what supplies should i get for starting my nursing program?

perioddrama · Jul 25, 2012

Most nursing schools give a list of required/suggested items. What you listed so far is good.

Invest in a good stethoscope more than bp cuff. Make sure your white shoes are comfy for your fit (get insoles or things of similar ilk if you're inclined).

I'm sure your teachers will recommend some other books that aren't required. I remember one of my instructors suggesting the Nursing Diagnosis Reference Manual book for when we write care plans (and boy, did we write a lot).

During clinicals, I noticed a lot of my classmates prefer the clicky-pens (the one where you push down and out pops the writing pen part) vs. the pen with the caps. Personal preference.

Good luck and have fun!

IVqueen23 · Jul 25, 2012

My school made us buy this bag of equipment which contained gause, paper tape, an IV bag of NS, etc so that we could practice our competencys in the nursing lab before we went to do clinical in the hospital.

What I would suggest would be a pulse oximeter, an electric blood pressure cuff, a good stethoscope with the dual head you can flip over for smaller sounds within the body, a good bandage sissor with saftey edges, and lots and lots of black pens!! perhaps a notebook just for clinical to jot down things you wouldnt otherwise learn in a textbook. Another good thing to have is that pen with the different colors (red, green and black) so that you can circle certain things. Those colors are most widley used within the medical field of practice.

Dont forget to write your name on all your equipment! some of those items are expensive but they will help you throughout your nursing career. I wish I had a pulse OX in college!

bubblejet50 · Jul 26, 2012

Invest in the stethoscope. I have a Littman Cardiology III and LOVED it. I could hear so much with it but it runs anywhere from $100-200 depending on where you look for it. I never had to buy a BP cuff. Buy a lot of black pens and pencils (if you have to do care plans). I would recommend Lippencott's book for nursing diagnoses. I agree with the notebook for clinical stuff especially when you take on more than one patient. By 5th semester we were doing total patient cares on four patients alone and having a lil notebook with one patient's info per page was a lifesaver. Buy a watch also with a second hand. You may not always be in a position where you can see the wall clock. I made it though school with a cheap one and my mom bought me a nice one when I graduated. Buy quality shoes. I paid $20 for mine but after clinical I wanted them OFF fast. They lasted all of school but I wish I had invested in better shoes.

mssjez · Jul 26, 2012

Here is a thread on this. Page 76 has a list that sums up everything people have said. Its a good combination of what many people have needed for their programs. Keep in mind that you may or may not need everything listed. Also, go to your nearest Barnes and Noble and take note of what they have in stock for study guides/reference material. That way if you don't buy something but discover it may help you with school, you know what you can get right away. Good luck!

mssjez · Jul 26, 2012

It helps if I post the thread lol

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-student/what-item-s-111796-page76.html

pc2801 · Jul 26, 2012

compression stockings are great for those long clinical days on your feet.

I made a clinicals bag, in it I put a small makeup bag with chapstick, pain reliever, $3-$5, tampons, deodorant etc. I also carried my folder with my completed chart review or care plans I needed to turn in at clinicals, my stethoscope, pen lights, a small spiral bound book I could put in my pocket and take notes while at clinicals, lab value cards (instructor provided), a granola bar, bottle of water.