I have been going through all these posts to find what items are the best things to have for nursing school. The posts are all scattered so I thought I would start a post that will contain all the info for the new incoming students.
I would like to know what I should spend my money on when it comes to study guides, NCLEX review books, NET review books, best nursing shoes (without a logo), stethescope, misc nursing items you have to have, etc. Any new students/senior students/graduate nurses have any info they can share? What were the items you couldn't live without???
bringing my laptop. Now in my final semester, I carry a thin notebook and a pen and that's all folks. Oh yeah, for clinical I carry my loaded PDA.
Hi, RN Kitty Kat, What software do you have on your PDA, I have one but haven't bought anything yet (nursing wise). It's a windows version...I also have my laptop, which I use just like you, small notebook, pen/pencil and computer!!! I just got accepted to nursing school and start in January 06...YEAH!!!! I'll be driving 100 miles 1 way each day and so I'll be using the notes on tape advice, also whoever had the voice on their pda, could you tell me what software that was????
Hi, RN Kitty Kat, What software do you have on your PDA, I have one but haven't bought anything yet (nursing wise). It's a windows version...I also have my laptop, which I use just like you, small notebook, pen/pencil and computer!!! I just got accepted to nursing school and start in January 06...YEAH!!!! I'll be driving 100 miles 1 way each day and so I'll be using the notes on tape advice, also whoever had the voice on their pda, could you tell me what software that was????
Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.
Hi, RN Kitty Kat, What software do you have on your PDA, I have one but haven't bought anything yet (nursing wise). It's a windows version...I also have my laptop, which I use just like you, small notebook, pen/pencil and computer!!! I just got accepted to nursing school and start in January 06...YEAH!!!! I'll be driving 100 miles 1 way each day and so I'll be using the notes on tape advice, also whoever had the voice on their pda, could you tell me what software that was????
God bless you on that drive! The things we won't do when we gotta do what we gotta do to make things happen... I'd recommend a thermous of good strong coffee as an absolute must for your items for nursing school.
My PDA has Davis Drug Guide, RN Labs, Archimedes. Archimedes is a free program which I highly recommend. The Davis Drug Guide was required by our school but I think Mosby's is probably better. I don't know if Mosbys makes a PDA version. There are lots of other things you can get but these are the basics and seem to be enough for me.
I have found that one of the best stethescopes is the Littman brand. It's really helpful to get a pen light, comfortable shoes (Uniform City has really REALLY comfortable ones), Nursing Made Incredibly Easy is a book about the basics of nursing and it has helped me tremendously. Remember to have a lot of patience, motivation, compassion, and SOME TYPE OF RELAXATION METHOD!:) :chuckle
ok....I have decided or I should say it has been decided for me that I have to come up with the times and technology. What is the best kind of PDA or what kind do yall reccomend for nursing school? Thanks guys....
Rule# 1: Never buy books new or in bookstore at school. RIPOFF! buy early and online. early b/c as semester approaches the books r harder to find and get more expensive. I spent the least of everyon in my class-somehow I am oldest and the younguns didn't know how to buy books online.hmmm! 1st semester u will spend a mint no matter what. think $500-700 on books.
Rule#2: Buy lots-I mean lots of 3x5 cards or 5x7 and cut in half so u can make mini cards. some text websites allow u to print out flashcards so this helps, but u will still have to spend a lot of time making cards.
Rule#3; Always ask for student discount. I even got the local Pharmacy to knock 5 bucksoff my BP cuff.
Rule#4: Start asking for Amazon.com gift certificates for birthday,x-mas, etc. so u can buy extra books u will need.
Rule#5: don't skimp on shoes. I wear white leather hi top basketball shoes and they work great b/c they r made to be skid proof.
***Misc:
Get scrubs that are a bit loose and have painter pockets, side pockets, etc. Buy a top that allows u to move around-also with pockets (but stuff willfall out for sure. ) buy a double tube stethoscope-u will be able to hear better with all background noise in clinical.
Specializes in Med-Surg, LTC, Rehabiliation Nursing.
Purchase a good rolling book bag to save your back. I would wait to see what the program is like before buying study guides. Talk to senior students in your program. They will tell you if you need to purchase other items. Good luck!
]
I have to say, my rolling backpack is the BEST investment I have made. Despite being giggled at by the younger students at my ADN community college, it is worth every penny. My back and my sanity have been saved.
I would like to know what I should spend my money on when it comes to study guides, NCLEX review books, NET review books, best nursing shoes (without a logo), stethescope, misc nursing items you have to have, etc. Any new students/senior students/graduate nurses have any info they can share? What were the items you couldn't live without???
Thanks for your input!
For NCLEX review: Flash cards, as many review books as you can find to give yourself a variety. Swap guides with your friends to save money. I used the flash cards and felt that they helped tremendously.
Shoes: I like New Balance or Nursemates. Nursemates don't have a logo so may be your best bet (other than the little blue heart). Make sure they're comfy or your legs and back will give you a fit!
Stethoscope: If you can afford it Master Cardiology is always the best bet.
Things I couldn't live without: By bookbag with WHEELS! The floppies I carried with me when I needed to copy something to disk from school or just work on a project at school. My computer. PDA would have been good, but I couldn't afford it.
I have found that one of the best stethescopes is the Littman brand. It's really helpful to get a pen light, comfortable shoes (Uniform City has really REALLY comfortable ones), Nursing Made Incredibly Easy is a book about the basics of nursing and it has helped me tremendously. Remember to have a lot of patience, motivation, compassion, and SOME TYPE OF RELAXATION METHOD!:) :chuckle
YES! Uniform City is awesome. They are great life savers. Mave is right on!
.thumb.gif.55aeaafdb61768ab641b1fab52f42961.gif){kind=avatar}
dgclough
78 Posts
Hi, RN Kitty Kat, What software do you have on your PDA, I have one but haven't bought anything yet (nursing wise). It's a windows version...I also have my laptop, which I use just like you, small notebook, pen/pencil and computer!!! I just got accepted to nursing school and start in January 06...YEAH!!!! I'll be driving 100 miles 1 way each day and so I'll be using the notes on tape advice, also whoever had the voice on their pda, could you tell me what software that was????
Thanks guys! I'll be visiting often!