What do you keep in your locker/make sure to take to work with you?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi everyone! I was wondering what are the most important items (aside from hygiene products) that you make sure you bring to work/keep in your locker?? I am a new GN and the I am trying to figure out what the must haves are :)

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

Change of clothes, "girlie" supplies, toothpaste/toothbrush. Some snacks that are non-perishable. extra phone chargers

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Change of clothes, "girlie" supplies, toothpaste/toothbrush. Some snacks that are non-perishable. extra phone chargers

Hi mmc! Thank you for the reply :) I would've never thought to bring a toothbrush! But I guess it makes sense, gum won't do it in 12-13 hours of work! I do have an extra uniform rolled up in my bag at all times. What about extra shoes? I wear new balance and you can't really wipe them if they were to get soiled. Maybe I should just get a different pair of sneakers that can be easily cleaned. :)

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Specializes in ICU.

Toothbrush, tampons, hairspray, water, excedrin, Motrin.

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No kidding - this is one of the most useful item to have in my drawer at work or in my bag :

Target : Expect More. Pay Less.

Others have mentioned the usual stuff like toothbrush, hair things and such - I actually have a small bag with mini travel sizes including also deodorant, wipes, and such. If you wear contact lenses you want an extra pair and re-wetting drops as well.

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Specializes in Critical care.

I have a pair of danskos that I keep at work with a change of socks. I decided I like just wearing a pair of Asics for the most part, but my danskos are there if I ever think I need them (like when giving an enema- especially tap/soap suds enema). My danskos just sit with the pile of other nurses shoes in the corner of our locker room. I wouldn't mind if someone else popped them on for a bit in an emergency.

I keep a little bottle with a couple doses of my Rx meds for emergencies. I also have Advil, excedrin, pepto, and Pepcid- nothing worse than being surrounded by meds, needing something, and not being able to take them since they're in the Pyxis and that's a BIG no-no. I also have pads/tampons, toothbrush and toothpaste, spare headband and hair ties, face wipes, and deodorant.

I keep a spare bra and undies in my car- if anything really bad happens someone could go get them and I'd snag a pair of hospital scrubs for the rest of my shift.

I keep some extra pens and highlighters in my locker. My old stethoscope which I have lended out when another nurse forget hers.

I always keep some extra snacks in my work bag.

If you wear contacts you should have a pair of glasses at work too, not just some solution and a new pair.

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Thank you everyone who replied! Those are great suggestions! I bought a Nurse Mates bag with plenty of different compartments, and I plan on using them efficiently now that I know what I should bring in with me!

PS: just went over my OP, I guess I could have worded it better (I'm ESL)

Anyway, thanks again! You guys are awesome!

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Specializes in CVICU.

I keep my stethoscope, headphones, a phone charger, some nonperishable food as previously mentioned, and an IV drug reference book, although each med room on my unit has one so I rarely use that.

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I keep my stethoscope, headphones, a phone charger, some nonperishable food as previously mentioned, and an IV drug reference book, although each med room on my unit has one so I rarely use that.

Hi Sjvl! When you said you keep your stethoscope there, that's the spare, right??

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Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.

Change of clothes. Motrin/excedrin/whatever your preference is. Extra socks (fresh socks really do feel great 2/3s of the way through a rough shift). Chapstick. Protein bar. Water bottle.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

What you keep with you besides the basics already mentioned might also depend on the facility and/or shift you work. I work in a place where OTC meds are readily available on the med carts and staff is allowed to use them as needed so I don't bother bringing any of that stuff anymore. What is not always readily available are post it notes, tape, paperclips, staples etc. so I keep a small stash of office supplies in my locker.

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Specializes in ICU, trauma.

Tylenol, some snacks, box of pens, and my phone charger. that's about it.

I dont keep clothes or anything like that because if something were to uh..."happen" (ew btw :spit:) i would just change into surgery scrubs.

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