Supplies a new grad ER Nurse should carry

sserrn, BSN · Jun 21, 2013

2 pens, badge(s), 'scope, trauma shears. Used to carry more, but really this is all you need on your person imo

valzRN, ASN, RN · Jun 21, 2013

Wow, where did you land a job as a new grad in the ED? They sure don't hire new grads in the ED where I live. Lucky you! I would make sure that I had lab values and medications on my smartphone handy. Hemostats and a clipboard are handy as well.

hardworkinmama · Jun 21, 2013

I'll be a new grad in the ER next month! I'm thinking all those listed above will be what we need. I did get a clipboard that folds in half & fits in a scrub pocket that I plan to carry. It has some basic info & reference stuff on it too. I'm excited & nervous. Good luck to you OP!

ILoveHealthCare · Jun 21, 2013

I'll be a new grad in the ER next month! I'm thinking all those listed above will be what we need. I did get a clipboard that folds in half & fits in a scrub pocket that I plan to carry. It has some basic info & reference stuff on it too. I'm excited & nervous. Good luck to you OP!

What kind of clipboard? I'm looking for something like this. Do you have a link? Thanks!

It's a beautiful day to save lives.

Altra, BSN, RN · Jun 21, 2013

This depends somewhat on what is stocked in the rooms or otherwise easily accessible in your ER.

I'd recommend a small notepad, 2-4 pens, stethoscope & trauma shears to carry with you, and a complete change of scrubs, undies, socks, deodorant & toothbrush/toothpaste for your locker. And a lock for your locker. Shouldn't be any need for different color pens or sharpies unless your department is still doing all documentation on paper.

Good luck to you! :)

hardworkinmama · Jun 21, 2013

What kind of clipboard? I'm looking for something like this. Do you have a link? Thanks!
It's a beautiful day to save lives.

http://www.mdpocket.com/index.php?dispatch=categories.view&category_id=381

emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jun 21, 2013

What altra said but more pens. Make sure one is basic ballpoint for lab labels so the ink doesn't smear. Also get contigo spill proof coffee mug.

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Jun 21, 2013

* A lot of clicky pens...I just prefer all black because that is what we have to document in, so it just makes it easier instead of having different colors.

* A good stethoscope...I love my Littmann Cardiology III.

* Trauma sheers...the larger kind.

* Hemostats are optional...I see some ER nurses carrying them but I have never had to use mine.

* Badge

* scrap piece(s) of paper to write notes and information on. Also used as my "brain" sheet. I used to have a very organized brain when I worked on the floor but I learned that isn't so feasible in the ER. Just a blank piece of paper will do.

* I like to keep a stash of alcohol wipes in my pocket.

* pen light. We have lights in the room but I like to have a penlight as a backup.

Belle2013 · Jun 22, 2013

Thanks everyone! I plan to get me the cardiology stethoscope after my first pay check! I appreciate all the input!

JMart83 · Jun 22, 2013

This is a good list! I have a couple RN badge cards so I can quickly reference conversions, lab values, peds VS for various ages, etc. that have been very helpful to me as a new grad in the ED. They're $1.99 or so on ebay or amazon.

JMart83 · Jun 22, 2013

I also made myself a small, laminated, easy to read reference "book" of the hospital's standardized procedures for ED clinical conditions that I can check (and double and triple check) in case things get muddy that fits right in my pocket. It's basically the hospital's algorithms for clinical conditions in note form so I can get in the groove of knowing what to anticipate in terms of diagnostics, labs, complaint-specific interventions, etc.