What items/tools/stationery/gadgets does a student NP need?

Junebug0710 · Nov 27, 2013

I just logged in to post about the same thing! Thanks for posting this.

zmansc, ASN, RN · Nov 27, 2013

I would suggest you post this question on your schools forum/whatever for existing students to help with. It will vary from school to school. It will also change as you go through the program. I would also caution you to wait on tech purchases until you absolutely need them. If you buy some gadget today that you won't need for 18 months, there will probably be a better one available when you actually need it.

If your program is online and you are going to be doing it from home, I would suggest having some place to be able to work that is separate from the rest of the family so that you can be undisturbed while you are studying. Your study habits will tell you what tools (computer, tablet, monitors, desk, printers, headset, etc) you will need.

2015 · Nov 27, 2013

Thanks zmansc for your response. I will for sure need a private study area. Junebug, which school will you be going to? I was thinking that online programs will require similar stuff.

BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN · Nov 28, 2013

The only thing I needed was a stethoscope and a laptop. Well, pens and paper too actually, lol, I'm old school.

What else were you thinking you would need?

2015 · Nov 28, 2013

BluedevilDNP,

Am old school too. I haven't been in school on a serious note for almost 10years. Do I need a special stethoscope or my regular low end will do? I have a laptop now I have to work on getting a desk and headphones. Is anyone using ipad apps for note taking, ebooks etc?

Trauma Columnist · Nov 28, 2013

When I was in school, it was before ipads, lol.

However, I can tell you as a working APN, that I do use an electronic stethoscope but the population I care for have central lines and it is difficult to hear lungs/heart sounds.

And...I absolutely love my ipad mini and use it all day for notes, reminders to myself (properly password protected)

davesbride · Nov 29, 2013

Hi 2015. Congrats again on your acceptance. For Georgetown you will need an opthalmascope and otoscope fro clinicals. You will have to do an online orientation "class" and in orientation they will discuss electronic and techinical requirements needed.

2015 · Nov 29, 2013

Davesbride,

Are we in the same cohort? Jan 2014 (full-time). We need to exchange contacts. I will tackle the online orientation in the coming week. Thanks for pointing that out. Am torn in between getting a normal size ipad and a mini or none :) .

NJprisonrn · Nov 29, 2013

Pocket notebooks, for sure. I use a new one for each clinical site. A pen light is always nice. I used me phone to record lectures. But that's about it, other than a stethoscope.

Junebug0710 · Nov 30, 2013

2015, I'm going to gonzaga

NurseRoz · Dec 1, 2013

I'm currently a student NP, and during clinical I carry my stethoscope, a penlight, a reflex hammer, and a small measuring tape. I also always carry a 4-color pen, a highlighter, a small notebook, my iPhone (there are some AMAZING apps out there. I cannot recommend Epocrates enough. The Sanford Guide and QxCalculate are also great.), and the Maxwell Quick Medical Reference, which is the best $8 I have spent in nursing school.

For actual studying, I would highly recommend getting a subscription to UpToDate. It's expensive, but it has been absolutely invaluable both in class and in clinical.