What are the item(s) you need most for nursing school?

Fun2, BSN, RN · Aug 27, 2005

Whewwwwww you are long winded arent ya? HAHAHHAA

Thanks for your reply! :) The PDA I want is a HP IPAQ HX2775, but I don't really want to pay $550 for it. I know I want one with a good amount of internal memory, as well as wireless internet and MS Word compatibility.

As for other needs, I just don't know what I will want/need. I have seen several threads mentioning handy software. I don't know what is best, Pocket PC, PALM, etc. as far as the OS.

Thanks for the hints for shoes, etc. I need to find a local nursing store. The two that I knew of closed down, and I'm in a new town now. I barely know where the grocery store is. LOL

WHAT ABOUT BANDAGE SCISSORS? Any particular size, brand? I have some on the way that I bought from Ebay....3 different sizes. If I can't use those in school, I'll just keep them around the house for utility scissors. lol

Thanks for the congrats, btw. I'm so excited, I just hope I get right in to start in January!!!!

Fun2Care: (I am long-winded too! :wink2: )
I hear the type of watch that attaches to your uniform is best (I attracts less "bugs").
Shoes: I went to the Uniform Store & tried on several different types. It helped me a lot. I then purchased the most comfortable ones at the price I could afford. I ended up with Cherokee Rockers (they were on sale too! Always a nice thing). They slide on & I love them! They r as comfortable as I thought they would be too. Keep this in mind once you begin clinicals: working shoes last about 3 months when working full-time (I am a former Hair Dresser). So hopefully your shoes will get you through your 1st year & possibly 1/2 way through your second before they need to be replaced. We only have one pair of feet so treat them well! I am a Birkenstock girl, but feel closed shoes that fit like tennies (tennis shoes) feel best. Oh yeah, invest in new socks too, you'll feel clean & oh-so-much-better).
PDA: I have done my Homework. Rather my DH & I have done our hw! Buy the best you can afford, research what is best for you (compatability, space, programs, need a recorder, ect). I discovered the Dell Site & got my PDA for a cut price w/a discount (hint: look for any threads w/PDA in them). My DH thought the Palm was nice too. Palm has a very nice site also: lol, that my hubby for you! They r always coming out w/new stuff! This makes it hard for choices! We get so overwhelmed! I need the MS Word & compatability w/my voice activated program Via Voice (I talk, it types my notes out). I also wanted to have WI-FI/Blackberry (we have wireless internet @home & some clinical sites do too). Students in my nursing program swear by PDA's & my school is going to add them to our list of equipment. I plan to get a keyboard too, but won't use it unless I have no computer available. Saying this, you could always ask for one for Christmas/Hannanka! Mine ended up costing us $311.00. We got the extended warranty too (smart w/electronics, as I have saved hundreds on my Laptop that has been to the shop 2x now for fried hard drives!). (Dealers hate those things! Teehee!).
Microscope: Littman is the best, or so I have been told. I got one that I could hear out of & have comfy ear plugs. Go try them out at the store.
Well, gotta get 2 wk! Good luck! And Congrats!
~MJ

AndreaDawn · Aug 27, 2005

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!

Hi there, I am just starting my 1st year of a BScN program but prior to this I worked as a Registered Massage Therapist for 3 years. I bought a pair of Dansko shoes and LOVED them!!! They were so great, best shoes ever! Once I need my shoes for nursing clinical I will be sure to buy Dansko shoes. I used to be on my feet all day, everyday and never had any aches or pains in my legs...(just my wrists...lol). :chuckle

Fun2, BSN, RN · Aug 27, 2005

Does anyone know if these tend to run big/small?

It's a almost a pain to buy clothing/shoes on the net, but I thought I could keep a look out just in case I find a good deal. :)

Hi there, I am just starting my 1st year of a BScN program but prior to this I worked as a Registered Massage Therapist for 3 years. I bought a pair of Dansko shoes and LOVED them!!! They were so great, best shoes ever! Once I need my shoes for nursing clinical I will be sure to buy Dansko shoes. I used to be on my feet all day, everyday and never had any aches or pains in my legs...(just my wrists...lol). :chuckle

wannabemw · Aug 28, 2005

WHAT ABOUT BANDAGE SCISSORS? Any particular size, brand?

Yeah... thanks, I am! But I'll make this short!

I dunno about scissors... I got the basics from the student store, just like my BP cuff. I am SO over scissors after being in the hair bizz so long. I let my license lapse this year after having it 22yrs now. Guess I'll HAVE to pass now! :chuckle

Oh yeah: MARK EVERYTHING. Things tend to disappear! I gotta find a better way to mark my stethescope. I have a nice Cardio Model that I LOVE. I paid 80-90 $ for it & can hear so good w/it. I would be heartsick if were to walk.

Let us know when u get in! I know it will happen for you!

~MJ

slinkeecat · Aug 28, 2005

I just graduated from my LPN to BSN in May 2005 I took my boards and passed in June!!!!

I have been an LPN for 15 years... I have been an RN-BSN for a few months..,

That being said i can tell you what I think works well in the real nursing world

and in the Student nursing World....

1. Your watch.... a simple wrist watch with a second hand like a moderate TIMEX with Indiglo ( lights up in the dark....) very handy... I found that leather tends to wear and rot from frequent wetting... I use the metal gold tone/ or silver tone expandable watch wear you can slide it up on your arm and it will stay put... They are easier to clean.... and you need to clean them b/c when you do treatments, creams can get on them.... Alcohol wipes do nicely...

2. Your shoes... You will be pounding your feet for the rest of your life be kind to them and don't skimp on the support and comfort... I love rockers and new balance...go to a nursing store and test drive them... wear a pair in the store as you browse.... Spend your money on them ..... so important!!!

3. SOCKS... I am 37 years old and I have very sexy legs from the fact that my mother ( an old nurse) made me wear support hose, knee hi's...prevents calf pain and varicose veins... makes a big difference.... yes... you young ones may think I am crazy, but they really make a differeces when you are trudging down hard linoleum floors pushing a 200 lb Med cart....

4. Scissors... 3 1/2 inc and 5 1/2 inch scissors GET YOUR NAME engraved on them to prevent the Kleptos from stealing them.... I have my clipped to my retractable namebadge holder... SO...... handy!!! Hemostats are not that important....

5. Pens... lots of them retractable....are the best....BLACK ink can't go wrong!!!

Retractable to prevent spillage leaking.... BUY a TIDE/Clorox bleach pen to remove said ink stains from uniform and a spray can of the stinkiest hair spray you can find as this will get ink out of you uniform .... trust me on this one....spray hair spray on ink stain and wash it .... works well...

SHARPIES... buy them ( retractable now too )

6. The all important bag.... it's a personal choice... I loved the leather back pack I have had for my school days... I confiscated it from my daughter... lots of pockets and flaps for all my junk

7. Hilighters, sticky notes and sticky flags from the post-it company.... awesome way to flag important info....

8. In your first year start buying a resource book not on the "suggested list"

I highly recommend " Nursing made incredibly easy.... Patient teaching book" You will need supplental info to fluff your assignments and you will use them in your career. Each semester get another one like "Nursing made incredibly easy.... Pathopysiology..." These will be great for you to really understand alot... B/C sometimes the textbook or the lecturer will make you feel retarded and you don't get it... But when you read the rationale and info in these books... it will bring it on home to you....

9. Network.... Ask others you know who have become RN's LPN's if they have any books they want to part with....I have ton's of stuff and am waiting for the sweet soul who wants it....

10. Get a subscription to Nursing2005 or RN magazine.... this will save you butt when you need to find a current nursing trend. Ask other nursing friends if they have issues old ones and get them they are handy to have....You will need them for reports and papers

11. Find a partner in class...team up with someone who desires nursing as much as you do and work together.

I have other tips, but i have to go and feed the horses..... They are getting cranky......

Good Luck!!!

KAT

PS

lots a great ideas I am going to use the de-binding thing... as I start my Masters in the Spring!!!!!!!

11.

ICRN2008, BSN, RN · Aug 28, 2005

Does anyone know if these tend to run big/small?
It's a almost a pain to buy clothing/shoes on the net, but I thought I could keep a look out just in case I find a good deal. :)

They tend to run small. For instance, I usually wear a 9 or 9.5; I ordered a size 40 and they fit fine. Your heel should slip out of the back of the shoe when you walk.

If you order on http://www.zappos.com you will get free return shipping. I got my shoes in a few days.

RNin2007 · Aug 29, 2005

They tend to run small. For instance, I usually wear a 9 or 9.5; I ordered a size 40 and they fit fine. Your heel should slip out of the back of the shoe when you walk.
If you order on http://www.zappos.com you will get free return shipping. I got my shoes in a few days.

I own about 7 pairs, and none of them are nursing shoes.....I am now in the market to buy a pair before we start clinicals next month. They are SO comfortable you forget you even have them on. I have sorta wide feet and wear 9's and I have never had a problem getting them to fit. There is no "breaking in" period either. They are perfectly comfortable from day one.

G'luck!

~J

curlyfries · Aug 31, 2005

I guess I better go and by myself knee-highs and support hose for men! Is there knee-highs and support hose for men??? LOL

Fun2, BSN, RN · Aug 31, 2005

I guess I better go and by myself knee-highs and support hose for men! Is there knee-highs and support hose for men??? LOL

Yes, they are in the men's panty section....go ahead and get some to support your

legs. :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

brwnngj · Aug 31, 2005

Oooh-that is so nice! I hope I make some friends in school! I am so shy that I think sometimes I come off as snobby. It's funny though, I am also a Realtor and I am one of the most aggressive ones you will find. I never lose in real estate but stick me in a school setting...and I am pure :chair:

I am the same way and I know that friends through this is a necessity. I am hoping to be able to reunite with some of the gals I took prereqs with.

jlamb · Sep 1, 2005

I just graduated from my LPN to BSN in May 2005 I took my boards and passed in June!!!!
I have been an LPN for 15 years... I have been an RN-BSN for a few months..,
That being said i can tell you what I think works well in the real nursing world
and in the Student nursing World....
1. Your watch.... a simple wrist watch with a second hand like a moderate TIMEX with Indiglo ( lights up in the dark....) very handy... I found that leather tends to wear and rot from frequent wetting... I use the metal gold tone/ or silver tone expandable watch wear you can slide it up on your arm and it will stay put... They are easier to clean.... and you need to clean them b/c when you do treatments, creams can get on them.... Alcohol wipes do nicely...
2. Your shoes... You will be pounding your feet for the rest of your life be kind to them and don't skimp on the support and comfort... I love rockers and new balance...go to a nursing store and test drive them... wear a pair in the store as you browse.... Spend your money on them ..... so important!!!
3. SOCKS... I am 37 years old and I have very sexy legs from the fact that my mother ( an old nurse) made me wear support hose, knee hi's...prevents calf pain and varicose veins... makes a big difference.... yes... you young ones may think I am crazy, but they really make a differeces when you are trudging down hard linoleum floors pushing a 200 lb Med cart....
4. Scissors... 3 1/2 inc and 5 1/2 inch scissors GET YOUR NAME engraved on them to prevent the Kleptos from stealing them.... I have my clipped to my retractable namebadge holder... SO...... handy!!! Hemostats are not that important....
5. Pens... lots of them retractable....are the best....BLACK ink can't go wrong!!!
Retractable to prevent spillage leaking.... BUY a TIDE/Clorox bleach pen to remove said ink stains from uniform and a spray can of the stinkiest hair spray you can find as this will get ink out of you uniform .... trust me on this one....spray hair spray on ink stain and wash it .... works well...
SHARPIES... buy them ( retractable now too )
6. The all important bag.... it's a personal choice... I loved the leather back pack I have had for my school days... I confiscated it from my daughter... lots of pockets and flaps for all my junk
7. Hilighters, sticky notes and sticky flags from the post-it company.... awesome way to flag important info....
8. In your first year start buying a resource book not on the "suggested list"
I highly recommend " Nursing made incredibly easy.... Patient teaching book" You will need supplental info to fluff your assignments and you will use them in your career. Each semester get another one like "Nursing made incredibly easy.... Pathopysiology..." These will be great for you to really understand alot... B/C sometimes the textbook or the lecturer will make you feel retarded and you don't get it... But when you read the rationale and info in these books... it will bring it on home to you....
9. Network.... Ask others you know who have become RN's LPN's if they have any books they want to part with....I have ton's of stuff and am waiting for the sweet soul who wants it....
10. Get a subscription to Nursing2005 or RN magazine.... this will save you butt when you need to find a current nursing trend. Ask other nursing friends if they have issues old ones and get them they are handy to have....You will need them for reports and papers
11. Find a partner in class...team up with someone who desires nursing as much as you do and work together.
I have other tips, but i have to go and feed the horses..... They are getting cranky......
Good Luck!!!
KAT
PS
lots a great ideas I am going to use the de-binding thing... as I start my Masters in the Spring!!!!!!!
11.

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.

Jackie Lamb, RN, BSN, CLNC

TStewartfan · Sep 9, 2005

I am in the third term of a five semester nursing program. I have a couple of things that I cannot live without.

1. A GREAT COMFORTABLE PAIR OF SHOES.. I had a pair in the first nursing clinical I had and by the end of the day I couldn't walk, my feet hurt so bad. They finally allowed us to have tennis looking nursing shoes and I paid $80 for a pair of New Balances which I LOVE!!!

2. I bought RNotes, its a pocket guide that I stick in my pocket, it has typical lab values, antidotes, injection, it's really a good book, I like it alot.

3. I am anal about having study guides so I have the majority of Nursing Made Incredibly Easy, they are not a requirement but they help me understand stuff. They might have them in the library at your school, ours does.

4. A good pair or support hose. I don't care what anyone says about them, they have saved my legs many times. After the first day of clinical and being on my feet all day, my legs throbbed the rest of the night, after I bought a pair of them, I never have that problem.

5. Make sure you have plenty of pens, other students tend to "borrow" them and not return them so its a pain to have to track them down and get them back. Have a red one too, helps to track vitals.

6. A good stethoscope. I had a cheap one that worked while my Littman was getting fixed but I wouldn't trade my Littman for anything now.

7. Make sure your uniform fits, nothing like wearing an ill fitting uniform and worrying about how tight it is and pulling things down.

I learned alot after my first clinical about what to have and what not to have, to me it was trial and error.