Materials list for FNP, yet?

Sheri FNP-C · Jul 11, 2009

I would recommend you purchase a really good stethoscope. I love the Litmann cardiology version. Also invest in a couple comfortable and professional looking lab coats.

My school did require and otoscope/opthalmoscope. Luckily I bought a relatively inexpensive one because I used it only once when making my complete health assessment video. The same is true for the tuning fork, snellen chart, pen light, tongue depressors, cotton tipped swabs, and a multitude of other things that we supposedly couldn't live without. In clinical, all of these things will be provided for you.

My other splurge was a PDA with some good software. It was so great to have the info I needed at clinical without carrying tons of heavy books. I probably won't use it when I start my new job though, so I would say you could live without that during school and maybe after graduation depending on where you want to work.

My last piece of money saving advice is not to buy every book on the required book list. I didn't, yet I still have several books that I never even opened. It was not unusual to have 4-6 books required for each course. I would by 2-4 of them and most ofen only need 1.

akoster · Jul 11, 2009

We didnt have any required tools. I would also encourage you to spend your money on a good stethoscope. I bought a few student lab coats and had a PDA. I wouldnt spend any money on item that clinics already have when you go to clinicals such as otoscope, opthal. The clinics should have all the tools you needs to use for seeing patients.

SpudID · Jul 11, 2009

Thanks so much for the replies. It sounds like be careful with book purchases; I already have a Littman cardiology III steth; and buy "good" lab coats. I haven't used a lab coat since nursing school. What makes a good lab coat and how many, 3?

THANKS everyone.

Trauma Columnist · Jul 11, 2009

The lab coats I bought were the short white ones and I didn't buy expensive ones. In my job, my lab coats are provided. My list for school would only include:

1. My electronic Littman 3000 (currently getting repaired after 2 y/o grandson dismantled it).

2. My blackberry with three dosing programs: ePocrates Pro, drug dosing for renal failure (I work in nephrology) and a peds dosing book (I'm heading back to school in August for a peds post-MSN cert).

The rest of the stuff: ophthalmoscope, otoscope, etc., are usually furnished.

akoster · Jul 12, 2009

What makes a good lab coat?

Lots of pockets!

MissDoodaw · Jul 12, 2009

Hey Trauma,

can u tell me about your electronic scope -as I am aging and my hearing is not the greatest I've been wondering but hate to make the investment aqfter finding no difference in my littman and a much less expensive off label -(my own opinion I know lots of people love these -I'm just not one)

Tools for school -my GPS has been invaluable, My clinicals have been in a 50 mile radius from where I live

Agree on the PDA -used a palm or iphone -some phone are not allowed in correctional facilities- so check where your school will do clinicals -some schools require/suggest certain ones, w/ free software for students.

Stethoscope,

pocket lite

Tarrascon's pocket manuals

Good Luck!

Christen, ANP · Jul 12, 2009

I'd like to hear more about the electric scope too, Trauma - I tried one out, and liked it! But the owner of the scope didn't really have many positive things to say.... I like being able to turn the volume up, which is what she didn't like about it or something..

Anyway, I wasn't required to purchase anything aside from textbooks for my program. I guess it was assumed that I would bring whatever supplies I needed for clinical (stethoscope, penlight, pocket references, etc). I do have a dress code I must follow which mandates the lab coat...

Trauma Columnist · Jul 13, 2009

I bought my Littman 3000 three years ago when I took a job doing rounds in dialysis units. Have you ever tried to listen to lungs when a pt is on dialysis via a permcath? Not too much fun or productive. The pros and cons:

1. The volume control is nice and works quickly.

2. The on/off switch requires that you press down on it for 1-2 seconds so that you don't accidentally turn it on.

3. It is very, very lightweght - much lighter than my cardiology III.

4. The Littman guarantee - you just pack it up, send it to them in Minnesota and voila back it comes just like new.

5. The battery compartment has a teensy, weensy screw that us unscrew with a dime and then change the battery. Very easy to lose the teensy screw though. I have just been very careful.

6 Battery life - I use mine all day everyday and change the battery about every 2-3 months. I always carry an extra battery on me but the steth gives you warning too.

MissDoodaw · Jul 13, 2009

Thanks Trauma!

I'm going to try to check one out. I appreciate the info from someone who uses it Q day as opposed to trying to sell one!

Thanks Again!

nursetim, NP · Jul 17, 2009

Echo what has been said. I only needed a stethoscope. I also has an electric scope. They make one that records what you hear, and if you are into cardiology, they make a three lead electric scope too.

Good luck, it'll be over before you know it.