Nursing Equipment

[Michelle123]

Hi,

I am starting my nursing degree next year and want to start getting prepared now as I know that it will be expensive...I was wondering what types of things people recommend, like should I purchase a stethoscope and a blood pressure monitor etc?

Thanks!

[cursenurse]

you should definitely buy yourself a good stethoscope, littman is nice. also a bp monitor(manual) is good, that way you could practice doing manual bp's.

[blue eyes]

this is the stethoscope i use; it is a littmann classic ii.

depending on your university you'll do a fair bit of vital signs in nursing labs and some physical assessment techniques, so a stethoscope will come in handy.

my personal preference was not to bother with the bp cuff/monitor - my mum bought me tympanic thermometer ... 'ear thermometer' from the pharmacy as this was giving me the most hassles (taking tympanic temperature).

i'm not sure about other universities, but we had a lot of practice at taking bp (as well as temperature, pulse and respirations) in labs. our school of nursing also lends out vital signs kits, included a portable sphygmomanometer, penlight, mercury thermometer, tongue depressors and alcohol wipes - so we all got plenty of time to practice.

(portable sphygmomanometer -- http://www.asianproducts.com/images/psimage/9/a10911708001052s.jpg )

[Amber_student_nurse]

I would also buy a fob watch for when you go out on prac and a lenyard to hold you Dept of Health Clearance card and Student Id.

[joannep]

Hi, a nice pair of blunt nosed scissors and a pair of straight artery forceps are very handy on clinicals and when you enter the workforce.

Joanne

[sandgroper]

Good quality shoes...don't skimp...

[Grace Oz]

Reliable internet connection so you can login to allnurses frequently! LOL

Best wishes with your studies.