Supplies for CNA Class?

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2008

I would reccommend your own stethoscope for manual blood pressures. Also, a pair of safety scissors might come in handy as well as some good pens and highlighters. Don't forget a comfortable pair of shoes!

yousoldtheworld · Nov 29, 2008

If I remember correctly, all I needed for my class were scrubs for clinicals and a good writing utensil. A notebook for taking notes is a good idea, as are index cards (for making cards of each skill with all the steps, for studying).

I didn't have to have a watch or stethoscope of my own. If you already own a watch, it can't hurt to take it. If you have the money to spare for your own stethoscope and want to buy one, it can't hurt, but in my class, I think we only used the stethoscopes maybe four or five times, practicing - and we used the ones that will be used on the state test.

Really, the most important thing is COMFORTABLE SHOES. You have no idea how much difference they can make in your day. I like Crocs because they are fairly cheap and very lightweight, and some of the only shoes that don't hurt my feet after hours of running around. Plus you can get them in nearly any color you might need. There is a whole forum on nursing shoes on here if you want to look for some recommendations. :)

Really, at first, I would start out just getting your scrubs and shoes and regular school supplies. If you need anything specific for skills and clinicals, you will be told on your first day of class. I wouldn't rush out and buy anything that ends up being either unneccessary or of the wrong brand/style for what your class might dictate.

mizfradd, CNA · Nov 30, 2008

I think both of the above posters have given you great advice.

I had index cards, stethoscope & syphgmomanometer and a watch with a second hand, Nursemates nurse shoes, (Crocs were not allowed, but plain white closed-toe and closed-heel tennis shoes were allowed) and I had some solid colored scrubs. The Nursemates weren't required, but they are so comfy and are my favorite brand.

Any scrubs for school were allowed as long as they didn't have cartoon characters on them (so as not to assault the dignity of LTC pt.'s at our clinical sites).

The RN or LPN teaching your class will tell you what you'll be needing.

Good luck..let us know how it goes!

rancelumsden · Nov 30, 2008

Sorry, I'm the cautious one here and your not getting good advice.

#1, our class did not require scrubs for clinicals. Rather, we had to wear white pants and white shirt and white shoes. Why? Because some institutions have specific colors they require and if you go out and purchase scrubs for class, you may find you cannot wear them at your first job and you've wasted your money.

For class, when I say white shoes, I mean that. They had to have little or no markings on them, so you couldn't simply purchase 'comfortable shoes' --- they could NOT have big Nike 'swhooshes' on them or multi colors.

As far as a steth, yes, I ended up purchasing one. However, I got a cheap one for class only to find out later that there is a huge difference in them. So, I purchased a relatively expensive one later for my job. Do you know anything about stethoscopes, design, differences, and what would be a good brand to buy? Probably not.

Just wait and see what is required for YOUR class........

yousoldtheworld · Nov 30, 2008

1. She already said that she needs scrubs for clinicals.

2. I said comfortable shoes were important. I said nothing about nike swooshes or any other color.

3. As for the steth, etc. goes, I said "If you need anything specific for skills and clinicals, you will be told on your first day of class. I wouldn't rush out and buy anything that ends up being either unneccessary or of the wrong brand/style for what your class might dictate.

So, I'm not sure how that was me not giving the OP good advice, but whatever.

IHeartPhysiology · Nov 30, 2008

I am not starting my CNA class until late winter, but the course I am taking is 12 weeks long and requires:

Textbook

at least 2 sets of scrubs

WHITE shoes

a stethoscope

a watch w/ a second hand

I think you have gotten GREAT advice from others. Just be mindful of the specific requirements of the class before you go out and but anything. The CNA course I am taking has a mandatory orientation wherin they tell you exactly what you need before classes begin.

And, yes, there is a HUGE difference in stethoscope quality, but some simple internet research and/or asking other health professionals can point you in the right direction.

Good Luck!

rancelumsden · Dec 1, 2008

1. She already said that she needs scrubs for clinicals.
2. I said comfortable shoes were important. I said nothing about nike swooshes or any other color.
3. As for the steth, etc. goes, I said "If you need anything specific for skills and clinicals, you will be told on your first day of class. I wouldn't rush out and buy anything that ends up being either unneccessary or of the wrong brand/style for what your class might dictate.
So, I'm not sure how that was me not giving the OP good advice, but whatever.

You're correct and I apologize. :bowingpur

I tend to multi-task (have multiple windows open while looking at other sites online) and failed to correctly read the original posting. You always give good advice. I jumped on something that I totally misread.

aleighc1 · Dec 11, 2008

I know this thread was started a while ago, but I thought I'd chime in anyhow. I took my CNA class at my community college, and we had to buy transfer belts, name tags, and scrubs from our school. (we got to wear dark navy scrubs, but we all had to have the exact same which is why we had to buy them from the school's vendor) We weren't required to have our own stethoscope, but I picked up a $15 one from the school bookstore anyhow, as did many of my classmates. It worked great for what I needed it for, and it was really nice to be able to practice whenever and wherever I needed to. (I actually thought mine had better sound quality than the ones the nursing department had one hand for us to use) I purchased a waterproof watch with a second hand (it had both digital and analog display) at Walmart for $10. We had to wear white shoes, and I'm sure your school will give you specific instructions on what you are and are not allowed to wear for shoes. Good pens were a must because we did LOTS of writing in our class, and it was always a good idea to keep a couple in our pockets at clinical for writing down vitals and other important information. Good luck with your class!

dolphind · Dec 12, 2008

If I remember correctly, I needed scrubs, plain white shoes, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and a gait belt.

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Dec 12, 2008

A stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and gait belt were included in the cost of my class. It was a waste because they were crappy, we didn't use them for clinicals, and when I got a job I didn't need any of them. Where I work they give you a gait belt (a better one), and there's an electronic vitals machine and if you want to take it manually you can usually find a set laying around or borrow the stuff from a nurse.

We had to buy our own scrubs, in certain colors. I wouldn't buy more than two pairs because you're not going to want to wear the same outfit all the time when you get a job. We were supposed to wear a watch too, which we didn't use.

Seriously, DON'T spend a lot of money on your class. Wait until you get a job.

azcna · Dec 12, 2008

In my class we needed

-Scrubs (with the program name on it, you bought from a specific place)

-BP kit with blood pressure cuff and stethoscope (around 40$)

-I bought new shoes, we needed white plain-ish ones (50$)

-Text (30$)

Hope that helps :)