lorilou

My 2nd year classroom teacher and clinical instructor forbid our group to do manual blood pressures. She claimed the dynamaps were much more accurate. But, this is the same teacher that didn't think we needed to learn about EKG readings. -- needless to say, she is now unemployed. So, am I good at bp's? definitely not... but, I am practicing every chance I get. I start my first RN job on a medsurg unit on Sept. 12.

I will be starting in Sept on a med-surg unit. I am wondering what "supplies" I should have as a new nurse - RN. Is it worth it for me to get the Breathsounds made easy and Cardio made easy books. I am awful at listening and being able to document "breathsounds deminished bilaterally", etc. Honestly, that is what scares me the most. I don't really know the difference when I listen to lungs. Also, as a new nurse, what should I keep with me while on the floor. I usually carried a clipboard during clinicals - but, should I buy a PDA? I don't really know what the PDA will be good for except helping with the drugs. Anything else?? I am really looking forward to this new experience and am determined to go into this with a positive attitude. Afterall, I spent the last 3 years working for it!! This is a great thread!!