THings to get before beginning 1st job as an RN

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Hi everyone!!

I just took the nclex, passed and can now officially begin my job in about two weeks! I'll be working on Medical floor and floating to a surgical floor eventually. Does anyone have any advice for things that I'll need to buy before starting? I have the scrubs down.. I have NO idea on what stethoscope to purchase.... support hose? Anything else anyone would suggest that I'm forgetting? Watch?

Thanks!

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Specializes in med surg.

Wasn't this required in nursing school? We were required to purchase a sthethoscope, as well as the scissors, penlight, and a good pair of shoes. Some people had support hose, some didn't. I had some in the beginning...not sure they did me any good and they felt kinda tight after awhile.

I am thinking that a set of good pens is helpful, in black, blue, red and green, perferably on one pen. I am not sure what is a good brand though.

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Thank you!

Yes we were given a stethoscope in nursing school but it certainly wasn't a quality one! It is pretty much along the quality of the disposable ones you put together that some hospitals have in their supply rooms in case a nurse forgets or in case they need it for the isolation rooms. I know Littman is a good brand but I'm not sure if I need to shell out for the really expensive one or if the basic will work just fine.

I'll keep the pens in mind! Thanks! :)

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

We all bought Littmans in college, and I wouldn't use any other brand - I love mine.

I'd say:

- quality steth

- comfortable shoes (I like Dansko)

- retractable clip for name badge

- scissors

- sharpie (I used this a lot when I was on a floor doing lots of wound care)

- lots of pens (black, red)

- little notebook

- reference books

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Ask your unit educator (or whoever will be incharge of your unit orientation) for advice before you spend a lot of money. She should be able to tell you what is really needed and what is a waste of money.

My other answer to your question is: ... plenty of rest, a healthy lifestyle (nutrition, exercise, rest, etc.), a plan for managing stress, and a good nursing education.

Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

I bought a nice big bag with a zipper to put all my stuff in.

I bought an ultrascope Stethascope about $120 and I personalized it with my name on it.

Lots of 4 color ink pens

black shapies

Highlighers

A pill spitter

A notebook

Pencils(mechanical)

Calipers to measure EKG strips

Scissors

Penlight

Lunch bag

This should get you started. The rest you will fiqure out later.

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Specializes in Geriatrics/Retirement Residence.

I would also get a good comfy new mattress (if you don't have one already), not to soft not to firm, just right for your back after all those long shifts... and a good pillow, like the orthopedic/tempurpedic ones... very good shoes, a VERY reliable alarm clock (the plug in one with batteries backup). :)

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Littmann :up: but you won't need the most high-end model. They have a great website where you can look around at the different ones they make.

Do you use a PDA or smart phone for reference materials? If so, you can check out Skyscape to see what downloads you may want to keep at hand.

Sharpie, good pen you can hang on your top or badge clip.

In my (limited) experience...don't take anything to the hospital that you can't afford to lose permanently. I know we're dealing with professionals here, but somebody in each hospital I've been to steals stuff. Keep your Littmann on your person!

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Specializes in NICU.

Your hospital might provide pill splitters. (They should!) And before you buy calipers, find out if it's your responsibility to read EKGs. These are the two things I'm not sure are pertinent for everyone.

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I bought a nice big bag with a zipper to put all my stuff in.

I bought an ultrascope Stethascope about $120 and I personalized it with my name on it.

Lots of 4 color ink pens

black shapies

Highlighers

A pill spitter

A notebook

Pencils(mechanical)

Calipers to measure EKG strips

Scissors

Penlight

Lunch bag

This should get you started. The rest you will fiqure out later.

Thank you very much! Everyone has been very helpful. ITs funny but you're the second person to mention different colored pens. I hate to sound dense but what did you change colors for? Anything particularly important that is escaping my mind? My preceptor and I would carry out own pen (regardless of color) and often everyone would just steal them from the nurses' station :)

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I bought a nice big bag with a zipper to put all my stuff in.

I bought an ultrascope Stethascope about $120 and I personalized it with my name on it.

Lots of 4 color ink pens

black shapies

Highlighers

A pill spitter

A notebook

Pencils(mechanical)

Calipers to measure EKG strips

Scissors

Penlight

Lunch bag

This should get you started. The rest you will fiqure out later.

Also forgot to ask.. How are you liking the ultrascope you purchased? I was considering getting that rather than littman. However, everyone seems to say its best to try different stethoscopes prior to purchasing.

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