help! gift suggestions

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I posted this in the student section. I thought maybe it was worth bring my plight to general thread:

I'm not a nursing student, but my girlfriend is. She starts her program in the spring. I've watched her work incredibly hard to become an exceptional candidate for her program (99th percentile TEAs, 4.0, etc.) ...but enough bragging on her... I want to recognize her effort with a "starter kit" for xmas.

I've been lurking on other threads and have seen some great suggestions in terms of must-haves for incoming students. I am having trouble determining the best route to go as far as tech. I was going to get her a PDA with some clinical software, but I've read in some places where these devices are outdated and could have compatibility problems. The other route is a smartphone, but I don't know if having a phone out is prudent in a classroom or hospital setting, even if it is your reference/planner. It seems like some people still like having the PDA as a separate device....I just don't know!!!

Anyone have advice or preferences in this area?

Any current or former students with thoughts on this, or anyone with a redirect to a relevant thread would be appreciated. Also, anything (nursing related) you would like to see inside a big box under a note that reads "congratulations!"

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Specializes in NICU, Public Health.

My boyfriend got me a stethoscope with my name engraved and a few nursing study guide books for Christmas when I got accepted.

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Specializes in NICU, Public Health.

I wouldn't buy the PDA schools are very strict as to what can be used for clinical and even if they did allow them all students might have to have the same type.

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Specializes in Intermediate care.

Don't buy any software stuff, (computer things, smart phone etc.). that would be one of the last things i would have wanted in nursing school.

I got this one year, it SAVED my life in clinicals. I loved it, and everyone kept asking where i got it. (Barnes and noble)

http://www.amazon.com/RNotes-Nurses-Clinical-Pocket-Guide/dp/0803610815

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Specializes in NICU.

I like the stethoscope idea. Littmann is a nice high-end brand.

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I would appreciate books. :)

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Aww how sweet!

I say a good quality stethoscope, like a Littman. Maybe a gift card to a local scrubs store? A new laptop for nursing school (I got one as a gift and it's my school only computer)

A teacher recommended this to us recently. It's called "pocket nurse". It's a clipboard (great to use in clinicals!) and the front and back is printed with basically everything a nurse would need to know off hand (lab values etc.). It's great to carry around in the hospital but I am too cheap to spend the $30 on it. Google it!

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Specializes in Home Health.

I say a stethoscope, scissors, hemostats, highlighters, ink pens, RNotes, the clipboard listed above. If you want to do a PDA type of device, see if you can find out what type of device (if any) is required by the nursing school. I personally would hold off on getting any type of electronics.

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These are all fantastic ideas! And thanks to all who warned against the PDA or software. It would be hasty to spend that kind of money without knowing specifically what her program requirements are. I've got a great list of things to choose from now. Thank you all very much. Who knew nurses would be so naturally helpful and responsive to someone in need??:D

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A good stethoscope (like a Littmann Classic IIe) will last her for years. Get her name engraved in it. Mine was a wedding present from my sister and I'm still very grateful to her.

You might also want to buy her some nice shoes (I'm talking $50-$100) or a gift certificate for that amount to a scrub store so she can find some that fit her well. Good shoes make life much easier.

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