Rolling Backpacks/Luggage bags?

[NurseRoRo]

I started HH almost one year ago and so far, I'm finding lots of variables in what other nurses carry into the home. The agency gives each nurse a tote bag that is essentially a giant gym bag. For a while I used it but then I went into a home that did not have a surface large enough for me to place my bag (this was my first visit and the admit nurse failed to provide the info in the report). The only place for me to put my bag was the bedside commode which had dried stool on the lid and some on the side rails. I had barrier supplies but the pt was also having diarrhea that was quite frequent and I didn't want his wife to throw my bag off if he had to use the commode in a pinch!

I ended up making an excuse to go out to my car and essentially cramming everything I needed into my pockets (which wasn't a lot for this visit). I also left my laptop in the car as there was nowhere to put it, either. The next day the pt went into the ED and stayed a week, so I had a little time to research what I was going to use when I got back into the home.

I found a wheeled backpack at Walmart for $34. So far, so good. It stays on the floor because it has big plastic feet. I don't have a compartment for dirty items, but everything gets wiped down before going back in. I use the agency issued red biohazard "lunch bag" to carry my sharps box in and only take it out if I know I will use it for sharps.

Other nurses use computer luggage bags, lots of them have rolling bags. Just curious on what you all use?

[caliotter3]

I just use a regular backpack. I used to have one made of vinyl that was very inexpensive, but it eventually fell apart from use. I bought a rolling backpack, but never really got into the habit of using it because I found it to be a little clumsy and heavy for me. I just carry the backpack. I use plastic bags as a barrier surface.

[IntoTheUnit]

I use a Wegner(they make swiss army knives!) bag that I got at Staples. I've only been using it for about a week, but so far it seems to be working well. Much better than the backpack for my neck and shoulders. It was a little expensive ($120, I think), but worth it and tax deductible.

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

I just saw several Stanley hardware bags and rolling bags with the coolest little pouches . That thing was sturdy and cheap. I saw it at Target but I am going to check out a hardware store b/f I purchase the one I saw. So do not forget to check out the handyman bags.

[ladyboyd]

OMG! Maybe it's because I'm old and been in this biz for a long time, but I cannot carry a large bag. I have a nice Hopkins bag with compartments galore theat I keep in my trunk. A small dickies bag (slightly larger than a fanny pack) is what I take into the pt's home. Holds my bp cuff, steth, thermometer/covers. alcohol swabs, pulsox, and gloves. laptop stays in the car....if I need dressing supplies, I pack them out of my trunk into a grocery store bag. Red lunch bag thing for labs. Hemesense machine if needed for the visit. I also have a large tote bag for my charts that I also leave in the car.