Recommendation for best nursing tools/items to buy?

[NurseinBoots, ADN, BSN]

Hello all!

I'm graduating soon and will be starting on a med-surg floor in a large hospital floor this summer. I was wondering if anyone had a favorite nursing tool or item that they find super helpful while working? Or even any tips of the trade...I know everyone has their own preferences, but I thought it would be cool to hear some!

Thanks everyone

[wildrosesRN, BSN]

First of all congratulations on all your hard work!

I love my nurse fanny pack. In my pack I keep various pens (depending on your facility they may have preferred colours), pencils, yellow highlighters, scissors and a couple rolls of tape. Nothing is more annoying than when you are busy and need a certain item and don't have it, plus in the long run it will save you some extra steps! Which is a must in med/surg!

[caffeinatednurse, BSN, RN]

A good ballpoint pen. Find a brand you like, and buy a whole pack of 'em. You're going to lose a good amount of them so it helps if you have extras.

Highlighters. I like to color code my report sheets.

Bandage scissors, preferably in a memorable color so you won't accidentally set them down and not see them.

A decent stethoscope. You don't need a cardiology stethoscope, although those are nice. I carry a Littmann Class II stethoscope. The doctors on my unit are always borrowing mine to use when they forget theirs. I never struggle to hear lung or heart sounds, so it is pretty good.

Penlight for neuro checks. Again, it doesn't have to be anything super fancy.

A clipboard. You can get one of those cute ones that has a compartment to carry your notes in. I personally just use a regular old brown clipboard, so that I know I've put all of my papers in the shred box at the end of my shift.

Oh yeah, and some comfortable, anti-microbial scrubs. I like Cherokee Infinity scrubs, personally.