What are some good things to keep on hand in your work locker?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi everyone,

After graduating in May, and passing NCLEX in June, I finally got a call yesterday that I was offered a job! I am very excited and nervous about it. It's for an Obstetrics full time nights position, but this post doesn't have to revolve specifically around OB. what are some things that you all keep in your work locker for 'just in case' scenarios, everyday use, etc. I've ears things like chapstick, and a travel toothbrush/paste for when you have to work overtime. Any other suggestions? Thanks!

Specializes in ICU, Public Health.

You are lucky to have a locker!

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Specializes in Med/Surg Tele; LTC; Corrections.

IKR!... I didn't always have a locker but I would keep, an extra pair of shoes, Lots of pens, manual b/p cuff, snacks, money for vending machine, time sheets, lotion etc...

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nail scissors and nail file

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Specializes in ER.

I don't have a locker either. Or a break room for that matter :crying2:. I carry a huge bag with: advil, immodium, my tea bags, pens, crystal light, a book, my water bottle, tampons, nail file, floss, disposable tooth brushes, safety pens, and then of course all of my nursing gear (steth, shears, etc). A locker would be great!

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Specializes in Rehab, critical care.

An extra pair of scrubs! You never know what body fluid might come your way lol, and most hospitals don't supply scrubs anymore to nurses b/c nurses weren't returning them or something.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Pain relievers, snacks, toiletries, a small reference book, spare money and whatever items that you find using a lot of at your job. For my last job, it was pens and coffee.

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Specializes in ED.

I love the posts up already, but to add to that I have had to bring in my own set of eating utensils. I have a plate, bowl, coffee cup, spoon, fork, knife. We are always running out so I don't have to look for one.

Plus I have vitamins (basic multivitamin and super B)in my locker, there are days where I really just need a vitamin pick me up that coffee just won't give me. Might throw in there a 5 hour energy shot.

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Specializes in Emergency.

I always have tampons, advil, some kind of a protein/fiber bar, gum, a travel deodorant, & single serve powdered drink mix packets in my locker.

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Specializes in LPN.

At my nursing home on nights the supplies are locked up, so in my locker I keep extra gloves, suction caths, 16 fr foleys, glucometer strips and lancets or any other thing I would hate to end up without. Then I drag in a rolling bag with all my personal stuff. I will lock my purse in my locker with all the supplies during the shift.

Oh and don't forget ostomy supplies. I have had to dig into that stash several times, and I have been extrememly glad to have it. I wish I could use it for other things, but there is no room.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

I keep my clipboard in there, too...it is a storage clipboard that I bought from walmart for like $6. I also lock up my "brain" sheet from the previous shift if I am coming back that night. Night shift on my unit is usually good about giving back your patients (unless you request not to have them again) so it saves on report time because I already have most of the information. I just need the changes.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.

Salt. For some reason, salt is as scarce as hen's teeth on my unit. I can NEVER find salt, and when I work an off-shift, the cafeteria is closed. I bought a big honkin' salt grinder and I value that $3.99 item more than my favorite pillow!

As another poster stated, I also have my own utensils. Nothing sucks more than eating spaghetti with a plastic knife.

I like to have deodorant, shampoo, conditioner and a brush in my locker in case I get sprayed during surgery. Toothpaste and a toothbrush as well. Oh, and three packs of gum. I always run out of gum because my peers know that I have a nice supply. If they ask for it, I am going to give them a piece...and then ask them to help me lift my patient. :)

Socks-oh yeah baby. ALWAYS have an extra pair.

I keep peanut butter in my locker in case I only have 10 minutes between cases and know that my lunch relief won't come until 1400. I am usually hungry as a hostage when 1100 rolls around, so this staves off my hunger quite well.

Contact solution, an extra contact case and an old pair of glasses is a must. You never know when something will fly up into your eye. I work with a nurse that spits when she talks (you know the saying, 'say it, don't spray it'), and she doesn't recognize personal space AT ALL. She really angry about something and was ranting on and on about it. She had just finished her lunch and a piece of pepper flew right into my eye. Yeah. Gross. I wanted to autoclave my face.

Have an umbrella in your locker. It sucks to finish a shift when you are dead tired and are greeted with a torrential downpour as you walk out of the hospital.

Congrats on your job!

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Thank you all so much! I'm getting some great ideas from all of your responses :)

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