What things did you need the most as a nursing student?

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There was an awesome thread from a couple years ago about the things nursing students felt they needed the most during nursing school. From school supplies, to medical supplies, to study tips etc. I know there's a bunch of us starting school back up in January and I would love to hear any tips. It's nice as a new student nurse to get a guide of what you need (especially school supplies wise or uniforms) since it's all so new to us! Any suggestions/advice are welcome!

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Specializes in ER.

I liked pants with pockets. I wish I knew about alegria shoes and how comfy they were. I wish they were more waterproof. Always order 2 uniforms. All their supplies they tell you to order is overrated like the scissors, pen light, hemostats, etc.

Stethoscope watches are great.

Littman stethoscopes are great. Order them during nurse's week or Black Friday. Get it engraved but watch it like a hawk.

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Get plenty of caffeine.

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Lined index cards, colorful pens that don't bleed through or smudge when you highlight, one of those fold flat 3 hole punches, one big 5 subject notebook used for all classes, good highlighters/pens/pencils.

When you find a brand you like, buy in bulk. They will stop making them as soon as you decide they're your favorite kind. :/

Creamy, unscented lotion. Washing and sanitizing your hands so much will take a toll.

Lysol wipes. Seriously, wipe down your desk or keyboard/mouse before every class. I tend to wipe the parts of my chair that people touch too. And my phone. So gross!

Ibuprofen, a water bottle that will keep your water cold and keep a small stash of cold meds in your backpack.

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More money.

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Sleep

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A plan for not gaining weight. Seriously, meal plans, snack plans, and exercise plans. All the time spent on my behind in class as well as outside of class studying had caught up with me.

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Motivation.

This semester was really difficult to find the motivation to study.

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- A good penlight (the one from my school was no good)

-Permanent marker

-Retractable pens (so they don't stain your uniform)

- A small drug book (small enough to fit in your pocket)

- Good scissors (they come in very handy!)

- Good stethoscope (the one form school was good enough for clinical but I have a new one now)

- GOOD SHOES! This is really important, I learned the hard way after a few 12 hour clinical days.

I know there's more but that's just off the top of my head :)

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I only finished the first main nursing classes but I found these things necessary:

1. A&P coloring book or draw your own. This was really useful for assessment and I remembered more when I drew it out. (like this ex https://www.nurseslearning.com/courses/nrp/NRP-1616/images/posterior.jpg ) then you can write in auscultation points and direction, notes on the page sides, etc.

2. I second the pen light! My schools gave us a silver pen light with slightly lighter silver pupil gauge on the side. :no:

3. Practice questions! Like from This https://mson2014.wikispaces.com/file/view/Fundamentals+Success+A+Course+Review+Applying+Critical+Thinking+to+Test+Taking.pdf

4. Mini clipboard that fits in your scrub or labcoat pocket.

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Awesome answers! Thank you

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Humility.

Meal planning.

Support.

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