first clinical in two months - any advice on stuff I need?

mel1977 · Mar 21, 2006

def make sure the shoes are comfortable. I suggest black and red pens (use depends on where you are), a decent stethescope, but you don't have to splurge for a Littman now, get that for grad-a pen light and one with pupil sizes on it are great, a clip board or folder for all pertinent info needed for your day, paper, goggles/protective eye gear (though we haven't used ours), maybe support stockings to help with comfort. They didn't do much for me and my plantar faciitis, but others love them. things to keep your hair back if needed, bandage scissors, a watch with a second hand (I have tried the cheapo plastic ones and they have just broken. I use my fossil watch which is stainless steel, you don't have to do that, I just prefer it). Check on your attire requirements-oh a stethescope cover. Mine rubs on my neck and would bother me so I got a cover and it helps quite a bit. A bag to carry your stuff-just a little tote or something. Maybe a calculator too. I haven't needed mine, but we will do some calculations in clincials this time around here and there and I do MUCH better when I don't have to do it in my head or long hand. Well, that is about all I can really think of at this time. Hope this helps you!

S.N. Visit, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2006

I wouldn't want to do clinicals without my "Nurse's Pocket Drug Guide", It's a tiny book but has data on over 1000 common meds. Also, I love having my "Pocket Nurse" clip board, it even comes with a built in caluculator. You'll also need a good pen light,small pair of scissors , a pocket note pad and plenty of pens to write with. Also keep hand lotion and life savors, or Halls cough drops because fellow students in your clinical will most likely ask for some! And if your uniform is white at all, "Shout", wipes are a must to keep on hand.

Enjoy your clinicals, it's the best part of nursing school! I've like every experience I've had so far. I get to go to O.B floor this week and I'm so excited!

Messink · Mar 22, 2006

Thanks for the advice guys.

tanaynicole · Mar 22, 2006

A few more things....A black sharpie. you will need one and not be able to find one. Bring your med. book, extra paper, and lotion.

Each semester you'll find something new that you will think your going to need.

TanayNicole

StudentC · Mar 23, 2006

Chapstick or carmex. I know it sounds crazy but the hospitals are so dry! And between that and spending the whole day talking to patients, my lips always get super dry. Make sure to either bring a water bottle or get yourself a styrofoam cup on the floor.

If you have your own blood pressure cuff and you'll have a place to store it during the rest of your clinical, it might be worth it to bring that along. There aren't always very many on the floor to begin with - and when you have however many nursing students and aides fighting over them it can take a while to get your pt's vitals. :)

Some things to stick in a pocket as soon as you get on the floor: roll of tape, a couple of alcohol preps, a small gauze, and a pair of gloves in your size (my hands are small and I always end up in rooms with the large gloves in the container!). Depending on what you'll be doing you might also want to grab a syringe and an alligator clamp. Incidentally, except for the gloves these are all things I've been yelled at for not having on me.

I should add more pockets to the list... Good Luck!

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Mar 23, 2006

People, in two months I'm going to have my first clinical in a hospital.
Except for good shoes, do you guys any advice on stuff I absolutely need?
Appreciate any advice you could give me.

You might want to check to see if this is allowed at your school (schools can be funny about what they will and won't allow): a "box" type clipboard that flips up to reveal a storage area inside. Mine has a calculator built in at top; got it for about ten bucks at Staples. It doesn't LOOK like it'd hold much, but it holds TONS of papers, with a place for pens, etc on bottom. I didn't use it at all until the beginning of 4th semester and SO SO SO wish I had gotten one earlier! I always kept papers folded in my pockets, and a small spiral notebook in my pocket for recording VS, nursing notes to chart later, etc.

Now, all the day's papers, forms, charts, whatever are in the compartment and clipped to the top is the info sheet/scrap sheet I need. It doesn't look like it can fit, but I can also stash a Pocket Drug Book and/or my stethoscope inside, too! And, if that wasn't enough, it's served very nicely as a portable tray for carrying meds (those little cups and such can be a chore to balance).

LOOOVE it!

HHW2006 · Mar 23, 2006

Don't forget goggles. Many hospitals require that you wear them for any procedure in which you may come in contact with body fluids, this includes everything from emptying foleys to trach care!

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Mar 24, 2006

Don't forget goggles. Many hospitals require that you wear them for any procedure in which you may come in contact with body fluids, this includes everything from emptying foleys to trach care!

Really?? I haven't heard of that, at least not around here. I guess that's one of those "check with your school before you buy" kinds of things. I've never seen anyone wearing them for stuff like that.

(picturing wearing goggles when emptying a foley :) )