Items a new nurse needs 1st day of work!!!

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Hello AN, Im a new RN and I have landed a job at the hospital on a Med/Surg floor!!

I am excited but freakin out all the same LOL. What do I need other that my stethoscope and stuff. Should i get that cute nurse bag to have all of my stuff in do I really need my own o2 sat monitor ( I heard I should). So help a newbie out Thanks :yes:

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Specializes in ortho, hospice volunteer, psych,.

How does this sound? For your first couple of weeks or a month, stick with the basics like stethoscope, scissors, hemostat, lunch money, etc.

Also, for your locker....Tylenol, Tampax, gum or mints, and a ten dollar

Bill, in case you forget lunch money some day. I always kept a baggie

of various tea bags too.

As you become more familiar with the floor, you'll know what you need

and can get it then. My grandfather had a name for things like your nurses bag. Sucker Bait! Things that no one actually needed, but bought anyway.

Stuff that was put out and sat waitingng for some sucker to come along

and buy.

Be sure you have everything you need before you load up on sucker bait.

Welcome to the wonderful world of nursing and to AN.

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

Congrats Kellz! I can still remember getting my first nursing job. It's been a LONG time (1991) but what dh (who is also an RN) and I can tell u -

a bag (or backpack as per hubby)

some personal items (toothbrush ect)

Tylenol, ibuprofen if u may need it

Extra pens, hi-liter, ect

some small snacks (drink, crackers)

reference book may be useful

Stethoscope (some brought cuffs)

Scissors, stats

Extra scrubs (prob not needed but I did just in case. Never failed to get covered in something if I wore all white)

I also kept some Vicks vapor rub in my locker or bag due to the "stink factor" working with GI bleed pts or decubitus ulcers that may bother u)

I never brought a pulse ox but a fellow newbie did - he left it at the nsg station and was stolen. If u do bring one, try to make sure it's marked/labeled.

Anne, RNC

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You don't need "stuff". You don't need a cute nurse bag.

You need .. a sharp eye, an open mind , and a will to roll up your sleeves and learn.

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Thank you all for your responses!!!! I will be sure to make sure I have these items and not fall for the bait with the cute bag LOL!!!!!!!!! And at been there done that im already ready in my mind to learn as much as i can I hope i have a great preceptor im an open book I want to be a great nurse so im ready to use my critical thinking skill and be the best I can be for my patients!!!! (sleeves rolled up) ;-)

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

The hospital where I work does not allow staff to use their own O2 sat because it would mot be calibrated and its accuracy can't be determined. Definitely do not waste your money, they aren't cheap either! Congrats on the job.

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Thanks for the post and responses. I too, am starting my first job as a RN on Monday! I am so excited!! And I want to be prepared, too. I always see nurses coming in the hospital with large tote bags... wasn't sure if they were changing after work or had a bunch of stuff they needed. My orientation includes class time, so I will need a notebook, I'm sure. I also bought a small mini book that can fit in my pocket that I can write down important names, extension #, door codes, cell#, etc. I will be working on a neuro unit.

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Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.

A good night sleep before hand. Stethoscope, scissors, clip board -(you can keep a tape measure in it amongst other items). Pen, marker, highlighter, pen-light. Pack something for hydration and snacks. Wear comfortable supportive shoes and stockings if needed :). Bring a small pocket tablet. Keep an extra pair of gloves in a pocket.

Oh yeah....Most Importantly....bring a good attitude. Good luck.

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Specializes in ICU.

I always have: a pen, stethoscope, penlight, carpuject holder, hemostats, scissors, and tape (which you can loot your first day). That's it, and your scrub pockets should be big enough to hold those items. I have a stethoscope "sweater" around my stethoscope so I can wear it around my neck without risking screwing up the tubing because of my skin oils. No fancy bags required!

Have fun!

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I would just say a smile, a stethoscope, a pen, and maybe bandage scissors. Those are the only things I use regularly that I have to bring myself. You will find that when you get to work each day you will probably stock your pockets with alcohol wipes, blunt fill needles (to screw on ends of syringes to flush or give IVP meds) and other stuff that gets used a lot on your unit. I would have a personal bag with cash, a snack, feminine hygiene products, and extra pens :). Congrats and good luck!

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This is what I bring:

Clipboard

Pens

Highlighter

Stethoscope

Pen light

Bandage scissors

Post it notes

I bring a bag and in it I always have Tylenol, snacks, extra pens, tampons and such, my drink and wallet.

I always have tape, flushes and alcohol pads in my pockets!

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Someone mentioned stockings as maybe optional. Take it from an almost 60 yr old woman- WEAR SUPPORT STOCKINGS!! I quit wearing them a long tome ago, and BOY do I regret it! I have the varicose veins to prove it. I know they are hot,itchy,and tight, but you'll get used to them, and you'll be glad you did.

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