What items/tools/stationery/gadgets does a student NP need?

Students NP Students

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Am starting an online FNP program in Jan 2014 and am wondering about the 'must haves'.

I had my welcome call today and after holding the phone to my ear for almost two hours, I realized I will need headphones. For those who are on this journey or 'have been there, done that', could you please help me come up with a shopping list.

Junebug0710

32 Posts

Specializes in Medical-surgical telemetry.

I just logged in to post about the same thing! Thanks for posting this.

zmansc, ASN, RN

867 Posts

Specializes in Emergency.

I would suggest you post this question on your schools forum/whatever for existing students to help with. It will vary from school to school. It will also change as you go through the program. I would also caution you to wait on tech purchases until you absolutely need them. If you buy some gadget today that you won't need for 18 months, there will probably be a better one available when you actually need it.

If your program is online and you are going to be doing it from home, I would suggest having some place to be able to work that is separate from the rest of the family so that you can be undisturbed while you are studying. Your study habits will tell you what tools (computer, tablet, monitors, desk, printers, headset, etc) you will need.

2015

140 Posts

Thanks zmansc for your response. I will for sure need a private study area. Junebug, which school will you be going to? I was thinking that online programs will require similar stuff.

Specializes in FNP, ONP.

The only thing I needed was a stethoscope and a laptop. Well, pens and paper too actually, lol, I'm old school.

What else were you thinking you would need?

2015

140 Posts

BluedevilDNP,

Am old school too. I haven't been in school on a serious note for almost 10years. Do I need a special stethoscope or my regular low end will do? I have a laptop now I have to work on getting a desk and headphones. Is anyone using ipad apps for note taking, ebooks etc?

Trauma Columnist

traumaRUs, MSN, APRN

88 Articles; 21,249 Posts

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

When I was in school, it was before ipads, lol.

However, I can tell you as a working APN, that I do use an electronic stethoscope but the population I care for have central lines and it is difficult to hear lungs/heart sounds.

And...I absolutely love my ipad mini and use it all day for notes, reminders to myself (properly password protected)

davesbride

41 Posts

Hi 2015. Congrats again on your acceptance. For Georgetown you will need an opthalmascope and otoscope fro clinicals. You will have to do an online orientation "class" and in orientation they will discuss electronic and techinical requirements needed.

2015

140 Posts

Davesbride,

Are we in the same cohort? Jan 2014 (full-time). We need to exchange contacts. I will tackle the online orientation in the coming week. Thanks for pointing that out. Am torn in between getting a normal size ipad and a mini or none :) .

NJprisonrn

195 Posts

Pocket notebooks, for sure. I use a new one for each clinical site. A pen light is always nice. I used me phone to record lectures. But that's about it, other than a stethoscope.

Junebug0710

32 Posts

Specializes in Medical-surgical telemetry.

2015, I'm going to gonzaga

NurseRoz

5 Posts

I'm currently a student NP, and during clinical I carry my stethoscope, a penlight, a reflex hammer, and a small measuring tape. I also always carry a 4-color pen, a highlighter, a small notebook, my iPhone (there are some AMAZING apps out there. I cannot recommend Epocrates enough. The Sanford Guide and QxCalculate are also great.), and the Maxwell Quick Medical Reference, which is the best $8 I have spent in nursing school.

For actual studying, I would highly recommend getting a subscription to UpToDate. It's expensive, but it has been absolutely invaluable both in class and in clinical.

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