Nursing Supplies

[truescope]

Do most nurses have a go-to nursing bag full of supplies to help stay prepared? I've heard most hospitals and clinics don't provide common supplies for their staff (i.e scrubs, stethoscope, pen, highlighters, note pads, etc..) so most nurses have to make up their own nursing bag to help stay prepared for their long shift.

[Extra Pickles]

Scrubs, stethoscope, pens, these are the kind of things you should plan to buy and use your own. Some hospitals provide scrubs, and there's always a stethoscope or pen laying around, but if you want quality items you should be prepared to buy and keep your own! Exception is for isolation carts that have dedicated stethoscopes for iso rooms but otherwise use your own.

Haven't ever needed a highlighter on the floor and I carry a Brain sheet with me so that's where my notes go. I guess if you like scratching down notes a pad in your pocket is easy enough.

I'm not going to carry around a bag full of stuff the hospital won't buy lol, if they don't buy it I don't think I need it either! My exception is good pens. I like good pens :)

[nynursey_]

​Many, if not all hospitals, will stock basic supplies such as pens, pencils, paperclips, paper, and often times, highlighters, Post-It notes, etc. As far as I'm concerned, I HATE the hospital supplies, and would much rather have my own pens and highlighters on hand should the need arise. I'm particularly fond of the highlighters and permanent markers made by Sharpie. They clip right onto my badge.

What I'm responsible for are the things I need to be able to do my own personalized nursing assessment: penlight, stethoscope, reflex hammer (if required), calipers, hemostats, and bandage scissors. A manual blood pressure is never a bad idea either.

I look at it this way: those are all essential for ME to do my job in MY scope of practice. I do expect the hospital to provide the disposable stethoscopes for contact patients, which many do, but not for other 'tools of the trade.'

[CelticGoddess, BSN, RN]

I have a pen, a dry erase marker, a sharpie, scissors (for opening stubborn packaging and never for wound dressings) and my stethoscope. All other supplies are provided for me. (Actually, I get my dry erase marker and sharpie from the office supplies at work). And, of course, my uniform (compression socks, shoes, scrubs). All other things I am provided for. I would NEVER bring my own supplies in for patient care. One: The state will ding you so fast for that one and 2) I won't get paid for it. But the hospital will~

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Moved to Nursing Nursing Gear

[Extra Pickles]

​Many, if not all hospitals, will stock basic supplies such as pens, pencils, paperclips, paper, and often times, highlighters, Post-It notes, etc. As far as I'm concerned, I HATE the hospital supplies, and would much rather have my own pens and highlighters on hand should the need arise. I'm particularly fond of the highlighters and permanent markers made by Sharpie. They clip right onto my badge.

What I'm responsible for are the things I need to be able to do my own personalized nursing assessment: penlight, stethoscope, reflex hammer (if required), calipers, hemostats, and bandage scissors. A manual blood pressure is never a bad idea either.

I look at it this way: those are all essential for ME to do my job in MY scope of practice. I do expect the hospital to provide the disposable stethoscopes for contact patients, which many do, but not for other 'tools of the trade.'

It's a really bad idea where I work. If the equipment needs to be calibrated as is the case with a BP cuff no staff is allowed to bring it in. Same with pulse ox. We use the hospital equipment only. Better check with your facility and see if you're ok doing this or if you're going against policy!