Supplies You Can't Live Without

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

I hath finally escaped from the floor and landed a job in the ED at a Level 1 Trauma Center! I've read up on the links for recommended reading, but what supplies do I need to purchase aside from trauma sheers? Anything you guys would suggest?

Ive got the basics so no need to include: good shoes, a backbone, stethoscope, trauma sheers, or Hep vaccinations ;)

(FYI: I did take about 10 minutes to do a search query to see if this had been answered prior as I recall seeing something similar months ago!)

Thanks in advance. :bowingpur:bowingpur:bowingpur:bowingpur:bowingpur

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Kelly clamp.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Can't live without my kelly clamp, make it easy to clamp a bleeding IV when the drunk person decides to chew thru the IV tubing and is now bleeding all over your floor, thru a 16G IV none the less. ughhh

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I always make sure I have 2x2s, alcohol preps, and tape handy.

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Hemostats are good to have.

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.
Can't live without my kelly clamp, make it easy to clamp a bleeding IV when the drunk person decides to chew thru the IV tubing and is now bleeding all over your floor, thru a 16G IV none the less. ughhh

Thought I was the only one that knew about this. Is that you JP?

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.

Pocket sized notebook. You'll need it for about 6 months to remember names, phone numbers, quirks, the odd formula, good excuses to use later, people you need to get even with, etc. A Sharpie marker to LABEL EVERYTHING! Especially stethescopes if you ever want to see them again.

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Specializes in CEN, CPEN, RN-BC.

I always have the following on me:

Stethoscope

Wrist watch

2x2s

Flushes

Alcohol prep pads

Pens

Scrap paper

Trauma shears

Pen light

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I really enjoy my reuseable tubex injector. I don't find it to be my most essential piece of equipment, but I do love it and it always makes other nurses jealous, lol.

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Specializes in Emergency, Critical Care (CEN, CCRN).

+1 to the previous suggestions, and I'll add one of my own: some form of PDA or smartphone, on which to contain your drug book, clinical references and so forth. Can also take the place of your notebook if you're fast enough with it.

On the subject of computerized drug books, you'll want one that has IV compatibility checking built in. Mine has saved me dozens of phone calls to the pharmacy, particularly when I'm trying to hang stuff in a hurry. "My patient has .9, heparin, nitro, Integrilin and Cardizem drips, Cipro and Flagyl piggybacks, and morphine, Lopressor and Lasix pushes ordered - how many lines do I need, and what can go on which?" --as the pharmacist dies of laughter... :devil:

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Specializes in CEN, CPEN, RN-BC.

Does anyone use micromedex at work? This has pretty much replaced my drug book.

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Does anyone use micromedex at work? This has pretty much replaced my drug book.

I am in LPN school and use it constantly during clinicals!! It is so much easier to carry around than my Davis Drug Guide.:up:

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