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???
Good shoes, a good care plan book (thumb through them before deciding which ones to purchase), a durable backpack, aspirin for those bad days, hand lotion from washing them raw, portable foods (trail mix, protein bars) for those days where you don't have time to eat much, and patience.
I've been an LVN for 12 yrs. now in school for my RN. Here is what I keep in my pockets or have on my person every day at clinicals or work:
-Birkenstocks on my feet
-only click pens to avoid staining my scrubs
-a small spiral (fits in the pocket $.50 cost) to write down labs, Dr. orders in a pt. room, phone numbers, codes,labs etc....
-a sharp non expensive pair of scissors (they get lost easy!)
-any color sharpie to mark speci's. and dressings
-a littmann stethoscope
-a highlighter
-a pen light (I use a really small duracell flashlight, does'nt turn on in my pocket and wear out)
-a pack of altoids
This makes for big pockets and a few remarks but makes life a lot easier! Hope it helps! I keep a little zippered pencil bag from one of my kid's school with extras of everything in my bag in the break room. T.
I tried them on and I love them! I looked at the professional style, as we need to wear all white, closed heel for school, but... they were so comfy compared to anything else I tried on. I've found them online @ 15% off of the store prices around here, and ... think I'll splurge a bit when I get my financial aid checks. Anyone know of any others comparable to dansko in comfort that might be a little less than $100?
Thanks!
I just purchased Danskos from a local independent shoe store--they offer nurses (and nursing students) 20% off on nursing shoes. It might be worth a call to an independent retailer in your area to see if they offer such discounts. Might help a little! Best of luck from a fellow Dansko lover.
I love the prentice hall reviews and rationale books-medical/surgical one has been most helpful. As for shoes I used white sneakers until my last semester when I got a pair of the dansko clogs for xmas. They are nice-very comfortable. I did buy a PDA which I think is great. I bought the dell with the software from skyscape. It is quit to use vs. looking up info in a book. Good Luck! I am waiting to hear the results of my NCLEX tests!
Does it matter what kind of Littman? What do they normally run?
Also, PDA's. Are they better than a laptop? Don't know a lot about the electronic stuff. Can someone please explain just what they do for you, etc. Thanks-Finally in the R.N. program after 3 yrs. of pre/coreq.'s, wife and mom to 5 from 7-17 yrs. The Mom part is what will be difficult. Already swamped and can't get in the pool with them etc. for homework. Oh-well. Gotta do it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Does it matter what kind of Littman? What do they normally run?
Also, PDA's. Are they better than a laptop? Don't know a lot about the electronic stuff. Can someone please explain just what they do for you, etc. Thanks-Finally in the R.N. program after 3 yrs. of pre/coreq.'s, wife and mom to 5 from 7-17 yrs. The Mom part is what will be difficult. Already swamped and can't get in the pool with them etc. for homework. Oh-well. Gotta do it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Hi nursenickelmama. I know the feeling about the swimming part, but I at least try to 'study and watch them swim'....just for a little more 'family time'.
I have a laptop, but I won't take it to class. Some people do though. I use mine instead of a PC (hubby uses the PC, I use the laptop.) lol
I just bought a PDA. I bought the HP iPAQ 2495. I love it! I bought a few different types of software, in which I can tell will be a God-send come time for clinicals.
I didn't want to bring a bunch of books to the clinical site, and then have to leave them unattended if I did bring them, so I really like the idea of my PDA being in my pocket all the time! I may get a foldable keyboard for it as well....later on down the road, if I see I need it.
I have epocrates (from epocrates.com), Davis Drug Guide (fadavis.com), Stedman's Medical Dictionary (lexi.com), Archimedes (skyscape.com), and a few other freebie extras that I have found....nonnursing games/utilities,etc.
As far Littmans go.....Some people just by the basic, some purchase the more expensive.
These run from about $37 to $230 on allheart.com. I have ordered the Littman Cardiology III ($125.49), only because I have a slight hearing loss. As a medical assistant, I used $30 stethoscopes & they would do most people well.
Many people would rather get a cheap one for school, and then splurge as a graduation gift for a more expensive one.
So....it's all your call. Don't think you have to go all out. :)
.thumb.gif.55aeaafdb61768ab641b1fab52f42961.gif){kind=avatar}
*AlexRN*
8 Posts
Good shoes, a good care plan book (thumb through them before deciding which ones to purchase), a durable backpack, aspirin for those bad days, hand lotion from washing them raw, portable foods (trail mix, protein bars) for those days where you don't have time to eat much, and patience.