Starting NUR111 with clinicals this fall...

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And we have a laundry list of things to buy before then... So I need recommendations, reviews (and tips on where I can get the best quality at the cheapest price!)

First, I need some shoes. As a student they must be ALL white, no lettering or logo showing. I need lots of arch support and I have wide feet. I have looked at nursemates and I think they look high quality, what's your favorite?

Next, I need a watch... I am kinda grossed out by the thought of having a germ harboring piece of leather or plastic around my arm... Is there such thing as an antimicrobial watch out there? I am assuming that it too will need to be all white. I would prefer it have army time on it...

A stethoscope. Now, I have seen tons on ebay for like $10, and when I was pregnant, I actually bought one. I dont know much about stethoscopes, but I wasn't impressed.. Recommendations?

Bandage Scissors. Are these a pretty general item, what you get here, you'll get there kinda thing, or is there some special brand that is the best?

Support hose/socks... These aren't on my programs list, but my aunt who is an RN (and my inspiration), told me that with the history of varicose veins in our family, I should always have some sort of support... Are tube socks enough or what should I consider?

I've already bought my scrubs. I am TRULY jealous of the Nursing students at the nearest college, they get to wear beautiful blue scrubs while we are in flattering white!

Thanks in advance for all the help and recommendations!

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I'm starting this fall too,..

They have watches the clip onto your scrubs, and are upside-down so you can look down and see them. Much better than keeping them on your wrist! For a stethoscope, I decided on a more expensive Littmann Cardiology III, after reading countless reviews on this website. I, too, want to get some support hose, but I really know nothing about them to know what is best..

When I was taking a CNA course, I bought shoes by a brand called Spring Step.. they were one of the cheaper choices at one of the scrub shops in town.. AWFUL! We sat at a desk all day for a month and had only 3 days of clinicals and my feet hurt so bad.. plus after just a month of wearing them they were ripping in several spots.. such awful shoes.. Don't get them (:

There are a LOT of threads on here suggesting shoes, stethoscopes, etc. Do a search and you'll come up with a lot of information. Good luck in your nursing program!!

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I love my Littmann stethoscope. Mid-priced at the local scrub store - I have seen them cheaper online. I also get my shoes at the local scrub store. I have had NurseMates. Some have been excellent, some have been shabby. Also like the watches that pin on the uniform. Better for hygiene, and nothing on my wrist that may scratch or bruise a patient. I use support socks (knee high), also purchase them at the local scrub store.

White uniforms? Our college has us wear RED... ugh. My family calls me Mrs. Claus when I have mine on. I understand our college went to red after a student continued to wear polka-dot panties under her white scrub pants.

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  • Shoes: I have a pair of Nursemates (the "Dove" style). They're comfy and have arch support and are super lightweight. They also just slip on (and have an enclosed heel) which I like because you don't have to deal with retying those shoe laces that have been dragging all over the hospital floors :uhoh21: I also have a pair of white Crocs (the "Specialist" kind...the one with NO holes on the top or side vents...they are completely enclosed). The heel portion is sort of raised so your heel is slightly covered (or you can move the heel strap to the back to secure your feet even more) but I have never slipped out of those shoes even when the heel strap isn't to the back (if that makes sense). The Crocs are actually my favorite because they are extremely comfortable and lightweight.
  • Watch: if you do not want a watch on your wrist (and I don't blame you), you can get a lapel watch that pins to your uniform. when you look at it the watch looks like it is upside down but when it is pinned to your uniform and you look down at it, it's upright.
  • Stethoscope: Littmann, hands down. And you don't have to spend $200+ on one, either - I ordered mine from www.reddingmedical.com for $74.95 (or $73.94? I forgot lol...it was one of the two) which was cheaper than if I bought it in store. In store, they were selling the Classic II S.E.'s (the one I have) for $84...that + tax (which is almost 9% in that area) would have been ~$90. The $74.95/$73.94 included tax and S&H. And the shipping was fast! The Classic II S.E. comes with a 3-year warranty which will last you through nursing school and it also has an acoustical rating of 7/10 which is great - something you won't get with cheaper stethoscopes. I can hear very well with that stethoscope - even better than my friend's $100 Ultrascope, which are supposed to be better than Littmanns. The Littmanns also come with soft ear tips (nothing is worse than a stethoscope with rock-hard ear tips!! They're so uncomfortable!) and mine even came with an extra set of them.
  • Bandage scissors....are bandage scissors lol. Nothing special about them, just buy a pair.

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Specializes in GYN/GON/Med-Surg/Oncology/Tele.

I've already bought my scrubs. I am TRULY jealous of the Nursing students at the nearest college, they get to wear beautiful blue scrubs while we are in flattering white!

We have to wear all white scubs as well and the pants are straight leg with a high elastic waist...HIDEOUS. But I'm just happy to start nursing school...finally!

Good luck!

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i am starting in the fall too! congrats! i bought the littmann lightweight II steth....i heard it is good to get through two years of nursing school. my uniform is white too it's horrible. i think i am just going to buy white leggings to wear underneath because ALL of my underwear shows ***sigh*** good luck to you !

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Specializes in ..

A fob watch. I swear by mine. We actually aren't allowed to wear wrist watches for infection control reasons.

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Congrats! I too am starting the RN program this coming fall '09. We are lucky enough to get the blue drawstring pants! Sorry to all of you with your white pants!! I would have them destroyed in one day!!! Thanks for posting this. I have been searching too for stethescopes and watches! Really like the idea of the fob watch!

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Three enjoyable moments is getting into nursing, finishing nursing school and passing the NCLEX!!!!! Congrats to all of u starting in the fall mk sure to keep in prayer or whoever u worship!!!!

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