First day on the job. What should I bring with me??

[josebeltran88]

Here's what I plan on taking to my orientation for my first day of work at a SNF.

1. Medical uniform

2. Note pad, and pen

3. Ibuprofen (incase I get a headache)

4. Lunch in a lunch bag

5. Watch (w/ second hand on it)

Am I missing something??

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

It all depends on the type of facility you're working in. As for the ibuprofen I would leave that at home. Some places don't want you to be under any type of medication unless prescribed by a doctor. It's good to take a lunch but most places that I've worked in provided lunch for you during your orientation. Good Luck and have fun.

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

It might depend on the facility, but the one I work at makes us bring in our own BP cuff for taking vital signs. Maybe your facility will provide that equipment for you though. Good luck!

[josebeltran88]

Thanks guys! I'll ask my supervisor about the ibuprofen. On seperate thought, the type of facility I'll be at is an all inclusive SNF. We have rehab, psych, dementia, therapy, and hospice residents. As far as equipment, I hope they provide me with it, because I don't own any PB cuffs, or steths. Thanks for the luck!

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

Kimberly thanks for touching on stethoscope and BP cuffs. I forgot that those type of facilities usually provide them for your use. But it's best to get one for yourself because usually some end up broken and everyone is scrounging for them at the sametime. When I worked LTC I always brought my own cuff, thermomator, and stethoscope. Once you start making money I would invest in those equipment because it makes your job a whole lot easier.

My very first stethoscope was a prestige stethoscope and I purchased it because of the color. It ended up being too heavy for me so I invested a little bit more and purchased the Littman lightweight stethoscope (allheart.com has them cheaper) and it was the best investment for the money.

[ItsTheDude]

pen and pad are the most overlooked, but you have those on your list, good job.

sounds like you'll do fine, well prepared, unlike sooooo many others.

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

Kimberly thanks for touching on stethoscope and BP cuffs. I forgot that those type of facilities usually provide them for your use. But it's best to get one for yourself because usually some end up broken and everyone is scrounging for them at the sametime. When I worked LTC I always brought my own cuff, thermomator, and stethoscope. Once you start making money I would invest in those equipment because it makes your job a whole lot easier.

My very first stethoscope was a prestige stethoscope and I purchased it because of the color. It ended up being too heavy for me so I invested a little bit more and purchased the Littman lightweight stethoscope (allheart.com has them cheaper) and it was the best investment for the money.

Yea prestige is soooooooooo heavy! I would not recommend it at all.

[fuzzywuzzy, CNA]

Your list sounds fine. You don't really need to bring the ibuprofen because the nurses will have it, but if it's your first day you probably won't feel comfortable asking.

What about a bottle of water in your lunch? I would just get like a Poland Springs bottle for now in case you can't trust that your nice water bottle is going to "walk off" on you. A lot of times you can't just leave a cup of water at the desk unless it has a cover.

I'd also throw a chapstick in my pocket. Those places can be very dry.

[josebeltran88]

Thanks for all the eadditional posts. I am certainly taking a Blistex lip balm. I'm taking my lunch in a small ice chest and leave it in my trunk. For it being the first day, I just don't want to leave food inside the staff refrigerator. Also, I will invest in my own equipment as soon as I save up the money, until then, I'll have to do vitals with the facility's equipment.