So I've noticed an interesting phenomenon lately. Our unit regularly gets students of various kinds - nursing, EMT, APN, etc. The nursing and EMT students sit in on report. Because they come to the unit often looking lost and uncomfortable and out of place, I try to do my best to get them oriented and comfortable. Explain the report, give them a report sheet and a clipboard and a place to sit.
But one thing I've noticed is that almost always, they don't have a freaking PEN!! I've snapped at a few of them, "Rule number one...ALWAYS have a pen on you!"
Yesterday my charge nurse pointed out that since everything is on the computer, they probably rarely need/use pens. I kind of had an "Oh ****!" moment. Is she right?? Is it actually possible to get through your day as a nurse without needing to carry a pen (or 2 or 4) in your pocket nowadays?
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
I always have two pens, Pilot G-2 #7's, in my ink stained scrub shirt pocket that are placed there, along with my badge, door and swipe keys, before I get out of my vehicle!
You're my PEN TWIN!! The Pilot G-2 .7 is my FAVORITE!! 0.5 is too thin, and 1.0 is too thick. I make them order me a box special.
You're my PEN TWIN!! The Pilot G-2 .7 is my FAVORITE!! 0.5 is too thin, and 1.0 is too thick. I make them order me a box special.
I love the Pilot G-2, but I use the 0.5. I need a fine point for the tiny boxes that I have to write in for our procedural flowsheets sometimes. I used to keep the .5s just for that, but now I just use them for everything since it's easier. I'm a millennial (on the older end of the range) and I always have at least 1-2 pens in my pocket and a sharpie or two on me at all times.
Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.
It's not a millennial thing. I'm a millennial. I always have a pen on me, at work or otherwise. I'm pretty sure this is a learned nurse behavior, not an age thing.
Thank you, Coffee Nurse!! Maybe you are just better educated than my 18-yo. Mom has a pen on her All. The. Time. Perhaps that's why she never has a pen?
OK all you pen infidels- EVERYONE knows you need a four color Bic finepoint or you are not a good nurse.
As if.....
Red- meds
Green= labs/ treatments
Black= overall report
Blue= cross off completed items
#yourewelcome
I'll never forget being on orientation and my first time giving shift report - - to a truly fantastic RN with a 4-color clicker pen. It was a frightening experience, and yet...I felt pretty proud of myself because the information I conveyed garnered lots of VICs (Very Important Clicks)!
Guess who showed up with her own clicker pen the next day.
UniBall Signo Gel Pen, 0.38, in both black and red. I order the black by the crate (I only order the red a box at a time) from Amazon and have at least two dozen in my locker and squirreled about in various hiding spots.
Everything is on computer nowadays, and yet I still burn through a pen every 1-2 weeks.
Before washing hands 478 times a day became a thing, I used the palm of my hand and sometimes the back of my hand like a memo board. Can't do that anymore. A lot of vital info goes down the drain that way. The sacred parchment is the way to go. And I have been known to do a pen shakedown when any of mine go missing. Miss with my pen and I'll hurt you.
It's not a millennial thing. I'm a millennial. I always have a pen on me, at work or otherwise. I'm pretty sure this is a learned nurse behavior, not an age thing.
klone, MSN, RN
14,857 Posts
You're my PEN TWIN!! The Pilot G-2 .7 is my FAVORITE!! 0.5 is too thin, and 1.0 is too thick. I make them order me a box special.