Gear for new (overnight) LTC nurse?

adventure_rn, MSN, NP · Oct 12, 2019

On 9/29/2019 at 3:01 PM, JabuJabule said:
I heard you really wanna get your own vital sign equipment, because the VS machines tend to "disappear".

I'd be cautious about doing that. Perhaps it's different in acute care hospitals, but all of the medical equipment I've ever used had to be cleared by biomedical engineering to ensure that it's accurate and safe. If you buy your own equipment, there's no way to ensure that it's accurate. For instance, if you buy a pulse ox on Amazon, how are you going to know that the numbers are actually correct (especially if the patient is in a dangerously low range)? It seems like a huge liability, and I wouldn't be surprised if it's against the rules at some places. Granted, I've also never worked anywhere that didn't have sufficient equipment.

I know you said you have pens, but--you always need more pens. I buy mine in bulk--60 for $10, so I don't really care if somebody wanders off with them. I personally carry a handful of cheapo disposable pens (which I lend out to people) in addition to a single multi-color pen (which I don't). It also helps to have an orificenal of permanent markers (either a full-sized one in your pocket or a mini one to clip on your badge). In summation: All of the pens.

In addition, this thing is amazing:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/130112175/blank-plastic-make-your-own-badge-card?ref=landingpage_similar_listing_top-4&frs=1

It's a blank badge card, which you can write on with your handy-dandy permanent marker (and later erase with an alcohol wipe). When your first start, you're going to be jotting down all kinds of numbers and codes; this is a helpful way to keep them all in one place. I've used them since I was a new grad, and it is a serious MVP.

Compression socks: some people love them and others hate them. I love them; I'm only in my 20s, but my legs kill me when I skip the compression socks. There are a ton of forums on this site with recommendations about what brands to consider.

For night shift, I'd suggest you get a decent quality white noise machine (ideally not just the free apps you can get on your phone). That can be the difference between good sleep and bad if you've got noisy neighbors or if someone is doing construction outside of your house. If you can find a way to black out your room besides an eye mask (i.e. blackout curtains or black out film to put in the windows), I'd highly recommend using a progressive light alarm clock. The clock has a built in light that turns on 30 minutes before the alarm goes off and gradually gets brighter. I got one last year and I love it for shift work; I wake up feeling so much better rested since I get up at the right time in my sleep cycle. However, if you're wearing an eye mask, the progressive light won't do much good.

Best of luck with your new job!

Lynker, LPN · Oct 12, 2019

11 hours ago, adventure_rn said:
I'd be cautious about doing that. Perhaps it's different in acute care hospitals, but all of the medical equipment I've ever used had to be cleared by biomedical engineering to ensure that it's accurate and safe. If you buy your own equipment, there's no way to ensure that it's accurate. For instance, if you buy a pulse ox on Amazon, how are you going to know that the numbers are actually correct (especially if the patient is in a dangerously low range)? It seems like a huge liability, and I wouldn't be surprised if it's against the rules at some places. Granted, I've also never worked anywhere that didn't have sufficient equipment.
I know you said you have pens, but--you always need more pens. I buy mine in bulk--60 for $10, so I don't really care if somebody wanders off with them. I personally carry a handful of cheapo disposable pens (which I lend out to people) in addition to a single multi-color pen (which I don't). It also helps to have an orificenal of permanent markers (either a full-sized one in your pocket or a mini one to clip on your badge). In summation: All of the pens.
In addition, this thing is amazing:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/130112175/blank-plastic-make-your-own-badge-card?ref=landingpage_similar_listing_top-4&frs=1
It's a blank badge card, which you can write on with your handy-dandy permanent marker (and later erase with an alcohol wipe). When your first start, you're going to be jotting down all kinds of numbers and codes; this is a helpful way to keep them all in one place. I've used them since I was a new grad, and it is a serious MVP.
Compression socks: some people love them and others hate them. I love them; I'm only in my 20s, but my legs kill me when I skip the compression socks. There are a ton of forums on this site with recommendations about what brands to consider.
For night shift, I'd suggest you get a decent quality white noise machine (ideally not just the free apps you can get on your phone). That can be the difference between good sleep and bad if you've got noisy neighbors or if someone is doing construction outside of your house. If you can find a way to black out your room besides an eye mask (i.e. blackout curtains or black out film to put in the windows), I'd highly recommend using a progressive light alarm clock. The clock has a built in light that turns on 30 minutes before the alarm goes off and gradually gets brighter. I got one last year and I love it for shift work; I wake up feeling so much better rested since I get up at the right time in my sleep cycle. However, if you're wearing an eye mask, the progressive light won't do much good.
Best of luck with your new job!

Thank you so so much!!

smc5127, BSN, CNA, RN · Oct 29, 2019

How do you like Benefit scrubs? I have a stethescope case from Pod Technical Specialist Case for my Master Cardiology and bought my ex one for his Cardiology IV. I'd get a pulse oximeter for the finger that you can put in your pocket and I guess carry the same sphygmomanometer from nursing school. I know my school had us buy them with our nursing kits when we started. Get a nice size tote to put it all in, but carry your stethoscope around your neck during work.

Lynker, LPN · Oct 29, 2019

4 hours ago, smc5127 said:
How do you like Benefit scrubs? I have a stethescope case from Pod Technical Specialist Case for my Master Cardiology and bought my ex one for his Cardiology IV. I'd get a pulse oximeter for the finger that you can put in your pocket and I guess carry the same sphygmomanometer from nursing school. I know my school had us buy them with our nursing kits when we started. Get a nice size tote to put it all in, but carry your stethoscope around your neck during work.

Benefit scrubs are amazing! I get so many compliments on them and they're so soft. I plan on getting a pulse ox and a manual BP cuff just in case. I also love my bag I have. Thank you!

wanderlustnurse88, RN · Dec 14, 2019

I always had a scrub jacket with lots of pockets. I like lots of pockets so I can hold the med room keys, the home phone, pens, alcohol swabs, other random stuff. I never found the need to have my own vital machines. Every home I've worked in had an adequate vitals machine per floor but your home might be different. I always had my stethoscope. Didn't use it every shift but force of habit to bring it after working in the hospital.

Hoosier_RN, MSN · Dec 15, 2019

Most facilities frown on individual vitals equipment due to consistency. Start your job with scrubs that have plenty of pockets, good shoes and compression socks, lots of pens, a few highlighters, stethoscope--don't get too high $$$, they walk off in any setting--then observe what your coworkers are using during shift.

For home, blackout curtains and white noise machine. I loved the idea that someone posted about the progressive light alarm clock.

And make sure family and friends know your schedule and be upfront about boundaries.

Good luck on your new job! I love long term care, and you can learn much-time management and critical thinking skills

Hoosier_RN, MSN · Dec 15, 2019

I wanted to add, a good lunch box too- big enough for drinks, snacks and, of course, your meal

topazann · Dec 16, 2019

What makes my job easier is a good clipboard (plastic so I can clean it), pocket planner such as https://onplanners.com/notebooks/best-pocket-notebooks and a well organized report sheet that has everything I want at a glance. The two things you need to know about being a nurse that school won't cover are organization and time management. I don't know why they don't teach that.