New Nurse "Grocery List"

[ashrose1992]

Hi everyone,

I'm a new grad starting my first RN job on a surgical floor this Monday. I wanted to make a list of things I would need to start my new job, and I could use some help. From things like bandage scissors to helpful literature to malpractice insurance; what should be on my new nurse grocery list?

[guest112]

The more stuff you carry around the more cleaning and risk for infection transmission. I would try to use floor stock for everything you can if feasible at your workplace. Just keep in mind and figure out a balance that works for you. For example, grab a sharpie from the floor at the start of shift. Once it is used in an isolation room, leave it there and grab another one. Otherwise you need to wipe down your own equipment with chlorahexadine or whatever your facility uses. This takes time, which was my most precious resource as a new nurse. Good luck and welcome to the profession.

[Emuhawk000]

I worked as a surgical nurse for a long time and one of the first things I learnt was not to carry equipment if you don't know how to use it! hence why it was quite some time before I carried a stethoscope on me. They look very impressive, but do you know what you are listening for or where? before adorning yourself with one, get some training or advice first.

[canigraduate]

I worked as a surgical nurse for a long time and one of the first things I learnt was not to carry equipment if you don't know how to use it! hence why it was quite some time before I carried a stethoscope on me. They look very impressive, but do you know what you are listening for or where? before adorning yourself with one, get some training or advice first.

Eh? It would be kind of hard to assess lungs and such without a stethoscope. OP is going on a surgical floor, not into surgery.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

Decent sneakers

Stethoscope- preferably with your name engraved or a difficult to remove name tag so it doesn't grow legs so easy

Pen light

Bandage scissors

Good quality pens (black)

Notebook/paper for writing report

Surgical marker/sharpie (for marking the outlines of drainage/bleeding)

You should always have a drug reference available. I imagine this will be supplied on your unit but it would be good to make sure.

Decent, supportive shoes. Probably not "sneakers." Danskos, Birkenstocks, Alegrias (?). Doc Martins? Whatever works best for you -- you'll want good support not just something that feels good on your feet when you put them on. Your back, hips, legs and feet will thank you.

[CiaMia, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, APRN, NP]

They look very impressive, but do you know what you are listening for or where? before adorning yourself with one, get some training or advice first.

... isn't that exactly why we have a physical assessment class (or similar) with lab..?! At least in my program, we had whole quizzes and full-on return demos with teaching stethoscopes around that stuff.