New nurse-what do I bring daily for work?

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Hi All!

I've accepted a full-time RN position on an adult ortho-neuro floor. We were required to bring everything but the kitchen sink for clinicals in school, but I'm wondering what you all find to be necessities now that you are working. So far I've got a list that includes the following: steth, penlight, pens/highlighters/sharpies, scissors, personal items, and an extra set of scrubs. I also plan to keep my drug guide, lab book, and patho book in my locker for reference when I need them. What else do you guys use frequently that I may need to bring along? I've been out of school for a little while now, so I'm sure I'm forgetting things! Also, does anyone have a link for a great "brain sheet?" I'm open to any advice ya'll might be able to throw my way! Thank you! :)

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There are a ton of good brain sheets on here. Just search for them in the search engine. [emoji3] That being said, congrats on the new job!! I was a new grad in May, so I totally understand not knowing what to bring. I think everything on your list should suffice. I would add Tylenol, ibuprofen, or Aleve, and a good water bottle. Also, there are some really good apps for up to date drug references (micromedex), and labs. I would get those so you don't have to cart the books around.

Best of luck on your new job!!!

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Specializes in Clinical Documentation Specialist, LTC.

Healthy snacks to help keep yourself going on those days you're so busy you don't even have time to pee ;) Congrats!! :D

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Specializes in Pedi.

The only thing I ever brought when working at the bedside was my stethoscope. Anything else the hospital should be providing. If I needed extra scrubs while at work, I took them from the hospital's supply.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Stethoscope. Underwear. Pen. Survivalist here.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

1. Pens

2. Trauma shears (I worked ER)

3. Flashlight (not a penlight something a little bigger)

4. Water

5. Healthy snacks

6. Phone with apps

7. Scrubs with lots of pockets

8. Extra hair ties or headband

Best wishes on your new job

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Specializes in ALF, Medical, ER.

Stethoscope, pens, penlight, trauma shears, hemostats, nail file, Motrin, healthy snacks, water bottle, phone with apps (no way you can get to your locker to look something up right away. Plus unit should have drug books at the nurses station) extra set of scrubs and hair ties. I work ED.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

I bring lunch and Tylenol. My hospital supplies office supplies and stethoscopes.

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I just bring my ID, lunch, a pen, and a water bottle.

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I bring lunch and Tylenol. My hospital supplies office supplies and stethoscopes.

I second Tylenol. Or Aleve.

Works wonders when you have that one patient who makes your head feel like it is gonna explode or when management tells you about a new change in policy.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Don't forget to bring your sense of humor & a well-rested, caffeinated brain.

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Specializes in Critical care.

Coffee, and the patience of Job.

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