What do I need in my pockets?

Published

I start a job as a CNA tomorrow. What are some everyday items that you've found to be helpful in nursing work?

I have pens and a timepiece, but I'm not sure if I should bring my stethoscope (given to me for Christmas).

The tape! I forgot the tape!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Subacute Rehab.

About my "timepiece" - it is an inexpensive wristwatch, which I bought because it has 24-hour numerals under the usual ones, plus luminous dial and hands. Unfortunately, it's too large for my wrist (I was unable to try it on prior to purchase). It's a just-for-now watch, until I have enough money for one of the pin-on type.

So - pens, bandage scissors, stethoscope, watch, alcohol wipes, and whatever paperwork the supervisor happens to give me?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I carry ink pen, scissors, a black laundry marker {we have to use those on my job to mark out people's names off of blister paks..it's a privacy issue...you may not need to do that, since you are a CNA}

Sometimes chapstick for my lips,

small pocket/sample size tube of hand cream...my hands get very dry, washing them so much.

A small bottle of that alcohol gel or sanitary wipes for cleaning your hands when water/soap not handy...but nothing beats water/soap.

On my job, I have to travel to different buildings, so I have a small canvas bag with other necessary items............such as B/P cuff, stethoscope, Tylenol bottle, gloves, trash bags, my thermometer and covers, bandaids, TAO, Dulcalax suppossitories, KY jelly, tape measure...I think that's about it.

But I'm constantly updating my supplies...trying to think what I might need, or if I might need something different, because it might save me steps and time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics.

I always carried a highlighter and highlighted things on my assignement sheet that were out of the norm that i needed to make sure to report to my RN supervisor.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho.

OH and as far as tape goes. Try to remember to take it out of your pocket and leave it at work. Once out the door it cant be used again inside the facility. Soooo,, fyi,, plastic nurses tape is almost better than duct tape.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Solid Organ Transplant, Home Care.

I only carry a blank pen (I usually end up with many by the end of the shift), assignment sheet and a sharpie. We have carts in the room with everything else in them (tape etc). I find if I have to much stuff in my pockets - I can't find anything!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, ER and ICU!!!.
I'm an "old nurse"... I carry LOTS of black pens and my bandage scissors in my right hand pocket... Left hand pocket has highlighter, red pen, black marker, alcohol wipes and my brains... LOL I usually start with about 5 pens, go home with one if I'm lucky...

The one pen happens to me all the time. Not just a work. I can be studying with 5 highlighters, 3 different color pens, and a permanent marker, and wind up with only a pencil (!?!?!?) to be put up.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, ER and ICU!!!.
OH and as far as tape goes. Try to remember to take it out of your pocket and leave it at work. Once out the door it cant be used again inside the facility. Soooo,, fyi,, plastic nurses tape is almost better than duct tape.

I have wrapped christmas presents with it before. Works wonderfully:rotfl: :rotfl:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in many.
Timepiece: if you don't like wearing a watch, go to a uniform store and get a watch pin. It pins on your shirt and hangs upside down, so when you look at it you're looking right side up.

Or be a cheapie like me and use a big safety pin to pin your wrist watch without the band to your shirt.:clown:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am a new nurse (Month 3 of orientation) in ICU. I carry:

-One or two black pens (yes... you really DO lose them, they're right!)

-One dark pink pen (I like it better than red and I only use it to circle temps or make notes to myself that are important)

-One sharpie (for marking times/dates on drsg changes and IVs, etc)

-Calipers

-One bright yellow highlighter (For MARs)

-3 pieces of gum (one for when I get there, one for after I eat, and one right before report haha)

-usually a couple bucks, in case I get the munchies during the night

-And most importantly, my lip gloss!

:) I dont carry tape with me, we have it well stocked in each patient room.

*Jessica*

Up Vote Up Vote ×

the joke at several facilities was find to find me and ask where i left my backpack..... 99.9 % of time.... the item they needed could be found in it...... always had alcohol wipes, 2 types tape, drug book, paper, pens, pens, pens, pencil, stethescope, scissors, hemostats..penlights.... other clamps too..... and if i knew you well..... always had small supply of tylenol and ibprofen and excederin...... of course bandaides of numerous sizes..... yes a catch all..... tried uysing a fanny pack.... just didnt hold all my junk..... so put the important stuff in pocket.... and stored the backpack...... i liked having it handy in case someone especially me needed it..... usually no one caused trouble. yes i made sure the otc meds were hid well.... just in case resident found my backpack..... one did and emptied it out for me.... of course he was confused.,....... i got to desk because i heard a recuss from way down hall..... he looked at me and said everything but the kitchen sink.... no beer, no chocolate, no drugs, no food.... what kind of nurse are you..lol

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion