what should CNA's carry at all times?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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I am starting CNA training in 2 weeks, I would like to know what I should carry around with me while I work. should I have my stethoscope at all times? what do I need to keep in my pockets? is there anything that I shouldnt carry?

I like to be prepared for any situation at all times, I see nurses and cna's with those little pocket organizers all the time, are those a good idea?

your input will be most appreciated. :D

A flask...this is the one thing they forgot to mention. Your coworkers will drive you insane and a quick swig of miracle sunshine will get you through your shift. :cheers:

:beer::lol2::lol2::lol2::lol2:

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A flask...this is the one thing they forgot to mention. Your coworkers will drive you insane and a quick swig of miracle sunshine will get you through your shift. :cheers:

:beer::lol2::lol2::lol2::lol2:

They actually make them for nurses! :)

There is even an option to engrave.

Just in case you need that extra little to get you through your shift... - Nursing for Nurses

I'm sure they make great stocking-stuffers, too.

Everyone always asks why I am so happy at work.

Well, it isn't just the "joy" that you get from caring for others.

It's my good 'ole friend, Jack.

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A flask...this is the one thing they forgot to mention. Your coworkers will drive you insane and a quick swig of miracle sunshine will get you through your shift. :cheers:

:beer::lol2::lol2::lol2::lol2:

LMAO! classic...my mom was just asking me what i want for my bday this year, this list is:

-3M Littmann Master cardiology

-transilluminator (sp?)

-LOTS of scrubs

i called her back and added FLASK...her response "I already got you that!" hahaha moms know best!:yeah:

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Specializes in LTC.

All I carry is a watch on my wrist, 2 black pens, 1 highlighter, and my brain. Sometimes I'll add a sharpie to that mix.

When I worked in Assisted Living I always carried an extra pair of gloves because I never knew what I could walk into and all of our rooms did not have gloves in them. :(

Stethoscopes only get in the way and you'll rarely use it. Last time I had to get a manual BP was months ago and the facility always has crappy steths laying around.

My cellphone stays in my locker. Carrying it on my is to big of a risk for breaking it. I also think it's tacky and unprofessional to carry one on yourself. I could go on about this but that's a totally different rant.

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All I carry is a watch on my wrist, 2 black pens, 1 highlighter, and my brain. Sometimes I'll add a sharpie to that mix.

When I worked in Assisted Living I always carried an extra pair of gloves because I never knew what I could walk into and all of our rooms did not have gloves in them. :(

Stethoscopes only get in the way and you'll rarely use it. Last time I had to get a manual BP was months ago and the facility always has crappy steths laying around.

My cellphone stays in my locker. Carrying it on my is to big of a risk for breaking it. I also think it's tacky and unprofessional to carry one on yourself. I could go on about this but that's a totally different rant.

I'll be working in a hospital, I'm sure I won't need my cell on me. But my steth always stays with me. So do my pen lights and gloves.

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Specializes in LTC.

As a CNA why do you need a steth and penlight?

Honestly I work in a hospital now and all I carry on me is the two pens, a watch, a highlighter, and my brain sheet.

Only thing I can think to use a steth for is BPs which especially in the hospital I RARELY do and the only thing I can think to use a penlight for is nightshift bed checks. Using either for anything more is stepping outside of the CNAs scope of practice.

I would really suggest doing a few days on the job before bringing much more than a watch and a pen with you.

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As a CNA why do you need a steth and penlight?

Honestly I work in a hospital now and all I carry on me is the two pens, a watch, a highlighter, and my brain sheet.

Only thing I can think to use a steth for is BPs which especially in the hospital I RARELY do and the only thing I can think to use a penlight for is nightshift bed checks. Using either for anything more is stepping outside of the CNAs scope of practice.

I would really suggest doing a few days on the job before bringing much more than a watch and a pen with you.

I know the director of nursing at the hospital im going to work at(pediatrics only hospital and cancer center) , she told me to always have a steth, i dont have to carry it with me, but i need to have it in my locker. as for pen lights, this is gonna sound stupid, but i dont like the dark >_<. but anything else like gloves i order my own so always have a crap ton with me.>

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Specializes in LTC.

Wow. Some of you must have to carry hiking backpacks around with you.

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I always carry a cellphone for the same reason, but I would call 911 before I dared to call the nurse's desk. Many residents have died in my facility because the nursing staff has no idea how to respond to emergency situations. I remember one incident in particular where a resident began having difficulty breathing at the start of the night shift, but the charge nurse didn't know what to do. So she waited for the day nurse to come to discuss it, but she didn't know what to do either, so they called 911. Of course, the resident was dead on arrival.

You're kidding right?

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What you carry in your pockets is going to depend on the area of work you're in. I work assisted living so here is what I carry:

1. In-house phone. Used to communicate with other staff members

2. A pager. Our residents use their button to call us and it rings in on our pager

3. A note pad and a pen for recording info about the residents as I care for them.

4. A water proof watch. I actually have one I wear around my neck so it doesn't get in the way as I give showers and P.C.

5. Gloves. I put in as many as I can. I'd rather have more than I need then not have them on me when an emergency occurs

6. A couple trashbags. They've come in handy many times over.

7. My assignment list and a few notes I may have jotted down during report.

That's pretty much all I need while working in the facility I'm at. Once you become aquainted with your facility and the routine you'll be able to make your own list of what should go in your pockets.

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I want to know how big some of your guy's pockets are!?!? How in the world do you have room for all that stuff!?

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My pockets are the same every day: a small bottle of hand sanitizer, a pen, a lip balm, the key to the bathrooms, and usually a drawing from one of my residents (she gives me a new one every day).

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