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???
I found that the little notebooks are perfect and also the clipboards with the calculators on them. extra pen lights are helpful and a good organizer/day planner that is big enough to hold all of your life's activities. good shoes and tylenol.
I have found that less is more. A little notebook, is invaluable period. A good mechanical pencil (or two) with good eraser, retractable, pens with black ink are good too (get at least one blue one or vice versa depending on your clinical policy on ink color) . A hole punch that fits in a big binder with pockets. I am in third semester and have found after getting every little thing in the world that will help, after all they only got in the way.
oh, I forgot...you need a good careplan book. Just having the NANDA diagnoses is not enough. And ALWAYS form a study group with other students. The more heads the better. I have found that I personally do MUCH better on tests that I study with others before.
those compression trouser socks/hose thingies...they are so great they make my legs feel so good during clinicals plus they prevent varicose veins
oh and a permanent marker because i can't count the number of times that i've been asked if i have a permanent marker during clinicals OH and an easily hideable tape recorder (for lectures)
Ok for me the shoes have to be spring step. I have a torn meniscus and these are the only shoes that can get me through a day without alot of pain.
I also bought a very good Littman stethoscope.
I use the Straight A's line of studying books. They come in really handy if you need a little extra explanation in laymans terms.
I would also recommend using a NCLEX review CD before your test. Mosbys is great because you can pick and choose specific areas that you want to test yourself on. I find that many of the test questions are very similiar to them.
Good luck and remember to always take time for you. If you overwhelm yourself it will make it much more difficult. You can only go one day at a time. :nuke:
I have narrow width feet and I found a wonderful pair of shoes. They are Dunham brand. One of the few pairs that actully fit skinny feet with no arch. You might try looking into these. They weren't expensive either.
Good Luck!!! (We all need it )
jillnurse2b
79 Posts
Wow there's so many things you need but definitely have:
-a good careplan book
-a planner (the ones that show a month at a time are the best) you will be BUSY!!!
-folders, black pens, and a small notebook for clinical
and LOTS OF COFFEE!!!
good luck everyone :)