Must have items??

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

Calling all med/surg nurses! I am getting ready to begin my first job as a "real nurse" on a med surg floor. What are some of the essential items that you can't live without. i really want to be prepared and have a smooth transition. Thanks!

Can we wear a fanny pack? serious question because i do have a pda that i dont want to lose.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ortho Rehab, LTC, Med-Surg, Telemetry.

You can absolutely wear a fanny pack. Whatever helps you stay organized. I know of several nurses who wear them.

To add to what everyone has pretty much already covered. I have a clipboard that opens and has a storage compartment inside that I keep a lot of my stuff in. I also always have post-its, highlighters of various colors, a Sharpie (for the IV bags, G-tube bags, dressings, etc), at least a few bucks in change for the soda machine, my stethescope, bandage scissors, pen light, hemostats, rolls of tape and an assignment sheet I created in nursing school that helps me stay organized.

Everyone has their own method to staying organized, you'll have to figure out what works for you. Maybe your report notes will, but I've found that sometimes having the extra stuff like code status, meds due, iv access location and even their family members names (if they have family who visit often) is a good thing to have on hand.

Also, I used to be a big advocate for Dansko shoes. I still love my Danskos, but have recently bought a pair of Crocs. Let me tell you... they are some of the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn, they're light and best of all they're only like $30! Huge difference compared to the Danskos being $116.

A lab coat too! Sometimes it gets cold on my unit and having a lab coat saves the day. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Also, I used to be a big advocate for Dansko shoes. I still love my Danskos, but have recently bought a pair of Crocs. Let me tell you... they are some of the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn, they're light and best of all they're only like $30! Huge difference compared to the Danskos being $116.

A lab coat too! Sometimes it gets cold on my unit and having a lab coat saves the day. :)

I totally agree. I was fairly happy with my Dansko's which I wore all through school, but I go out and buy the ugly, plastic, cheap shoes that I swore I would never wear and WOW, like walking on air....I'm a little self-conscious in them, but when I feel like being extra comfortable, I wear the Crocs.

I recently bought a pair of Merril's and they are also more comfortable than Dansko's.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Can we wear a fanny pack? serious question because i do have a pda that i dont want to lose.

My job has not denied us the opportunity to wear them, but I tell you what...I would wear one and hide it if necessary. It is a great place to keep your wallet, PDA, pens, highlighters and penlight. I don't have a locker at my place, and I know for a fact that people steal from each other here. Mine has an area for my cell phone as well, which is important to me, because I don't give my work phone number out to anyone. If you have to reach me, the cell is the way to go, even if I can't return the call immediately. In my opinion, the PDA is TOO valuable a resource to leave laying around. Plus, mine is in color.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC/Rehab/SNF/Sub-Acute.
Here's my 2 cents,

good running shoes as stated above, multicolored pens...i love them for report and care plans, pen light, sticky notes, paper tape to measure wounds, calipers, scissors, stethoscope, clip board with calculator and thick skin! Good luck!!!

Diana

Thick Skin, i like that one! lol.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment