How do you do it?

CHATSDALE · Nov 1, 2006

anytime you save steps you are ahead of the game

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Nov 1, 2006

I think someone needs to take the time and make the effort to organize things a bit. Im sure there is another way other than an apron. How about a supply cart for your unit with dressings, tape, maybe some totes with IV start supplies. Do they do any kind of central dispatch department that has control and actually organizes and inventories? Im trying to figure out what you mean by things are stored in every nook and cranny. Somehow i am thinking public health would have an issue with things just stored willy nilly.

Can you elaborate a bit more?

sister--* · Nov 1, 2006

I think someone needs to take the time and make the effort to organize things a bit. Im sure there is another way other than an apron. How about a supply cart for your unit with dressings, tape, maybe some totes with IV start supplies. Do they do any kind of central dispatch department that has control and actually organizes and inventories? Im trying to figure out what you mean by things are stored in every nook and cranny. Somehow i am thinking public health would have an issue with things just stored willy nilly.
Can you elaborate a bit more?

I didn't write nook and cranny to mean willy nilly. Things are organized just not in one central area and not in the actual pt. care area. We arn't allowed a supply cart in the pt. care area as there would be no place to store it due to Fire Marshall Regulations. We do have IV tray totes but again there stored pretty much out of the pt. care area.

When constructed the building didn't lend itself to much change. Consequently, nearly every space is occupied. Unfortunately, the spaces are here and there.

We've asked many times to have supplies more accessable to no avail. So my quest now is to save us the time and the wear-and-tear of our current and frequent "million mile marches."

zenman · Nov 1, 2006

I have a mesh fly fishing vest that I carry my medical supplies in when trekking through the jungle with students on field trips (I'm a school nurse)that might work for you. It has many different size pockets.

gonzo1, ASN, RN · Nov 1, 2006

Wear pants and tops with lots of pockets and a fanny pack too. Nothing wrong with the apron idea either. Good for you thinking ahead like this. Some of us wear fanny packs.

sister--* · Nov 3, 2006

Thanks for the good ideas and encouragement.

For 2 days I've tested a "Nursing Apron" that a friend made using what I thought would be necessary sized storage pockets. WOW, what a difference!

On day one I saved so much time and so many trips for supplies that I had the opportunity to open my charts timely and clock-out on time. I was amazed at the difference! My feet and legs felt like they'd been on vacation!

On day two I actually had time to help other Nurses with their assignments! It's just beyond awesome!

Of course, my co-workers have differing opinions. Some think it's a great idea and have asked questions and others tell me they wouldn't be caught dead in an apron. Oh well, to each his own.

For me it's Fantastic!

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Nov 3, 2006

there is a type of smock called a "cobbler" which has pockets lining the front of it. you'll need to make sure that they are made of a sturdy fabric so the pockets don't wear through and get holes in them. now that many places allow nurses to wear pastels or print tops they can be worn.

years ago i used to make many of my own uniforms and i specifically put 9-inch deep pockets on them to accommodate all the stuff i needed to carry around, including a flashlight! i doubled the fabric and placed a layer of bonded interfacing in between to strengthen the fabric even more. never had a problem with these pockets wearing out or getting holes in them--ever. i also double-stitched the pockets in place.

people sometimes commented about my pockets. i chose to think they were just a bit jealous. i could care less about fashion. i used to laugh and called them captain kangaroo pockets (anybody from the 50's and 60's remember him?) i was there to work, not be a fashion statement. as long as i showered and wore a clean uniform it was none of anyone's business what i used to accomplish my work as long as it got done in an acceptable manner. i so dislike people that try to squelch the creativeness in others.