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 have a Stedman's and a Dorland's Medical Dictionary. I love love love them both.
My school actually has a kit you buy that has all the stethoscopes and what nots and do dads. So, I will tell you what I found to be lifesavers, so far.
Suggested list of nursing supplies
Invest in a thumb drive Get one that has at least 1 Gig of space
Invest in mass quantities of ink pens
Invest in some type of Coffee plantation, you will need it for the long nights
Purchase a pad for your bottom, for all the "chewings" we receive
Invest in a warehouse of Kleenex, as you might find yourself on several occasions wondering "WHY you got yourself into such a mess"
FINALLY the most important thing to invest in is a comfortable chair for your desk at home with a HUGE cushion, as you will find yourself in it studying, eating, napping, and crying.:balloons::balloons::balloons::balloons:
IT IS SO INCREDIBLY WORTH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good family support,good friends who won't forget you while you disappear for 2yrs,good nutrition(VERY IMPORTANT!!!),a good mattress for those nights when you actually stop studying for 10 minutes and do sleep, a GREAT chair,corner,table or room for yourself for all those study hours,and at least one good friend in your class that you can comiserate with on those trying days of exams,lectures that you just don't get, or clinical days that never seem to end.
Everything else you can ask someone at the bookstore of your campus about and I'm sure they can help you.
Oh and don't forget the attitude of determination-you will definetly need that too!!!
What is a watch that attachs to your pocket/uniform? Where do I find this?
I agree with all of the above. I have been a RN for 27 years, a BSN since 2001, and am smack dab in the middle of graduate school. I also teach nursing.
I want to add:
get a decent PDA. I have a Jornada, and I really like it. PDA's are worth their weight in gold.
2. As an instructor, I require students to get shoes that do not have any holes, ie vent holes, on top. Think about all the body secretions and excrements that you would RATHER NOT think about that WILL end up on your shoes many times. This is to protect you. I like Nurse Mates and Klogs.
3. The watch, get one that you can easily pull off, and also clean. One that attaches to your pocket is nice.
4. A good attitude. Your instructor wants you to pass. Compassion because your patient needs it. Hardiness because you will need to work hard to learn, literally people's lives will depend on it, on YOU.
If you can create your own private space. I created a bedroom into a private study retreat room. The walls are red and woodwork is white. All the furniture is chocolate brown. When I'm studying I feel totally relax. This is good for those long study nights.
Our instructors have not required us to get a PDA. We had to buy a medical dictionary and a Drug Guide for nurses. I just spent $150 on a good recorder that will download to my computer so I can listen to lectures as I type notes and keep all of them until our comprehensive final in December. I think my hubby will faint if I tell him that I need a PDA!
I have some skill check offs this morning and I will ask my clinical instructor what she thinks about it.
We all discovered yesterday that our Mosby 'Nursing Diagnosis Handbook" has pages 781 - 812 missing! They put repeat pages in their place. If anyone has that book, you might check it. Our program director was on the phone with Mosby publishers trying to get new books sent ASAP, but no word yet on what they plan to do.
Ur stethoscope is very important, specially if u are going to start nursing school ...... make sure u are comfortable with it, before you purchase it. A big heavy stethoscope can be a real pain. Try the Littman lightweight..... its perfect: not so expensive, ultra light, comfortable and it comes in cute colors!!!!!
BUT MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL!!!!!!! LOTS OF MOTIVATION
:lol2:
janeforever
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I couldn't get the link to work either, however I did come across Upper Class Student Planners on Mead.com. Which I think is the same planner.