Top 10 Nursing Supplies

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I start school in August. What would be your top ten things to buy before school starts in relation to school supplies. Not nursing essentials like BP cuff etc...just for studying and organization purposes. Thanks y'all :)

Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.
When I was in school I tried to print out all of my stuff at school. Fortunately, the nursing building had its own computer room. I figured since I was already paying an obligatory fee every semester that I'd make use of it rather than waste my home supplies and pay twice, lol.

Beyond that I don't think I ever bought any school supplies. I just used what I had laying around my office. I'm not really a note taker, as a rule, and I can't stand highlighting, lol. I got through my first science degree years ago with those methods, and I got a 3.7 GPA on my BSN with the same. A C in an eight hour obstetrics/pediatrics class, which I was more than happy with (and haven't used since!), pulled the GPA down, lol. Just find what works for you, and stick with it regardless of what other people are doing or trying.

I worked full-time through nursing school, and the best thing I learned was that the work will get done. Don't worry about it. When it comes time to do it you'll do it so there's no point in concerning yourself with it and by that I mean stressing over it. I work full-time now and have a separate and totally unrelated part-time/hobby job, and the same holds true. I don't worry. I just do. It'll all come out in the end. :)

Our school just started letting students print for free in the library 2 semesters ago, even though we've always payed $150.00+ in technology or resource fees. We do not have open computer labs in our health science building that allow you to print. We have to go to the library.

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While all these are things in fact you need, I would say confidence and dedication. While its not a supply, its a must have.

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A paper planner to mark due dates, make notes, etc.

Most invaluable for me? Earplugs. I cannot concentrate when there is talking or noise. I have a small soft pair that fit in the ears for exams or noisy libraries/labs. At home I use the big earphone ones I wear to shoot at the range. Blocks out screaming neighbor kids, barking dogs, etc.

Other people say they need music, so earpieces for the Ipod.

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

For me my best supplies included: a crap ton of pens and highlighters, all in different colors, it helped me create "focus" areas in my notes because I tend to write a lot. Also a good planner, I'm kind of a planner "snob" and I just recently splurged on an Erin Condren life planner - after four years I finally found one perfect for me, go figure! As much as I love my tech gear it doesn't help me with planning like a good paper planner. Comfortable scrubs are a must for me - luckily in our junior year they changed our uniforms from a white polo, white pants and long white lab coat to navy pants and a white scrub top and Greys Anatomy brand was allowed - I finally felt comfortable and looked professional- to me I felt like a total idiot in all white. Most importantly: your mind, perseverance, professional accountability, critical thinking and networking skills. Good luck!!!

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Hey, if you can swing it get some gift cards to some eating establishments and join a gym if you're not already in one. Eating and exercise are conducive to learning and life. I work out so I can eat!! The former is fun. The latter is even more fun, lol.

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Specializes in Cardiology.

I don't remember if I made the chart on the computer. (The first one I made was paper and pencil during a boring psych ER rotation.) If you give me a couple days, though, I could probably look on my old computer and if I didn't, make one for y'all.

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I don't remember if I made the chart on the computer. (The first one I made was paper and pencil during a boring psych ER rotation.) If you give me a couple days though, I could probably look on my old computer and if I didn't, make one for y'all.[/quote']

You rock.

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I don't remember if I made the chart on the computer. (The first one I made was paper and pencil during a boring psych ER rotation.) If you give me a couple days, though, I could probably look on my old computer and if I didn't, make one for y'all.

Thank You!

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Thank you!

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I second the need for a planner so that you can keep all your assignments straight. Also, since much of nursing school is NCLEX prep, get an NCLEX book and start quizzing yourself as you learn things. I have one by m. Hogan and found I could use it even for fundamentals. Others like Saunders better. The sooner you master the "NCLEX style" questions, the happier you will be. I had to seriously retrain my brain to answer these questions!

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Ordering my nclex Saunders review book now. I'm still in foundations but it will be nice to familiarize myself with the form of questionings. Thanks for all the advice!

It's a beautiful day to save lives.

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Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.

It's never too early to start preparing for NCLEX!

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