Published Oct 10, 2007
bradleyshanetaylor
80 Posts
i will be working in the ICU full time and part time in the ER what all supplies to you all recommend i buy or get to put in a back-pack so that when i work i wont have to look for anythign just get my bag full of stuff. plus since i will be working in 2 different dept i would like to have it in a bag so i can take it wherever i am at.
oMerMero
296 Posts
Don't the units stock supplies? I think you would be better off knowing where the supplies are kept in both departments.
mom4josh
284 Posts
What I would recommend you have at first is a stethoscope and a pair of scissors and a pen. The hospital will probably have everything else you need.
Congratulations!
MAISY, RN-ER, BSN, RN
1,082 Posts
I work ED and have the BAG. My coworkers make fun of me, but I am prepared! Penlight-doc's always asking me to borrow. Measuring tape, clamps, scissors, stethoscope, calipers and of course drug book. I also carry my med-surg book of illnesses(can't remember everything), ed nursing reference book, and various personal items(coughdrops, gum, mylanta, and of course tylenol).
I know, I am nuts. My list has actually decreased since our hospital policy and procedures have been posted on our intranet. I heard that we are getting internet access for medical sites. I will probably not need my other books afterwards. We'll see.
Luckily we have lockers and I can leave the BAG at work. I am not sure I would lug it back and forth.
Maisy;)
prowlingMA
226 Posts
I think MAisy RN covered it. Steth., pen light, scissors, clamp,drug book. I would add a sticky note pad, your favorite brand of pen,high lighter,gum/mints, your brand of "feminine" product.
I worked for a staffing dept. and my " bag" of tricks was always handy.
bill4745, RN
874 Posts
A calculator comes in handy for med calcs.
teeituptom, BSN, RN
4,283 Posts
I think you are worrying far too much
be more concerned about bringing your lunch
of course always wear clean clothes
ERRNTraveler, RN
672 Posts
I think you are worrying far too muchbe more concerned about bringing your lunchof course always wear clean clothes
I agree. I work in ER, and I wear my stethoscope around my neck, keep a pen, a carpuject, and some tape in my pocket, and that's it! If your rooms all have otoscopes in them, you don't need a pen light, and your med room should have drug books in it. Everything else you need to do your job should be provided by the hospital.
Victoriakem
248 Posts
And always wear deodorant & brush your teeth too. I keep a roll-on in my locker, pert shampoo & toothbrush & paste, plus an extra set of scrubs. But I don't carry the "Bag", as I have supplies @ work & can steal a pen if I forget mine.
Lunah, MSN, RN
14 Articles; 13,773 Posts
I like having a calculator -- they sell little ones at Staples that have a clip so you can attach it to a badge holder or whatever, or even smaller ones that have a keychain ring on the end. Very handy!
I keep an extra set of scrubs and shoes in my car. I carry a pen, trauma shears, a tourniquet, and tape in my pockets or clipped to myself somewhere. :) The trauma shears are the most-often-borrowed item, seconded only by people asking for a piece of tape.
I used to carry trauma shears with me, until I accidentally cut a hole in the butt of my pants when putting them in my back pocket- oops! :)
I did the same thing, so now I have my trauma shears on one of those retractable badge holders -- I clip that to the waistband of my scrubs, so that way I don't stab myself in the @$$. LOL