Starting pre-req's in a few weeks. What's on your supply list?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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As I was buying back-to-school supplies for my kids this weekend, all of a sudden it dawned on me that I would need school supplies too. It was one of those "AHA" moments when it became real that over 15 years since I graduated high school, I am starting college. :eek:

I got the basics of notebooks, a couple binders, a backpack, pens, pencils, a calculator. I think that's it. What else should I get or am I covered?

I'm doing pre-reqs this semester. English, Math, Psychology, and Ethics.

What's on your supply list?

Specializes in CNA/LPN.

It's been so long since I've been in a classroom setting, that I just realized that I needed to add a backpack to my list. I went ahead and ordered Dakine Backpack (anyone ever used these??? They had good reviews...) for now and figure it'll hold up through my first semester of NS as well, then I may transfer to a more heavy duty bag if need-be. I've been doing online courses for way too long. When I was in high school, my parents still bought my things. Boy did it just hurt shelling out $46 for backpack, but I didn't find anything much better price-wise for the space I'll need for my books and laptop, as well as other supplies. :eek:

I hope I'm done with school supplies...unless my instructor emails me the syllabus with more on it...

Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

I think you've heard a lot of good ideas and I use many of the same supplies that the others have listed. Here's what I use:

A backpack that can hold my laptop, books and supplies. Some semesters I use a rolling suitcase thing, instead.

Good sized binder in a cute color with a clear cover

Lots of highlighters

Post its

Sticky Flags

Mechanical Pencils – size.7 or .9

Those white erasers

Spiral bound notebook in cute colors - rarely used in Micro, Used it lots in Chem.

Binder paper - small amount, rarely use

Plain index cards- I make flash cards by the hundreds for every chapter and not cutting them out myself saves me time

I take notes on my laptop and also record lectures on it.

I keep my lap gear (goggles, coat, gloves) separate and only bring it on the days I have lab. It gets left in the car the rest of the time.

Colored pencils - depends on the class whether u need them

Different colored gel pens

Sharpies

Pencil sharpener

Mini stapler

Pencil pouch with a Hole punch

OK....I also keep the following in my backpack for school:

crystal light energy drinks

1 water bottle

chap stick

Starbucks via packs

granola bars or raisins

Specializes in Psych & Gero psych.

For a backpack I found the $17.00 rolling one from Walmart was perfect! I upgraded twice but it was still the best. Flashcards, Highlighters (Lots they run out of ink fast and are so much more expensive full price.) I like the sharpie ones where you can see how much is left, plus they are brighter too. Better qualitey binders. I like the kind with sleeves where you can slide a paper into the front and back. I would get a 3"inch one for each semester & each nursing class, (to keep all the notes together even after the semester.) I use a 1" inch as my study folder, and a 2" inch one to keep what I need to take to class and take notes. A mini stapler and glue stickes are also useful. Of course pens, paper and pencils. Printer paper and ink for your printer. Also white out. And just remember if you buy your supplies from Walmart and find that you bought too much you can always return them.

Specializes in CNA/LPN.

I cannot seem to stop buying supplies! I'm pretty sure this is stemming from the fact that I've been out of a classroom setting for such an extended period of time...I'm worried I won't be prepared enough! :eek:

I've been buying from stores around town and on Amazon. I bought some flags the other night, yet I feel they won't be enough, so I just ordered a pack of 200 on Amazon (that also comes with a bonus 48! Yes!) So I think I'm good on those. I keep stockpiling index cards. I swear, I just keep buying those bulk packs of 3! Highlighters. I've gotten quite a few packs of highlighters. I've been to the store numerous times and I still somehow end up on the aisle with the highlighters! I keep telling myself if I run out of anything, I can always get it later...but I think my enjoyment of buying school supplies overpowers the fact that I have surplus amount of certain things.

Specializes in Psych & Gero psych.

Iridescent Orchid I hate to tell you YOU WILL use all those supplies and then some. I go through 2 packs of highlighers every semester, the good kind. The sharpie ones where you can see the highlighter level (the 5 color pack). I say stock on index cards at walmart or whereever they are dirt cheap. You are starting out and over the course of becoming a nurse you use all that you buy.

If you do need a graphing calculator...check craigslist. I got mine for $40. (over $100 retail)

Specializes in Psych & Gero psych.

I wouldn't rush to buy a graphing calculator. When I took Statisics, it was on the supply list but come to find out we were able to borrow one from the school, Our teacher has us sign the library form for the semesters use of one. Those of us who borrowed instead of buying not only saved the cost, that was like $100.00 new, and since nearly everyone had the same thing giving step by step instructions was easier for everyone. Nowhere was there mention of being able to borrow instead of buy, untill we had our first class.

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