Starting nursing school in three weeks, what am I forgetting?

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Hi all!

Soon-to-be nursing student here. I got into a pretty selective BSN program and I'm super excited ^_^

I'm very organized and like to be prepared ahead of time and have plan B, C, D and E all ready and laid out before I go into *anything*.

Unfortunately my school is slow on the details this year (going through staff changes). So I was hoping to get some advice about general gear I should look into and maybe mental preparedness.

I have my stethoscope, scrubs, books, a great backpack, watch, badge clip, pocket organizer etc. I know I still need good shoes.

I'm not sure if I should go with compression hose or socks?

Do I need a portable pulse ox? Everywhere I've worked before has had their own so I'm not sure...

Are there any good books about what to expect/how to handle nursing school? I have one my school recommended on test taking, but that's it.

I just can't help but to feel I'm either over or under prepared and I just want to make sure I've thought of all I can.

Is there anything helpful gear or study-wise that you all found helpful in your programs?

Am I forgetting anything?

Thank you in advance for any help and advice!

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I would add to that bandage scissors and a pen light, just off the top of my head.

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My advice is on tests, remember this, don't delegate teaching or assessing, don't leave the patient and don't choose to do nothing. If a test question asks you about a patient, pretend you have a complete stock of supplies in the room. I don't think you need a portable pulse ox. Get some highlighters and black ink pens. Post it flags are good for studying

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Specializes in ICU.

I wear compression hose. I like them. I would also say a pen light and scissors. I had to have my own BP cuff though use it very little. For our first semester all BP readings had to be manual so we would know what to listen for. This semester I had to go to an addiction center for clinical and they took all manual BP readings so I used it there too. I use my pen light all the time so I have several. I wouldn't worry about getting a book to read on how to prepare, just relax before you start. Every minute I can get, I try to relax because it is a lot.

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A really good printer. You'll be printing A LOT of material. I bought a printer/copier/scanner. It prints on both sides of the paper. It also used toner instead of ink cartridges. Probably one of my smartest purchases for nursing school.

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definitely don't buy a portable pulse ox. you won't need it. i think your list is fine for now. i would suggest having your name engraved on your stethoscope. smartest thing i've ever done. get ready to see a lot of pink littmanns in clinical.

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.
definitely don't buy a portable pulse ox. you won't need it. i think your list is fine for now. i would suggest having your name engraved on your stethoscope. smartest thing i've ever done. get ready to see a lot of pink littmanns in clinical.

Where can someone get their stethoscope engraved?

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What kind of backpack did you buy? And where? I want a good durable one too.....starting May 11th

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Good luck! Not sure your school informed you of this, or if you know already, but BLS CPR and are required for my school's nursing program.

My pocked organizer came with a pupil gauge pen light..it's pretty cool! I start in a few weeks too!! But no clinicals for me until Fall.

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Oh my gosh, thank you guys for all the great feedback!

I do have really neat pens that are pencils and four ink pens in one (and they're not ugly or bulky or expensive - yay!). I am coming out of doing my prereqs so I also have highlighters, post it notes, folders, etc.

Thank you for the test advice fangirl, I'm definitely going to remember that!

My school requires the pen lights and BP cuff, as well as an eye chart and couple other small things. I've looked into/fell in love with an awesome sounding printer, but I won't be sinking in the money to upgrade unless I find I absolutely must (I have one currently that I fight with, but still works).

Jenece312, I bought my backpack after reading a lot of reviews on the forums here, there are lots of threads about good ones. I have a High Sierra from ebags (they did free shipping) and I love it. Lots of space, laptop sleeve, little pockets and areas to organize and fairly roomy drink holder on both sides, which I need because I go through a lot of water during the day. Oh, and it rolls - a must for me. Mine was on sale for about $50 when I found it, they have a huge selection.

AZBlueBell, I found the recommended stethoscope on mystethoscope.com (again, from the forums here). It was cheaper than Amazon and they did free engraving. The cheapest shipping was $10 but it's two-day so I can live with that. Mine's actually a red Littmann, yay for being a little different?

My school actually offers the required BLS course the day before orientation, I'm all scheduled to go and they offer insurance if your personal one doesn't cover.

I know I'll be learning a lot more at orientation, but that's only a week before classes start and I worry about not having enough time to get something I need before it's required, hence my post here.

Again, thank you guys for all these great ideas - really helping soothe those plan/worry-too-much nerves! ^_^

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Specializes in Critical care.

If you don't already, a good organizing system for your notes when you're done with them, etc is essential. By the end of the semester you will have accumulated so much paper that if it's not organized, you'll spend more time sorting it out than studying for your final!

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Where can someone get their stethoscope engraved?

it was an option when i ordered mine online years ago. i can't remember where i originally ordered the stethoscope tho.

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