New nurse. What do I need?

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Hey folks,

I just passed my NCLEX and have a job lined

up for February. I'll be working on surgical and orthopedic units at a nearby teaching hospital. Besides a stethoscope, scissors, tape, and pen, what gear should a med-surg nurse have available? Also, with holidays approaching, what nursing related gift do you wish someone would get for you?

thanks!

May I also add...HAND LOTION. Non-scented. Hands dry out fast after all the hand washing

We have an assortment of communal lotions in our monitor room. I keep waiting for it to become a vector.

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We have an assortment of communal lotions in our monitor room. I keep waiting for it to become a vector.

We're not allowed to use anything but the hospital supplied lotion for that very reason and because epidemiology says they interfere with the antibacterial properties of our hand sanitizer.

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A toothbrush and toothpaste to freshen up towards the end of your 12 hour shift. Floss for when something gets stuck in your teeth. I always have mints because my mouth gets dry after several hours on my feet and I worry about my breath, especially right before I give report.

Extra earbuds for your break and an extra phone charger just for work.

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Re: Extra scrubs & shoes:

Absolutely this! Also for that day when you realize you don't want your shoes or your scrubs to be rubbed all over your car.

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Specializes in Float Pool - A Little Bit of Everything.

A Bible, rosary, and holy water.

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Specializes in ED, Critical care, & Education.

Check out my article "Best Christmas Gifts for the Nursing Student". Most of the items are good for all nurses!

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/best-christmas-gifts-1080015.html

Get yourself a journal!! Record some of your best and worst cases, your thoughts etc. You will grow so much in the next year. Having a record of that growth is awesome!

Congrats on the new job!

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Pens and Ibuprofen.

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A Bible, rosary, and holy water.

Good for those patients who need an exorcist rather than a Dr

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Hey new nurse!

congrats on passing the NCLEX, and I wish you all the best of luck in the real world. I did have a random question and I'm sorry if it's inappropriate for me to ask on your post. I'm a noob here.

How was the NCLEX? I graduate Dec 2017 and I know it's a long time away, but we're all getting very nervous for our futures.

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Specializes in Progressive Care.

Oh wow some nurses carry around a lot. I just have a pen (which the floor provided) a pair of scissors and a dry erase marker (also took from the floor) because we have hourly rounding, as well as a stethoscope. I have EKG calipers because work in tele.

I don't even have an extra pair of scrubs because if someone pukes on me I just take from the OR! If you want to bring an extra pair it may be better to leave it in your trunk rather than crowding up your locker.

Some people have those clip boards that you can store stuff in and toss their things in there.

Maybe just wait until you start and see what you need?

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Thanks everybody! For sure I'll see what the other nurses on my unit use. All your input is greatly appreciated!

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

I always have my high end pulse ox., scissor, and breath mints, along with pens, besides my stethoscope

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