What kind of bag do you use?

Specialties Home Health

Published

I am getting back into home health nursing- and wondering what kind of bag works the best.

I use a standard backpack. I use the major pockets for a clean side and a dirty side.

Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

I use a messenger bag, but I'm getting a backpack this weekend.

Specializes in COS-C, Risk Management.

I have this bag and love it. Wouldn't trade it for the world and it was worth every penny.

I think it depends on the company you work for and what kind of pts your working with. The company I work for provides most of the supplies you would need at a pts home. But I have zipped up binder type of thing that I use to carry my documents, patient teaching forms, mileage log, expense log, and schedular/calendar; which I place in my bag that has a section the binder fits perfectly in, then it has 2 more zippered sections for clean/dirty, and has convenient side pockets for your hand washing supplies. Can you guess what I use.....get ready to be surprised... DIAPER BAG! I love it, they have very stylish diaper bags now that surely do not look like a diaper bag. And a added bonus but a must have is 99% of them have a rugged bottom and interior of bag is easy cleaned! I carefully researched many different bags but was not completely satisfied with them for the money they required, then I decided to get creative and think out of the box...craft/scrap book organizer bags-diaper bag. Good luck I hope you find something that fits you!

Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

I use a European shoulder bag (it was a gift).

Just kidding. I use the bag I got from Maxim for Christmas a couple of years ago. About 15 inches wide by 12 inches high, large main compartment, six outside compartments in various sizes, 2 mesh, 1 zippered, adjustable straps.

Target Handbag

I got this at Target. Like others, most of my stuff is supplied. This comes with a zippered pouch that I keep my stethoscope, thermometer, etc in. My iPad fits in here plus my wallet and keys. I carry my dinner in something separate.

Specializes in Med-Surg.
I have this bag and love it. Wouldn't trade it for the world and it was worth every penny.

Hey Kate, that bag looks pretty awesome. I'm a nursing student and was thinking of buying a rolling briefcase style bag (would be especially handy for clinicals, as I don't like putting down a tota bag or backpack on the hospital floor, then having to wear it and rub on my uniform....who knows what kinda icky stuff it picks up) and this looks like it could work. My question is, are the compartments large enough to carry an average sized textbook, for instance I often take my care plan book to clinicals and I'm wondering if there's room enough for texts.

Thanks!

Specializes in COS-C, Risk Management.

There's no such thing as an "average sized textebook!" I think the plastic envelopes inside are 8X10 or so. If you wanted to take the plastic keepers out of the inner pocket, it would definitely work for textbooks and/or small laptop. I have a phenomenal amount of stuff in mine, including dressing supplies, phlebotomy supplies, paperwork, etc.

What this is is the Thirty-One carrier

http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/

I am not a representative for them. You have to find one in your area. For $6 they emboss these with your name. I also am using the paper carriers that I label with the type of document. I bought those at Target. This keeps my papers from getting messed up. I bought some plastic carriers for my gloves and gauze etc. I am so happy with this that I thought I would pass it on.

Specializes in Med-Surg.
There's no such thing as an "average sized textebook!" I think the plastic envelopes inside are 8X10 or so. If you wanted to take the plastic keepers out of the inner pocket, it would definitely work for textbooks and/or small laptop. I have a phenomenal amount of stuff in mine, including dressing supplies, phlebotomy supplies, paperwork, etc.

Thanks Kate! I totally understand your poinnt about textbooks, lol. Thanks for the info!

I use this bag from Hopkins and love, love, LOVE it.

http://www.hopkinsmedicalproducts.com/product.jsp?path=-1|2756|5673&id=18456

The red tagged end pocket holds a 1qt sharps container (unique to this particular bag). It looks like it would be really heavy but only weighs 3 pounds. Very durible and looks clean and crisp even after a couple of years.

Hopkins also stands behind their bags. Through my own fault I broke a zipper, Hopkins replaced it (the bag) at no cost to me.

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