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???
Do you have any recommendations on PDA's? I am thinking of investing in a Lifedrive, so I have ample memory space throughout my nursing school days and later. I have seen in a review that Palms have more programs than Pocket, but it didn't specify how many were nurse-related. Thanks for your input!
Do you have any recommendations on PDA's? I am thinking of investing in a Lifedrive, so I have ample memory space throughout my nursing school days and later. I have seen in a review that Palms have more programs than Pocket, but it didn't specify how many were nurse-related. Thanks for your input!
Hi and welcome to AllNurses.com, mama_llama. Make sure to do a search for PDAs also on AllNurses. There have been several different threads about them, and some of those may answer some of the questions you have.
I'll be looking for one soon, as well. So, please share your comments when you do find a good one.
I do this not only with my drug cards, but with my careplans. I made a blank template on the computer my first semester and now all I do is type my careplan right into the template.
I also made blank templates for my meds and careplans. I wouldn't be able to survive without my Ackley, and Davis.
Specializes in Med-Surg, LTC, Rehabiliation Nursing.
I have the templates for the care plans & meds, saved all my care plans, wish I had saved all my meds, too. The care plans have saved me a TON of time, seriously, we know the interventions, and how many times do you need to type out risk of constipation r/t medications? Cut and paste is wonderful.
I also agree with lots of liquor, just be careful, you dont want to add 'ineffective coping' to your own personal care plan. :rotfl:
The things that have helped me most are my comfortable shoes. I just got a pair of CROCs at the mall. They are only about $35.00, and they feel like you are walking on gel. Just make sure that your program allows you to wear them, they are a clog style with a strap over the back heel. My stethoscope is also something that i can't live without. I just have a cheap 30.00 stethoscope, but i wouldn't invest in something really expensive until you have the knowledge that it takes to know what you're actually listening to. It takes a couple of semesters to figure what is really normal. I loved my NANDA boof for the first couple of semesters to help with care plans.
For overall: a calendar/organizer (I got the school year kind run from Aug to June.) Write down every class, clinical time, tests. Fill this out from your syllabus/class calendar. Then keep changing as things change.
School supplies as mentioned-notebook, 3-hole punch, highlighters.
For clinicals: a good drug reference, book or PDA.
a little notebook for your pocket-to make assessment notes, patient info notes for care plans, med notes
sharpies, black retractable pens, bandage scissors
the best stethoscope you can afford (as a student it is hard to hear those lung and heart sounds!)
books depend on your program but I like "Nursing Diagnosis Reference Manual" really helped with care plans.
Specializes in Med-Surg, LTC, Rehabiliation Nursing.
Nsgstudent in the 253,
When I struggled through my phamaceutical calcualations class, (math is definatiely not my strong point,) I went to my school, and there was a student help class that helped tremendously. Most colleges offer this help. It may be worth your time to check it out. Took extra work and stress, but I made it through with a B. At SMCC in Maine it was the student help services. Maybe it would be worth your time to check it out. I do not know about your college, but there are yearly checks on your math skills at mine. Very very difficult, but dont forget, in the real world, you can use a calculator,, and /or very important, if you are not sure, ask a more experienced nurse to double check you calculations! Of course, there are some more receptive than others, but if you are in nursing, you can judge and tell the ones that want to help, as opposes to the ones that want to be left alone.
what i found helpful were index cards. i don't really take notes during theory but i do jot down on them key points my instructor tell us. i also jot down quick notes when i read on my own. or points i have a hard time remembering. you can punch a hole in the upper right corner in which you can bind all your cards together. in this way, you can carry them wherever you go.
I take all my books to kinkos and have them debinded. Then I take them in my small 3 ring folder. I organize the chapters with the notes, and I highlight anything that the teacher says in the book while she is saying it. Our notes are on CD so I already have them printed out. No painful backpack
This is a great idea! I never would have thought to do this, but it makes so much sense! Thank you!
Hello. I hope this helps anyone starting nursing school. I start school this year and have been asking for all kinds of advice. I read the previous replies and they were great. I wanted to add some to it to help. I have been told these things will help me.
1-palm pilot (you can download the pharmacuticals from the internet to the palm pilot and use during clinicals to look up rx info.
2-a good stethoscope that will include adult and pediatric end (Litman has good prices and student discounts as well as free student cd's with hear sounds)
3-Berkenstock shoes are really comfortable (arch support, wish crocs came in full shoes because they are the best)
4-braco, peaches, and crest are durable scrubs to wear and most places offer a student discount
5-digital watch with seconds display or second hand
That's all I can think of right now. Hope this helps
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mama_llama
12 Posts
Do you have any recommendations on PDA's? I am thinking of investing in a Lifedrive, so I have ample memory space throughout my nursing school days and later. I have seen in a review that Palms have more programs than Pocket, but it didn't specify how many were nurse-related. Thanks for your input!