5 things a new RN must have...

Euskadi1946 · Feb 2, 2005

I'm trying to decide if there is anything I need to go out and buy before I start my first job as a RN...
My list includes so far:
good shoes (I will look at Dansko's) & support hose
Is there anything you can't live without that you suggest for a new RN?

A couple of pairs of nursing scissors, a Kelly clamp, blue Bic ball point point pen with black, blue, red, green ink, a couple of mechanical pencils, either a small nurse's apron where you can put all of these into, or a small nylon pen pocket with a change purse..(when you go into a uniform store you will know what I mean) it has slots for your pens scissors and to stash small amounts of money,that will fit into your scrub pocket. A PDA is sooo handy too. Pocket Med and IV books if you don't get a PDA. I used to use a clipboard but find that a small notebook comes in handy to take report if the floor doesn't print out report flow sheets and of course some very nice colorful and very comfortable scrubs and shoes...now you're ready to hit the nursing unit!!!

Hida · Feb 2, 2005

A couple of pairs of nursing scissors, a Kelly clamp, blue Bic ball point point pen with black, blue, red, green ink, a couple of mechanical pencils, either a small nurse's apron where you can put all of these into, or a small nylon pen pocket with a change purse..(when you go into a uniform store you will know what I mean) it has slots for your pens scissors and to stash small amounts of money,that will fit into your scrub pocket. A PDA is sooo handy too. Pocket Med and IV books if you don't get a PDA. I used to use a clipboard but find that a small notebook comes in handy to take report if the floor doesn't print out report flow sheets and of course some very nice colorful and very comfortable scrubs and shoes...now you're ready to hit the nursing unit!!!

dear my college,congratulation for a new job you will need also a nursing clock,it is very handy,good luck-hida-RN

begalli · Feb 2, 2005

Congratulations on the start of your professional career as an RN!!

5 things a new nurse should have:

1) Patience with yourself and others (including RN's, docs and patients).

2) The ability to ask LOTS of questions and say "i don't know, but I'll find out."

3) Curiosity.

4) An understanding that you are new. Don't get down on yourself for feeling frazzled or unorganized or incompetent. We've ALL been there!

5) Pride that you have made it! You are now a licensed Registered Nurse!

Oh, and a stethoscope. :)

I know that's not exactly what you were looking for and there's lots more that could be added to that list, but Good Luck and have fun learning because this is where the real learning begins!

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2005

1. Thick skin

2. Large, infinately expandable bladder

3. Body that can be fueled by caffeine, chocolate bars, and cold pizza

4. 4 ears to hear all that is being thrown at you.

5. 6 hands, 4 legs and no desire for sleep to get it all done.

TraumaQueen · Feb 2, 2005

A pen light, calculator, I keep my drug books on my PDA and it's very handy for looking up drugs.....and, if you have a pda, it has a calculator on it. :) I also use my fast facts book quite often....and, it's always handy to have a few kelly clamps closeby. :)

nursepearl · Feb 3, 2005

watch with seconds hand

pen light

black pens

scissors

somthing to hold all you supplies in (ir fanny pack or pocket pouch)

a backpack for all your nurse stuff (i carry a large bag to work and just keep all my nurse stuff in it)

good luck to you!

Pearl

KEVIN88GT · Feb 3, 2005

what are kelly clamps? anyone have a picture? what are they used for?

1)penlight

2)pen with a clip (so it doesnt fall out of your pocket when you bend down)

3) drug guide (I have drug guide, tabers enclyclopedia, nursing diagnoses, RNotes all on my palm)

4) small notepad

5) a lot of gauze and alcohol pads in your pockets (prevents you from running around to get them all the time)

YSADL · Feb 3, 2005

1. Thick skin
2. Large, infinately expandable bladder
3. Body that can be fueled by caffeine, chocolate bars, and cold pizza
4. 4 ears to hear all that is being thrown at you.
5. 6 hands, 4 legs and no desire for sleep to get it all done.

You are an experienced nurse! Be well, do good work and keep in touch. YSADL

RNview · Feb 3, 2005

I am a new nurse too and I found the following very handy/ helpful:

1) Penlight/ Pen

2) Stethoscope

3) Pocket Notebook/ small Calculator

4) Drug Handbook/ Nursing Diagnosis Book

5) Tape/ Scissor/ alchoswab/ gloves

GOODLUCK! :)

snowfreeze, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2005

1.click pens, not the cap ones that you get ink everywhere when you lose the cap.

2.stethescope

3.willingness to learn

4.desire to achieve

5.comfort with what you are trying to achieve

6.spine to be a patient advocate

7.writing skills to document why you did what you did as a patient advocate

8.good shoes

9.stomach to eat poor quality food quickly between admissions

10.really good sense of humor

11.oh yeh, things you can buy....

12.comfortable bra

13.really cool scrubs with big pockets to hold all the things you think you need.

14.lab coat if you are working in a specialty unit, gives you more pocket space for all those things you think you need.

15.lunch box/bag that is unique to you and just weird enough no one would try to look it let alone take food from it.

16.liquid refueling device...coffee mug, tea cup, big water gulper...etc.

17.a big smile

Good luck and congrats on your new career

Jolie, BSN · Feb 3, 2005

1. A friend with whom you can discuss the day without grossing each other out!

2. An open mind

3. The willingness to ask questions and accept constructive input.

4. The ability to think on your feet and eat on the run.

5. A significant other who doesn't mind dating at odd hours, since you probably won't be working days.