What to bring first day on job?

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I am starting my new graduate nursing position in a few weeks in a large Trauma ICU. I want to be as prepared as possible so I was hoping you guys could give me an idea of what items I should bring with me...I know my stethoscope and pens, but what other items should I bring?? Do I need a fanny pack or something like that to keep my supplies in throughout the shift?

Any suggestions that you guys might have to help me feel prepared and organized will be greatly appreciated!

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:) I wouldn't be without my bandage scissors. At least 2 pair! You can never find them on anywhere when you need them.

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I would say go with the basics and see what you need- the things I thought I needed- I never needed. If it is trauma- they may have penlights and flashlights around- you may not need your own- they'll walk. Also if you work with a highly infected population- your own stetescope may be a waste due to ARO restrictions. I had all the drug books and such and then learned one was on the Pysix as well as in our computer sysytem. The pouch thing did not work for me- I spent so much time digging around in it.

Happy First Day!

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I brought stethoscope (wipe down with alcohol prep after each pt to reduce the rusk of pathogen transmission), 4 colour pen, trauma shears, hemostat, penlight. Once at work I filled up with the day's prep pads, a tourniquet for IV starts, roll of tape (put it on the hemostats and then clip them to the bottom of your scrub top) and some gloves to be ready to go.

I tend to write notes as I go on my forearm and then wipe them off after the information has been transferred so I don't carry a memo pad. This system came about because I used to write vitals, etc on my gloves, and then forget and toss out the gloves, having to retrieve the info from the rubbish. Two retrievals were more than enough for me to change to my arm, plus I can't misplace my arm. *grin* You may want a clipboard for your notes. Good luck!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Nursing Education.

steth, two black pens, one red pen, pencil, sharpie, penlight and bandage cutters.

thats all you really need

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