Frizbeeboy

I know there are some older threads similar to this but I figured a fresh one with an ED focus might not be a bad idea. Stethoscope - Goes without saying...but for sack of being through. I actually keep a backup in my locker just in case I forget the main one. I tend to keep a roll of tape on it as well. I also found a really cool LED light that I clip to the part of the tubing. Made by princetec called impulse and it is the carabiner version. About $10 here on amazon. Ballpoint Pen - I hate messing around with caps so it is one of the clicky ones (fancy term I know..) They also write well through carbon copies...yes we still have a couple of things still in paper - and carbon copy versions. Scissors - The item that never finds it's way back to it's owner. And every time you give it out you preface it with "Make sure I get these back." Saw some crazy fancy ones in the store for $15 - they were black and seemed really nice. Also saw myself losing them very quickly. I actually am currently using a this pair from staples. They are quite sturdy and are titanium which if nothing else sounds pretty rugged. Haha but they are quite durable. Other option is to buy them in bulk on ebay and as they get lost it isnt a big deal. I usually ditch the keys and wallet in the locker but do keep the phone and a little cash on me. Phone is nice for calcualtions and I have tried various reference software but I lean toward hard copy or whatever reference is on the computer. Bigger screen.. Everyone has their own way of organizing patient notes (some people call this their "brain"). I am not one who can just absorb it all as someone shpeals a dozen or so facts about 4 different patients. I bounce between taking an 8.5 by 11 and index cards. I am currently using the paper and find that most helpful. And bottom line is having something to write on is pretty clutch. How many times have you used an alcohol prep, paper towel, or gauze pad to jot down a recent set of VS or phone number or whatever you need to remember. I try to keep it light so my last must have is my badge. Seems like another no brainer but I actually see it as a tool. It is on a badge reel for the entry swipes. Key to my locker. And i have a set of badge card references on there that I find really helpful. One converts pounds to kilograms which every triage note requires (at our place) yet the computer system doesnt calculate it for you into kg...pretty crazy. It is also helpful when you and the doctor look at a sick pt and need to come up with a guesstimate on the spot. Found them on ebay under rn badge card here. I also have the conversion card and the pedi card. I try to use pocket guides but most of them are very "pocket-like." I end up leaving them on the COW or in the locker and never using them. What do you find helpful?

Food is always welcomed by ED Nurses. I think the other thing that is important to note is the importance of relationship building. Some baked goods, bagels, candies etc are all great ideas. It helps to build relationships with your co workers. Those same co workers that you will depend in critical situations.

I really like Intravenous Meds by Gahart its by Mosby Also like their Lab and Test Reference book For the ED I find the Tarascon ED version good because it is arranged by Condition/Problem I know the question was regarding what is on one's desk, but I always find that when I bring a book to work and try to reference it during the shift I end up forgetting to. It stays in the locker, or on the COW. Even pocket guides I have a habit of doing that. Another thread was mentioning putting references on your badge card which I have done and find helpful. I have a weight conversion badge card and pedi vital signs and milestones which are a big help. Not quite as extensive as a desk reference but they are sure are handy!

yes I agree that in a fast track setting 8 to 1 isnt a big deal. However I feel like some of the people here are alluding to main ed pts with that kind of ratio which seems quite challenging. Not to say it wont happen here and there on some ridiculous night. It should not be the norm. It also does depend on the staffing mix and how much support staff is there.

Yeh having the phone numbers is huge. I feel like there are some things that you just cant memorize. Phone numbers tend to be a moving target. Most of them stay the same but there is always a new one every few months. Or someone leaves and they give the new person a fresh phone number. As a new grad I remember multiple times thinking that I waste so much time asking people what an extension was or trying to find the right phone number. I really like the badge reference card idea.

Fast Track is 5:1, Main ED is 4:1, and both can go up by 1 if it is busy. I dont understand how people could safely do 8:1 or 10:1. I am wondering what type of ancillary help these higher ratio's get. My facility has the nurse doing much of the care. Techs do transport/ekg's/occ. phlebotomy/some VS/some personal care. I know other places have techs doing a lot more which would make a bit higher ratio possible.

I think this is a really good idea. I have a badge card that I write notes down on and keep the info with me. I like having it on my badge so I dont forget it. I tend to leave pocket guides in my locker. I have also been known to put a password or two down on these and code them in such a way that someone wouldnt know what it means. Great idea.