What can't I live without when I enter the Program?

DenaInWyo · May 18, 2005

Before you spring for an expensive scientific calculator, make sure they're allowed in your program. They weren't in ours (instructors worried that we'd be programming in formulas). The only type of calculator you really need is one that does the basics..add, subtract, multiply and divide. Our instructors were so picky about this issue that during tests they passed out school calculators for us to use. If I remember correctly, my TI83 cost about $100, and the only thing I ever used it for was algebra and calculus.

Deana

kellyo, LPN · May 18, 2005

Things that I couldn't have lived without for NS are:
1. approximately 10 reams of 3 holed paper
2. Mechanical Pencils (with the rubber around where you hold them)
3. My favorite medium, black RSVP pens
4. Highlighters that act like pens where you can click them instead of having to keep up with the lids.
5. Small stapler and staples, "sticky" indexes, and post it notes
6. Rolling back pack
7. Write on wipe off calendar (to integrate school and family life--everybody knew where Mom was)
8. Clipboard that had a place for all my stuff inside with calculator
9. NCLEX study guide (from 2nd semester until completion of program)
10. Computer with internet access
11. Study buddies, huge bottle of Motrin, and bubble bath!! :rotfl:

Medium black Pentel RSVP pens are my favorite, too! I just discovered them!

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · May 19, 2005

Medium black Pentel RSVP pens are my favorite, too! I just discovered them!

I see there's alot of info and duplication, so I'll just throw my spin in :)

1- never needed more than a cheapie calculator for practicing dosage calculations at home. In school, for tests, we weren't allowed to use our own (someone else said this, too), so it's not like you have to get "used to" just yours. Basic functions only.

2- find a favorite pen that writes comfortably because boy, you're gonna be writing a ton with it. Now get thirty of them, lol, because you'll go through them quick! Be sure to get a click-it kind, NOT a replacable cap (like someone else said, so you don't lose them) and NOT a "twistie" kind where you need two hands to open/close it. You often don't HAVE two hands!

3- a great laundry detergent that works well with your uniform fabric. You're bound to get some strange organic goo on yourself at some time or other and you don't want evidence of that to follow you to the next clinical. :uhoh21:

4- a small backpack for clinicals only, large enough to hold BP cuff (if you use your own, half the time the ones in the hospitals just don't work!), drug book, notebook/folder, change of clothes if you have errands to do after clinicals (we were never allowed to be anywhere but the hospital or our car in our uniforms). A backpack for clinical days only can stay packed for the most part, and doesn't get weighed down with the classroom stuff.

5- a pile of change in your backpack, bookbag, whatever you're using to haul your stuff. You never know when you need to hit the vending machine for coffee, soda or a snack, or when your cell phone doesn't pick up enough signal and you have to use a payphone.

That's it for now!

GrnHonu99, RN · May 19, 2005

Before you spring for an expensive scientific calculator, make sure they're allowed in your program. They weren't in ours (instructors worried that we'd be programming in formulas). The only type of calculator you really need is one that does the basics..add, subtract, multiply and divide. Our instructors were so picky about this issue that during tests they passed out school calculators for us to use. If I remember correctly, my TI83 cost about $100, and the only thing I ever used it for was algebra and calculus.
Deana

my TI83 is NOT allowed..BOO..ive used it my entire college career (last 6 years) and am very used to it!..my pharm teacher says that students in the past have programmed things into the calc and cheated on tests...we also cant have the kinds with the backs bc students would write things in the cover.....makes me mad that i have to get another calc bc of dishonest students :angryfire drug calcs are basic math! boo....

LauraF, RN, ASN, CNA, LPN, RN · May 19, 2005

1. My best friend since I have been in school is Ackley's Nursing Diagnosis Handbook. Makes care plans a breeze.

2. I prefer Davis drug handbook. Also Davis makes a little pocket notebook size reference. You can actually write directly on it and then use an alcohol pad to clean it. Very handy.

3. "My brain" it is an organizer that has family's schedule along with mine. Has a phone list, and a place for notes, as well as holding cell phone, money, and credit cards.

4. Great computer with a fast connection, and a good printer.

5. Reliable child care is a must. During classes, clinical and study time.

Good luck.

twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN · May 19, 2005

I just got the Sounders NCLEX Review and its wonderful. Helped me study for the Med/Surg final. Got an A by the way

Other than that, my cell phone was a nessessity. Especially before I got my laptop (also a nessessity) cause I kept all my appointments on it.

A rolling book bag or suitcase. Save your back when ever you can!

A good clip board for clinicals. I've seen them with the calculator on top, but the plain ones are just as good since I carry a calculator in my pocket.

A large coffee maker (foldgers is good) or one of those refillable 7-11 cups are great and inexpensive. Popcorn or other munchies for study nights. Ready made meals for those with kids (or without even)

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · May 19, 2005

Well, my student days were long ago, but I vote for a covered plastic mug that you can clip on your backpack for coffee breaks

a separate purse with change, library cards, photocopy cards, mouthwash, and a baggie of emergency granola.

Danelle · May 19, 2005

We have all talked about a great support system outside of school (husband, kids...etc), but you also need one IN school. You need at least a couple of close friends who are also nursing students to celebrate your accomplishments and support you when you are down. Trust me, no matter how supportive your husband is, he is going to look at you like have lost your mind when you come home all excited because you started a foley, started an IV for the first time, suctioned a trach...etc. However you can tell your nursing school friends, and they will totally understand! :chuckle Also, my husband won't let me tell gross clinical stories, but my two best nursing school friends and I discussed projectile vomiting while eating seafood bisque at lunch the other day, and didn't think twice about it.