What to bring to a nursing job and in what? (new nurse!)

[Me93RN]

So I just received my first nursing job in a facility (not homecare)!!!! It may sound dumb but I have no idea what kind of bag to bring and what items to bring with me.

- Should I bring a tote bag or backpack? And what size??

- Do nurses have lockers or is everything they need in their bags?

- Should I always have an extra pair of scrub with me in case its needed?

- Should I bring a drug book with me?

Some advice please! It will help my nerves!

[TriciaJ, RN]

Congratulations on your new job!

If there are lockers, they are probably narrow so you might prefer a backpack. Also a combination lock if you have one. It never hurts to have an extra set of scrubs, at least until you know how likely you'll need them.

Then whatever else you want to have with you: wallet, makeup bag; whatever you normally don't leave home without. I'd leave the drug book at home. They have a tendency to walk away (unless you keep it in your bag in a locked locker).

If you're in a hospital there'll be a cafeteria. In a nursing home there probably won't be so you'll want to bring lunch. Never a bad idea to have nutrition bars or something else you can wolf down on the fly, just in case your new job isn't break-friendly. (But do your damnedest to always get your breaks.)

After the first day, you'll have a much better idea. Good luck!

[AceOfHearts<3]

Check out this thread- it's from November and asks the same question

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/what-do-you-1078134.html

[saskrn]

I remember years ago when I first started nursing, I dragged around everything but the kitchen sink. But after a while, I learned what I really needed and used on a regular basis, and gave up the rest.

Hospitals often have lockers that are too small to be really useful, so I carry my trusty bag. LL Bean has an excellent variety of bags - messengers, backpacks, casual briefcase style, etc. - and they offer a lifetime warranty. We use their products constantly in our house, and we have never had a problem. Their stuff can take a beating and lasts forever, and I can't recommend them strongly enough!

I always carry a current drug book. Actually I carry two drug handbooks, one for IV meds and one for the rest. Even with all of the resources and books on the floor/unit, I like to have my own. I also like to carry a small book with algorithms, emergency meds, etc, in my pocket for quick reference. I've seldom used it, it's more just because I'm neurotic. LOL

I like to have a spare uniform somewhere - either in my bag or locker. I've needed it quite a few times over the years.

And then there's the endless assortment of pens, calipers, my Littmann, usually a clipboard and some paper, and my homemade brain. Don't forget some easy to eat snacks!