New PCT to Med Surg

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What equipment would I need when I start. This is my first time working in a hospital so I want to be prepared. I know the basics watch, pens, and a little small note pad to write down stuff until I get used to everything but anything else?

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Specializes in None at the moment.

An extra set of scrubs (just incase), invest in good shoes - you will be thankful: Asics, Saucony, or New Balance. Snack bars/meal bar, because breaks are supposed to happen, but things happen - you need something quick to keep your balance and keep you going. My favorite is Special K Strawberry meal bars. A lock!!! You'll need to bring your own lock if you get a locker assigned to you. Make a little kit with some tylenol, tums.. Mints... Headaches and bad food happen. Good luck, congrats!

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@MochaFiend thank you. Really appreciate it will definite take ur advise especially about the shoes.

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

I wouldn't worry about a notepad :) Too many things happen too quickly to keep up with notes.

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Specializes in None at the moment.
I wouldn't worry about a notepad :) Too many things happen too quickly to keep up with notes.

That's true. At shift change you'll more than likely fill out a sheet of paper of patient assignments with a small note; NPO after midnight, patient baths, glucose checks, vitals every hour, four hours... I kept that sheet on me in a pocket which helped a lot when I gave report. Carry no more than two pens (and no less) and make sure they are ball point, NOT gel.

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Thank you all for your advise. I start on feb 15 and can not wait.

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I've been a PCT for about 8 years. I start on a med surg floor Monday(moved to Tampa from Jax ) so I'm in your boat! I disagree with the above about not taking notes. I would carry a small notebook with you. Yes, things will be happening fast but you could always jot down codes, floor numbers and their corresponding units, where x-Ray is located etc. I'm seasoned but I still find times to take reference notes. It's always been more of a help than not having it.

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Today was my first day of training on med surg and I really enjoyed it. It was truly an exciting day. A lot of different things happened but all was handled like it should. I know there will be good and bad days but I think this is a good start to a future here. @AshBuggin my note pad was greatly needed tell I get out on own and have floor sheets for the unit.

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I start this week on med surg! Was there any other equipment you needed? So far I have scrubs and a notebook lol.

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I start this week on med surg! Was there any other equipment you needed? So far I have scrubs and a notebook lol.

Yeah at the hospital im working at i do need a lock for my locker, a lunch bag because on weekends the cafeteria is closed or just to bring your own lunch and snacks, and if you want your own clip board to bring back and forth to write on when doing vitals, accu checks, and side notes.

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I start next week at my very first hospital job on the med surg unit. I'm so excited and nervous! I'll be working NOC shift. Does anybody know the basics for a night on the med surg floor as a PCT? What should I expect?

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