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!

- First of all, just accept that you are going to have a HUGE library and too many supplies to count (especially note cards, pens, pencils, and highlighters) :) .

- Study tips: What helps me is using about 5-7 different colors when studying; it helps things not "mush" together so to speak (so say you are studying respiratory sounds - make everything about crackles orange perhaps, and then wheezing red maybe, etc.). One thing about color coding, stick to the color you assign to a specific thing! If it's blue, then write it in blue always! On tests it will help and you'll remember things better, trust me. Best website I've found for buying in bulk is http://www.officesupplyking.com (they have everything, but I usually just buy the color highlighters I use most). Then matching pens, and white board markers (write stuff on a white board helps). Hang papers, note cards, etc. all over the walls in you room/apartment!

- Get supplemental (study) books/practice question books, here are the best: F.A. Davis Success Series, Pearson/Hogan series, and Straight A's series. All of these are a "series" so pretty much every class you have, you can get the matching books! These have answers and the reasons WHY the answer is correct and why the others are not correct.

- Spend the money for that Littmann stethoscope! (Classic II S.E. is fine).

- I have not tried the shoes that others have mentioned, personally my favorite shoes so far as far as ALL day comfort are Asics Gel Nimbus (they keep coming out with newer ones, but I think the current one is Nimbus 17).

- Get a big calendar/planner

- I recommend a little "kit" in your backpack and especially clinical bag: mini mouthwash, toothbrush/paste, deodorant, ibuprofen, athletic tape/wrap for if you end up spraining something and need a quick fix, some band aids, and a couple of protein bars (anything else you can think that you may end up needing/wanting). That's what I have in my bag at least and yes, I have used ALL of those things.

- Be over prepared, especially for clinical! Have a clipboard with blank paper to take notes, and then all the other paper work your school wants (they will let you know, don't worry). Personally, I have in my pockets for clinical's: medical scissors, medical tape, pen light, couple of pens, a mini clip board with a couple note cards, a mini drug guide book, highlighter, and sharpie marker.

- All the support you can get from family and friends (who, won't completely understand unless they are actually doing nursing themselves but they help)!

Hope this helps a little - I wish you the best of luck!!!

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NCLEX study guides, like Saunders or the NCLEX mastery app have been my saving grace for figuring out exam questions.

Get a good stethoscope

Compression socks

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I needed better knowledge of the unspoken, subtle politics that linger behind the scenes in nursing programs. Some students were extremely astute at playing the 'game' and working the professors and their connections to their advantage, whereas I was clueless about these inner workings until about age 30.

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Specializes in progressive care. med surg. tele. LTC. psych..

oh my goodness! after reading all the posts, I feel so overwhelmed already!

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-I am really glad that I purchased my full sized, foldable clipboard (which can fit in your scrub top) Nursing

-Davis Drug Guide Mobile App+ Web Access Unbound Medicine | Davis's Drug Guide App for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Android phone, & Android tablet

-Dansko Clogs (they were uncomfortable the first 2 weeks but now I love them) or any Saucony brand Shoes

-A portable insulated hot travel mug (Contigo or Thermos) and a good cold water bottle (Camelback, Thermos or Contigo)

-Love my Littmann Cardiology III, but a classic would be a sufficient investment

-Insulated lunch tote (Igloo)

-Planner

-Four sized color pen to code planner entries (eg., Red= Tests, Blue= Assignments due, Green=work/family/social and other events, Black=Study time, classes or clinical)

-Small snack size Tupperwares

-Chapstick

-Compression socks

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Awesome suggestions!

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Specializes in progressive care. med surg. tele. LTC. psych..

About the shoes, do they just have to be slip-resistant?

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About the shoes, do they just have to be slip-resistant?

My school requires them to be slip resistant for safety yes! But all schools are different So check with yours [emoji4]

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Wow this thread is a goldmine. Building an amazon list to keep check of all these things needed and helpful for the future. Can't find sleep or more hours in the day on Amazon though lol.

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Specializes in progressive care. med surg. tele. LTC. psych..
My school requires them to be slip resistant for safety yes! But all schools are different So check with yours [emoji4]

Yay! I'm looking into getting Timberlands!

But, I don't get my packet until March so I'll have to wait to make sure :(

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Bump!

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Specializes in Education.

Caffeine.

Reliable transportation.

Good pens, including a Sharpie.

Stash of OTC painkillers.

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