backpack can stay ready-to-go for clinical!

Is this your first clinical rotation? If so, good luck! It's hard work, but really worth it!

P_RN, ADN, RN · Jan 13, 2005

What happened to a nice coin purse and a 3 color pen? Maybe a pair of scissors..

purplemania, BSN, RN · Jan 13, 2005

As a clinical instructor I will say that most students never use all the stuff in their bags. Take whatever your instructor says is NECESSARY and leave the rest behind. It is hard to find a place to set things, and you rarely have time to go back to it during the clinical time. Try a fanny pack. I carry a stetescope around my neck, one hemostat and one scissor in my pocket. Another pocket has pens. Pants pockets have SMALL billfold and keys (yeah, I know it isn't feminine, but sure beats keeping up with a purse or worrying about someone stealing my billfold). I don't worry about leaving anything because I have it all on me.

lunakat · Jan 13, 2005

OOOO you get to take a bag to clinicals? We were told there was no room at the nurse's station for our stuff and things that we bring seem to walk off on their own! We just carried our clipboards and kept everything else in our pockets (RN Notes, pens, alcohol wipes, pen light, scissors, spare change, and gloves). If you bring a bag to clinicals make sure to write your name on your stuff. It may not help it from being stolen but at least you might spot someone using it!

abundantjoy07, RN · Jan 13, 2005

It is SO true that you mopre than likely will NEVER use anything in your clinical bag during clinicals. Our bags and supplies were included with our program so we all havve them. The truth is, when you are doing clinicals there is no place on the floor for your stuff. Space is very limited so it is impractical to bring a big giant bag. The only things I take are my stethscope, my clipboard with notes and care plan, and some pens. As far as personal stuff I limit that to keys, and my coin purse which fits nicely in my pockets. Of course, your instructor will have good ideas as well.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Jan 13, 2005

I don't want to sound prissy, but other than the obvious things I will need, I HAVE to have lipstick. My lips dry out too often, if I don't keep lipstick on. :rolleyes:

aegirl · Jan 13, 2005

I had orientation today and they told us we should keep a separate clinical bag and told us some things we should bring. Like certain paperwork, med & diagnosis cards, etc. So i'm assuming we have some place to keep this stuff since they said we should bring it.