Must haves for nursing school

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Hi everyone, I was accepted into the RN program through PRCC in Poplarville, MS. What are some of the must haves that you think are good to have besides the basics what they tell you like stethoscope and b/p cuff.

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If money isn't an issue, get a nice stethoscope (less than $100) and a nice penlight, one that you can replace the batteries.

They probably will have you buy a ton of books, but if they don't require it pick up a good care planning book (even one edition older will save you a ton of money).

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Bandage scissors might also be helpful to keep on you.

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Planner. Black clicky pens. Lots of paper & printer ink. Littmann's stethoscope.

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What would be the penlight for?

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The penlight is for pupil checks but can also come in handy for female foley insertions and looking in mouths.

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Pocket drug book(if your clinical sites won't let you get into their computers to look up meds)

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Congrats on being accepted! I'm glad you asked this question...I was wondering the same thing.

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Specializes in OR.

These are some of the things I found myself using a lot during my first year of nursing school (my 2nd starts in August!):

1. Post-Its

2. Highlighters ... lots and lots of highlighters

3. Post-It tabs and flags (for my books)

4. cheapo calculator that can do square roots (I bought mine at Dollar General)

5. Lunch bag/salad carrier

6. Covered cup for ice water that doesn't sweat

7. Pens, pens, and more pens!

8. Lip balm for clinicals

9. Hand lotion for clinicals

10. Penlight (I bought a pack of 6 disposables -- can't change batteries -- and I've only used 1 so far)

11. Index cards

12. Book rings (I punch holes in the corner of my index cards and keep them together with these http://tinyurl.com/pn4umkm)

I agree with what others have said about a care plan book (I have 3!). If you have a scrub shop nearby, I suggest going in and asking to try out the stethoscopes before you commit to one -- Littmanns are generally considered the best, but I have friends that couldn't hear with Littmanns and bought other brands instead. Buy a good NCLEX book and start practicing NCLEX-style questions. I have Saunders, but I'm thinking about picking up Hogan's Reviews & Rationales after hearing such great things about it.

I also have bandage scissors and hemostats that I bring to every clinical -- I've used the bandage scissors twice and have never used the hemostats. I also carry a Sharpie and small memo book at clinicals. Keep in mind you'll be carrying what your school/instructors/clinical sites allow.

I'm sure I'll think of more later, but for now, that's what I've thrown into my bag to prep for 2nd year. It's at least enough to get you started. Congrats and good luck!

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Pocket drug book(if your clinical sites won't let you get into their computers to look up meds)

Purchase Rx pocket from AppStore!!!?

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Heres some things that I've found come in handy for clinical/careplans:

-a clip board with storage space for clinical paperwork

-a drug guide

-RN notes (a pocket guidebook)

-a good watch with a second hand (for counting HR, RR ect.)

-a small pocket sized notebook (for getting report)

-a penlight

As far as lecture/studying goes make sure you have TONS of flashcards and highlighters, a decent planner, and printer ink!

Hope this gives you some ideas, goodluck this fall!

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