What supplies do I need for med-surg?

K+MgSO4, BSN · Jun 7, 2012

All of the above and a watch!

Good luck

Robublind · Jun 7, 2012

I second the watch, I might add ink pen and reading glasses (if you have been out for 20 yrs, you are as old as I am, the writing on the rx bottles is tiny, I carry a $10 pair with me at times).

Nurse ABC · Jun 8, 2012

Thanks a bunch! Didn't think about the reading glasses! Good idea!

K+MgSO4, BSN · Jun 8, 2012

Some of us have been wearing specs since 14! Not sure how my parents ever saw each other both of them with coke bottle glasses! I think I need to go for a check up, the computer screen is getting glary!

amoLucia · Jun 8, 2012

Welcome back! And don't apologize - it was a valid think-ahead question! I might suggest a BP cuff, but I don't do hospital; I have my own for LTC as well as a pulse oximeter (avail in catalogues/online for $50 or so). I also have a hemostat (and you'd be surprised to count how many others borrow mine!) and finally a small pocket notepad.

Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN · Jun 8, 2012

Just wanted to say congrats on the job! Definitely wise to think and plan ahead. Good luck!

0402 · Jun 8, 2012

My standard items for a shift (that I provide myself): dry erase marker, 2 multi-colored pens (I have the ones that have black, red, blue and green all in one pen, and I color code certain things on my "brain"), 2 pencils, scissors, stethoscope, and my notebook (I only use it for notes about the hospital, like phone numbers or where things are located; we have phone directories, but there are often more than one number to places, and the unlisted one is usually the one people pick up; it's a small pocket one that fits in my cargo pocket easily).

At the start of a shift, I gather a couple 2x2s, a roll of tape (sometimes 2 different kinds), a stack of alcohol wipes and several flushes (though this may not be allowed on your unit).

If I ever have a random extra pen, I throw that in my pocket, and it becomes my "loaner."

amoLucia · Jun 8, 2012

I forgot --- a fine tip magic marker and a binder with lots of plastic protector sheets inside. I'll pick up memos, handouts, lists, blank forms, etc and I save them in the binder which is in my locker. Goof luvk sgsin aka good luck again. (I thought my typo was funny!)

lvprpn · Jun 9, 2012

For every shift I have... A dry erase marker, a sharpie marker, 2 black pens, 1 red pen, a pen light, Chapstick, a roll of tape, and my stethoscope.

I use each item many times a day, everything else I need is usually floating around somewhere, good luck with the new/old job!!

AtivanRxPlz · Jun 9, 2012

Bring your own stethoscope, pen light, carpuject, brain sheets, trusted pen, scissors. From the hospital supply, I load my pockets with alcohol wipes, IV caps, flushes, tape, gauze. I can usually find a highlighter, permanent marker and dry erase marker on my unit.

Buy scrubs that have at least 2 pockets on the top and cargo pant scrubs for extra storage space! Good luck :)

Nurse ABC · Jun 10, 2012

Thank you so much for all the great answers! That helps me out a lot!!