Things for being on duty

Stethoscope (I have a Littmann that I got when I graduated), scissors, black, blue & red pens (I have a black pen & one of those that has 4 colours, you go through black fastest), pulse ox, black Sharpie & dry erase marker. Some places will supply all the pens & markers, my first job did, but my current one will only supply the dry erase & black pen. I also carry lots of alcohol wipes, tape & flushes.

Much of this depends on your work setting. What kind of facility or hospital unit will you be working on?

I have a Littmann stethoscope. A pen, a dry erase marker, a permanent marker, a watch, and something to write report/notes on. I usually use 1 folded sheet of paper for this. I also grab a handful of alcohol swabs at the start of shift.

Tape, scissors, and pulse ox are all within reach and provided by my employer. Tape can get disgusting if left in a pocket for too long. I have it nearby, but not on person. Pulse ox is provided along with automatic blood pressure machine and thermometers to take vital signs. I would never need my own. If you choose to use your own, please ensure it is checked and approved by biomed first.

If you carry tape with you just slip it in a zip loc bag by itself and put it in a pocket,Please do not carry wrapped around your stethoscope or looped onto a fanny type pouch. It collects lint and other debris and it then becomes an infection risk and it is disgusting and a pet peeve of mine.

Don't buy too much right away. What you need to bring varies a lot by work setting.

In ICU I bring "brain sheets" for taking notes during report, a couple of pens, and maybe a clipboard. I'll add a stethescope unless patients are in isolation rooms.

Where I work, there are well stocked bedside carts with lots of supplies. The computer at work has drug references, so no need to bring a guide.

In my backpack, I keep some Ibuprofen, lip balm, cough drops and a good hearty lunch.

I work postpartum/well baby. The things I currently stuff my pockets with are: pens (one pink for notes and black for charting), a pencil, alcohol wipes, band aids, paperclips, sissors, and Chapstick. I carry a stethoscope around my neck with a little watch attached and a clipboard that opens up where I store extra "brains", notecards, some of our most frequently used policies for reference, and an ammonia inhalant just in case.

You will need to check with your unit and facility. Many units/hospitals due to infection control reasons prefer if you use the disposable stethoscope, scissors, tape,etc from your supply cart that are for that specific patient. You should not use any equipment that you have purchased in a hospital setting since it would need to be approved by biomed, or similar or someone similar that checks and approves equipment, furthermore all equipment in a hospital type setting should have all the essentials.

Most importantly know your unit. If you are expected to have your own supplies, i.e stethoscope, scissors, tape, you will need ways to sanitize between patient care. Reusing equipment is a fast way to potentially spread infections

I do not carry my own scissors, tape, stethoscope. i use what is at the patients bedside. There are strict infection control reasons