Nursing accessories for ER/ED?

Cat365 · Feb 20, 2018

I carry trauma shears, a pen, stethoscope, and a white board marker.

Whats a fig? Other than dried fruit?

HalfBoiled, BSN, RN · Feb 20, 2018

I carry trauma shears, a pen, stethoscope, and a white board marker.
Whats a fig? Other than dried fruit?

Figs are higher quality scrubs.

FIGS - Premium Scrubs, Lab Coats & Medical Apparel

Pricey, but quality over quantity.

Cat365 · Feb 20, 2018

Personally I like Cherokee infinity because they have the stretchy panel in the back. Obviously I don't know how they compare to figs since I was picturing you stuffing your pockets with dried fruits.

Running shoes are helpful. I have a few coworkers who wear Dansco or similar shoes but I like to be able to move fast if I need to.

DayDreamin ER CRNP · Feb 20, 2018

#1. Thick skin

#2. good socks. I like SwiftWicks or Balega

#3 great fitting, good shoes. Go to a real running store and get a pro fit.

#4. Good trauma shears, Raptors are great but I wouldn't get any until you know your habits and if you are prone to leave things lying around. Raptors will get stolen in a hurry.

#5. Scrubs you like. I think the Figs look fine online but I have yet to see any in person. They are pretty expensive so I'd make certain I liked them.

#6 healthy coping mechanisms.

blondy2061h, MSN, RN · Feb 20, 2018

These accessory threads always amuse me. Besides my stethoscope and lunch I never brought anything extra to work. In later years I got picky over writing utensils and when I got my Apple Watch I actual started wearing a watch.

RJ 55 · Feb 20, 2018

Hi

So I have been a ER and trauma nurse for about 10 years. Here is what I have on hand....

1. Pens

2. Sharpie

3. Trauma shears

4. Stethoscope

5. Scrubs that have lots of pockets

6. Good attitude

7. Flexible mind set

8. Open heart.

9. My listening ears on

Advice....

So as new nurse on the unit about a decade ago I learned how to break down some barriers...and they are relatively simple. ER and trauma nurses are sometimes hard to relate to. We have seen the worse that humanity has to offer. Offer to help. Even if it is something as easy as assisting a patient that needs to be turned or cleaned. Responding to a beeping alarm when the primary is on the phone with a doctor is helpful as well. We notice who is helpful and who is not. ER nursing and trauma nursing is a team effort. So come prepared to be part of a team. If you don't know how to do something.....ask! We don't expect you to know everything. Be an advocate for your patient. Sometimes the ER docs are distracted. You are your patient's voice. Speak up when something doesn't seem right.

JKL33 · Feb 20, 2018

Excellent! ^

Wuzzie · Feb 20, 2018

A smile.

SpankedInPittsburgh, DNP, RN · Feb 20, 2018

I wear Carhartt Black Scrubs exclusively. Tons of Pockets, super durable and un-stainable. Good sturdy shoes. I wear salomon's but that is a personal preference. An incredibility think skin. An ability to leave work at work and not get sucked up into the heavy drama pig occurrences. Lots of Coffee and a flexible lifestyle for when you get mandated at the worst possible time. Finally, a plan out for when your back, knees and nerves have had enough

Welcome

Good Luck!!!

Nalon1 RN/EMT-P, BSN, RN · Feb 22, 2018

$65 for a pair of shears?

One of our techs had a pair of those for about a week (it was a present). Really nice and fancy. She had used them twice before they disappeared.

I bought a set of 3 shears of e-bay for $5 over 2 years ago, I still have all 3. My primary set is about done for though.

I was wondering what figs were as well. No idea what scrubs you should get, what works for me will not necessarily work well for you.

As said, just make sure it has plenty of pockets that are easy to get to.

Same goes for shoes. You may go through 2-3 pair before you find something that works for you.

On my person at all time I have:

2 pens
fine point sharpie
shears
alcohol preps
a few flushes
Carpuject holder
pocket knife
unit radio
personal cell phone
stethoscope

Don't think I have wanted more, usually my stethoscope is sitting on the desk (a cheap, no name one that I have had for 10 years now).

And RJ 55 gives some good advice, be helpful. We notice. We are more willing to help than you know, and how you act will determine somewhat how you are treated.

Ask questions. There is such a thing as a stupid question, but it still needs to be asked. We have all had (and still do have) stupid questions, but I ask them anyway. You will never know it all. It will take time to know a lot.

Get to know your Doc's. Not necessarily personally, but their personality, how approachable they are, and how they treat other nurses. Do not be afraid of them. Do not let them boss you around or talk down to you.

Having the Doc right there vs having to call makes a huge difference, so make sure you know what you want or need when you walk up to them.

PeakRN · Feb 22, 2018

We stock most of what we need in the rooms, so I wouldn't carry a whole lot on you. I carry my pocket guide (emergency drips and meds), scissors, pen, and sharpie. Sometimes I wear my stethoscope but often I leave it on the desk; we don't have an issue with theft so I don't worry about that.

I spend more time making sure that our rooms, carts, and trays are stocked so that they are there when I need them.

The best scrubs are which ever you like and fit you well, the same goes for shoes.

What makes an ED nurse great is being ready for anything. This may mean having certain equipment available but even more is a commitment to learning. Know when a patient is sick or not sick. Be ready to talk to the providers, which sometimes means having uncomfortable conversations. If your patient's are settled take the time to figure out what else needs to be done in the department. Don't consider yourself above stocking or cleaning rooms.