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
Specializes in Emergency, Critical Care (CEN, CCRN).
On PDA references: In the past I used ePocrates Pro for my drug guide, until they got rid of the IV compatibility checking option. Nowadays I use Lexi-Comp; it's got the compatibility checker (complete with references!) and covers practically every drug you're ever going to see. Yes, it's a bit expensive, but it's well worth it to me. We do have Micromedex at work, but frequently the situations in which I'll most need a drug book will be those in which a computer isn't readily accessible (resus mostly), and/or I can't get out of what I'm doing in Epic to get into Micromedex.
On reference texts, Skyscape is my go-to provider. I do have one or two one-off items from independent publishers, such as Fast Facts for Critical Care, but otherwise my 5MCC and so forth are all their versions.
emtb2rn: You just hit another item I absolutely couldn't live without... my Aviators. Classic shirt, ER pants. Love those scrubs to death. My coworkers all joke that I could probably run the department single-handedly out of my pockets. I've even had patients ask me where I got them - "My son/daughter/friend is a nurse/EMT/tech and would just love to have scrubs like those..."
Kelly clamp and ink pens - everything everyone else has mentioned is at my fingertips in every room. Computers in rooms have micromedix so don't need to leave room. BUT - have my own personal stash of SILK tape which is excellent for buddy taping toes and has good tolerance for water plus good adherence for a longer period of time. Silk tape is NOT a stock item in our ER. And paper towels are wonderful scratch pads - takes ink well, folds into your pocket easily!
Specializes in Emergency, Internal Medicine, Sports Med.
I carry a pen (or more) in each pocket (I hate searching all my pockets for illusive pens..... so I stock up at the beginning)..... tape, and a small notepad. This is really valuable when taking relative's contact info on the spot, or etc.... everything else is accessable in the rooms. I do carry my stethescope with me at all times though.
At the nurses station I have a mini reference binder and some yummy smelling (important in ER) hand lotion sanitizer. Our drug references are on the computer so no need to bring our own (they are generated from pharmacy, not a company like davis etc).
Carry in your pockets the things that you need in your pockets. At the start of your shift, check all your rooms right away as you check in on your patients, and take the time to inventory your supplies and keep them stocked. KY, 2x2s, alcohol pads, etc. should all be at the bedside and readily accessible. No need to keep extra stuff in your pockets that you can find at the bedside! Otherwise, your pockets can get so full that you can't get to the smaller things you need for all the other crap in there. Perhaps it's a bigger deal for women than for men, but I have many styles of scrubs with pockets in various places, so keeping things always in the same pocket isn't an option. For me, I don't like my pockets too full in case I have to rumble with a violent patient. The less stuff that's in your pockets, the less chance it'll fall into a puddle of drunk vomit, and the more freedom of movement you'll have.
i carry alot of things at the begining of the shift but tend to lose them by the time i clock out. what i use the most of are shears, kelly clamps(straight), tape, iphone.
all that I keep on me anymore is a pen. If a patient comes in requiring more gadgets, then I'll grab it outta my bag that I have stored under the nurse's station nearby, otherwise I'm sick of being held down by a required phone, stethoscope, tape, blah blah blah. As my pants fall down when I walk down the hall, you gotta ask yourself "maybe I have too many things in my pockets...." There are far too many fanny packs out there. And those apron things. Not doing it. Nope.
your strong stomach remark, made me chuckle - last night there were 2 nurses who had an intoxicated girl who was vomiting everywhere, in her hair, etc. One threw up in the trash can next to her, the other pee'd her pants from trying not to hurl.....
murphyle, BSN, RN
279 Posts
On PDA references: In the past I used ePocrates Pro for my drug guide, until they got rid of the IV compatibility checking option. Nowadays I use Lexi-Comp; it's got the compatibility checker (complete with references!) and covers practically every drug you're ever going to see. Yes, it's a bit expensive, but it's well worth it to me. We do have Micromedex at work, but frequently the situations in which I'll most need a drug book will be those in which a computer isn't readily accessible (resus mostly), and/or I can't get out of what I'm doing in Epic to get into Micromedex.
On reference texts, Skyscape is my go-to provider. I do have one or two one-off items from independent publishers, such as Fast Facts for Critical Care, but otherwise my 5MCC and so forth are all their versions.
emtb2rn: You just hit another item I absolutely couldn't live without... my Aviators. Classic shirt, ER pants. Love those scrubs to death.
My coworkers all joke that I could probably run the department single-handedly out of my pockets. I've even had patients ask me where I got them - "My son/daughter/friend is a nurse/EMT/tech and would just love to have scrubs like those..."