What do you need for clinicals?

hoy_tulog_na · Aug 26, 2008

I'm not starting the clinical phase yet but I was advised that I should start saving up money for some things. So my question is, for New York nursing students, BSN or ADN programs, what kind of things did you need to buy? What kind of instruments did you purchase? Did you get a PDA? Ect..

Hey Youngin,

Ive been a nurse for odd some years, when I was in clinical, dont need a pda...why??? You could use it to look at meds....but that would be it....drug books are fine too...can you picture yourself looking up stuff on the pda??? My suggestion is, get a good s-scope...something you can hear clearly....the one that costs about 200$$$...at least this one you'll have for your entire nursing career!!! Good luck.

guiltysins · Aug 26, 2008

Thanks lol I didn't think you would need a PDA, seemed like a bit much but someone said it would be helpful but I honestly have no problems carrying around books.

tab65 · Aug 26, 2008

You don't need a PDA, I wanted one but I couldn't afford it. Now, I realize in my last semester I never needed it. All you need is a small pad for pre and post conference, drug book, hospital shoes, uniform. I always had a pen that went around my neck, that way I never lost it.

That list above only cost me $50. Most students get the scope that cost only about $50 to $70, and they are good enough to pass you through school. Maybe you should wait and reward yourself with the more expensive scope after you complete school.

RNDreamer · Aug 26, 2008

It may be better to wait until you are in a program before you spend your money on anything. For example, my school requires a LITTMAN steth. In addition, they are loaning us PDAs to use. (Thakfully, I didn't get excited and buy one). So far, for my first semester, my school requires a penlight, bandage scissors, a littman steth and BP cuff. We could buy them on your own or buy them in a package deal from the school, since they got a discount on steths.

Take care

I'm not starting the clinical phase yet but I was advised that I should start saving up money for some things. So my question is, for New York nursing students, BSN or ADN programs, what kind of things did you need to buy? What kind of instruments did you purchase? Did you get a PDA? Ect..

guiltysins · Aug 27, 2008

You have no idea how much this actually helps me lol cause I saw in posts awhile back that you are attending LIU which is where I'm at! Of course I'm still doing pre-reqs so things might be a little different when I get to the clinicals but thank you.

Natingale, EdD, RN · Aug 27, 2008

Dont spend a lot on a steth..they tend to grow legs and disapear. Trust me when I say that the steth you have now, you will probably end up replacing. I got mine as a gift, but I think he spent maybe 25 bucks on it. I rather buy my own, TRY IT ON, see if I can hear clearly.

The PDA was something I wanted..Not something I needed. I have a drug guide and tabers. I spent about 175 on the PDA (ebay, new in box ..you can get refurbished ones for about 100)

I dont have set days on my work schedule, it varies every week so I use the PDA as an organizer, as well as a tool. If you go into the Nursing Gear Forums a lot of people find them helpful. Some even sleep with it under their pillow LOL.

There are also threads on this topic.

I would say the following will be helpful ( i start clinicals in 3 weeks)

A pocket notebook, you can get them at any 99 cent store Im sure staples is giving them away for free.

One of those tri-colored pens (a bucK)

A steth (max. top notch, pay 75)

A second hand wrist watch (10 bucks on ebay, i got a nice hello kitty one)

(i think your school has a list of things you need)

Comfortable shoes, no open backs.

Your drug guide and tabers.

CariocaRN · Aug 27, 2008

You've already gotten some great info.

My school allowed us to borrow a PDA for our first semester and it was SO helpful! As soon as I got the info on my patient, I could look up the drugs in my PDA and know exactly what they were for, what to expect, etc.

If you have one of those new phones, like a Blackberry, you can just buy a memory card and only purchase the e-books, like Taber's etc and have it all on your phone! I think it's great and something I'll be able to use as a newbie nurse as well, till I get more confident, you know?

I also carry a folder, where I have the patient's info, a copy of common nursing diagnoses, blank APIE sheets, etc. And of course, a stethoscope, pen, scissors, watch, etc.