New Grad Nursing Supplies Advice

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I just recently graduated in May and just started my new grad RN orientation but wanted some feedback on what others recommend for nurses to have such as penlights, clamps, etc. Any suggestions and tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

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Specializes in Emergency.
I just recently graduated in May and just started my new grad RN orientation but wanted some feedback on what others recommend for nurses to have such as penlights, clamps, etc. Any suggestions and tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Depends on what type of unit. Day shift or night shift? If its night shift a penlight could be handy. You could probably survive with ears(stethascope) scissors and a good pen.

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sthetascope

pen light

mirror (assessing pts heels for skinbreakdown)

scissors

watch

clamps

report sheet (I thing there are some on this site so you can find one you like

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Invest in good shoes.

Good black pens

sharpie

kelly clamp

2 pairs of bandage scissors since they grow legs and walk away

clipboard ( I like the ones that you can put stuff inside)

colored pens

AND GOOD SHOES. More than one pair. Possibly some suppport hose/stalkings.

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Specializes in Gastroenterology.

Things I bought myself:

Good shoes (love Birkenstock Londons)

Support socks

Stethoscope (the one I used in nursing school)

Black pens (buy by the box and leave in my locker)

Red pens (I use them to circle meds that are due next on my med sheets)

White board pen (we have boards in patient rooms)

Cheap pocket flashlight

Sweater (for nights)

Watch

Task list (I modified a co-workers, double sided sheet has space for basic info and to-do checkboxes for 6 patients)

3 Ring binder with lots of pockets (organizing handover sheets/order sheets/ and other work papers)

Things I just carry constantly:

2x2 gauzes (for removing PIVs, random bleeds)

Red caps (for medlocking patients)

3ml saline syringes (ditto)

Alcohol pads

Chlorhexidine pads

Luer-lock adaptors for IV pushes (don't forget these as much anymore, but used to forget them all the time so needed them)

Tape (taping down IV lines, dressings)

Carpuject syringe holder

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Add: a few basic OTC drugs like asprin for the occasional headache, and cough drops.

Keep these in your bag or locker along with some mints( I like strong mints like Altoids) and some morale-boosting chocolate.

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