Starting Clinicals Soon... What Do I Need?

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  1. Should I get an IPAD for clinicals? they recommend a app of books.

    • 3
      Yes!! either your smartphone or iPad
    • 19
      No, you won't need an iPad

22 members have participated

Hi all:) I'm starting my 2nd semester in the program and this is when we start our clinicals.... what are all your advice and tips for what I need? Clipboard? all that kind of stuff ya know:) Thank you so much!!!:nurse:

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I'm starting my second semester (well... quarter) as well :) We did clinicals our first quarter, though.

You are DEFINITELY going to need a clipboard. I personally got a folding clipboard. The one O have is by a company called WhiteCoat. It also has lab values, conversions, ECG info, and a ton of other useful stuff on it. Just make sure you get the Nursing Edition because I believe they also have an MD edition that has different info on it. It is pricey for what it is, but I like it because it fits perfectly in the scrub pockets, and since it folds there's a lower chance of HIPAA violations.

Comfortable shoes are a must. You don't have to get super expensive nursing shoes, though. I just got cheap shoes and really nice insoles. Most of the expensive shoes I've seen aren't anything nice anyway. The money is better spent on some higher end Dr. Scholl's inserts in my opinion.

You will also need a watch with a second hand (not digital), and it would be helpful if it had 2400/military time. Think practicality and function over fashion: waterproof, leather/silicone/plastic so it's easy to clean with an alcohol prep pad, large numbers that contrast with the background so it's easy to read, etc.

Other miscellaneous items include a calculator for med dosage calculations, a small flip pad to write notes and reminders to yourself, LOTS AND LOTS OF BLACK PENS, a water bottle (stay hydrated!!), and the obvious things (stethoscope, pen light, bp cuff if you're required to bring your own, etc).

Unless your professors tell you otherwise, I wouldn't bring any books except your drug guide and maybe a small lab value manual. You will want to pack light since students don't typically get lockers, and those break rooms are pretty tiny.

That's all I really used this quarter. I can't think of much else. If there is anything specific that you have questions or concerns about I can do my best to answer. It's very exciting to start taking care of real patients! Good luck in your clinicals!

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

In our RN program does clinical in the lab the 1st semester, and then out in the field (so to write) from the second semester forward. What I found helpful in addition to what the program tells you to bring is bandage scissors, sharpie, pen, field notepad (the type that easily fits in any scrub pocket), sticky notes, and tissues. A penlight, stethoscope, and analog watch (this is required in our program) as well. I used a very thin 3 ring binder that had a pocket in the back vs. a clipboard.

I attached an SBAR form one of our clinical instructors provided that my clinical mates and I found useful.

NURSE BRAIN Sheet for use at HACC Clinical Sites.pdf

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I bought a clipboard that stores papers inside it (it's about 1" of storage) that works perfectly for keeping your clinical paperwork together.

I like to make a checklist of my physical assessment to ensure I don't miss anything. After you've done it several times, you will no longer need a list. It'll become routine. If you have your med list beforehand, be sure to know why you're administering them and what they do. Good luck!

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I made my own pseudo whiteboard clipboard because I wasn't paying $30 for that. You can buy a $2-5 clipboard that folds or opens from office depot or where ever (amazon has a selection) and paste your lab values and other nursing stuff on it or use permanent markers.

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I made my own pseudo whiteboard clipboard because I wasn't paying $30 for that. You can buy a $2-5 clipboard that folds or opens from office depot or where ever (amazon has a selection) and paste your lab values and other nursing stuff on it or use permanent markers.

Smart idea! I tried doing this as well, but couldn't find the folding clipboards, so I broke down and dished out the money for a WhiteCoat (my school sold them for $25). If you can find the clipboard, though, this is definitely the smarter way to go!

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Specializes in Allergy/ENT, Occ Health, LTC/Skilled.

I have started my bridge clinical rotation but in my LPN rotation I took things all mentioned above. I plan on taking with me to bridge clinical what I take to work at the SNF with a few additions like the clip board that has a folder inside it but I type up lab values, notes, etc and tape them on. I also have mini highlighters/sharpies/pens that can all attach to my work badge that I will take with me to clinicals. It's very nice not having to stuff all that in my pockets and loose them as the day goes on.

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I'm about to complete my first clinical rotation, I always bring: stethoscope, comfortable shoes, compression socks, big hair clip or elastics, more black pens than I'll ever need, watch with a second hand, notebook small enough to fit in my scrub pocket, ibuprofen, water bottle, and a small snack-usually a banana or energy bar.

That's honestly all I've needed, I bring my scissors and permanent marker but I've only used them once. Good luck! You'll be a nervous wreck the first day, everyone is, but each day you'll get more and more comfortable!

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THANK YOU:)

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