What type of bag for books?

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I am starting in August, and was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on what type of bag to buy. Will I need a seperate one for clinicals? Do you think a Jansport bookbag is big enough? I saw a few bags the other day but none of them seemed large enough:o

If I had it to do over again, I'd get one with wheels for theory, and use a smaller one for clinicals.

I've managed to eek through with just my one bag, but nursing books are HEAVY. If you have to carry a bag for any length of time, it really does a number on your neck and back.

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I am starting in August, and was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on what type of bag to buy. Will I need a seperate one for clinicals? Do you think a Jansport bookbag is big enough? I saw a few bags the other day but none of them seemed large enough:o

Definitely something on wheels! I have about 40-50 pounds of books that I tote around. I have a square cart on wheels from Office Depot, but honestly, I think something with more "squish" would be better. One gal in my cohort group even uses a small suitcase on wheels! Just save your back, and don't worry about how it looks!

Good luck to you!

Laurel :balloons:

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I bought a small rolling suitcase after looking at the backpack-on-wheels recommended by my school. It was cheaper and holds lots more. There are pockets and its got some padding on it.

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I have a ful wheeled backpack from ebags.com that I use a majority of the time for class. For clinical, I have a black Gap tote. It's perfect.

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Specializes in I have 2 years in the ER....

I have an old laptop bag for my classes and supplies. And then I have a smaller messenger type bag for my clinicals and work. Here is a bit of advice I received from a co-worker, if you want to keep your white shoes 'white', wear the shoe covers from the OR. Keeps all the icky stuff off.

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i agree in not bringing books to class. i did this in the beginning and all i managed to do was hurt my back, we never needed them! i still use a nice NorthFace backpack because it's got a lot of padding for the few times i do bring the books or my computer (great for taking notes on). no one in my program uses the backpacks on wheels, we all pretty much use normal backpacks. and yes, you will probably want a separate bag for clinical. i just use a simple one they gave us at orientation, nothing to big, you'll probably just need to fit your stethoscope, a clipboard, and then things like water, tape, scissors, etc in it. you can use the same bag but i think it's nice to have them separate so i don't have to keep packing and unpacking bags.

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Specializes in NICU.

I use a rolling scrap booking tote. It has a lot of movable compartments and places for pens ect. We are required to bring all of our books to class I was using a swiss army backpack but it became too heavy. The scrap booking tote can be bought at MJ designs and they usually will have a 40% off coupon. I got mine at Tuesday Morning so they are very affordable. Good luck every one.

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If you are not set on selling your books, get a utility knife, remove the covers and binding and deconstruct! I separate my books by chapters. I only bring the sections that I need to class. Our instructors give us a lecture schedule so that we know exactly what chapters are being covered for each lecture.

As I go through the semester, I place the hole-punched chapter, lecture notes, pages from the study guide, and any other resources that go with that topic all together in my binder. I separate each topic or unit with colored dividers.

After one year I have big 3" binders on OB, Peds, Fundamentals, and smaller 2" binders on Diabetes, Fluids and Electrolytes, and Physical Assessment. The plan is to have complete binders by topic at the end of my training. I can keep adding to them after I graduate, and they will be well-organized for NCLEX review.

Organization is half the battle when you are on information overload. Good Luck!!

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I'm ordering the CalPak Elevator Expandable rolling backpack. It has all the features I'm looking for (extra compartments, size, durability) and the reviews from other nursing students have been very favorable.

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For anyone that is still interested, my Calpak Elevator expandable rolling backpack arrived yesterday and it's really nice! At first, I wondered if it was big enough, but I started stuffing it with textbooks to try it out and it has LOTS of room. It really DOES expand. The two front pockets are deeper than they appear and the handle pulls out pretty long, so tall people don't have to bend over. It seems pretty well-made, good zippers and does not tip over from the weight of the textbooks. I got mine online from Shoebuy for only $39.95 and no shipping. I really think I'm going to love it!

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The one bag that I have and LOVE for nursing school and clinicals is called "The Ultimate Nursing Bag" (haha). They come in blue, silver, pink, and some other color too I think. It has seperate compartments for your stethoscope, tape, and supplies. Private message me for where I got it or do a search for it on the internet because last time I recommended this bag I got a warning for "advertisement" when I mentioned the website. :smackingf

THANKS! I just ordered mine (PINK!), total price $26.96 - free shipping and 10% off ! :lol2:

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I got my book bag at Lowes. Yes, the giant hardware store. It was a two pack of heavy duty project bags. These are strong enough to carry power tools and up to 50 lbs of materials. The large one opens up a full 18" wide and it's 20" in length. It has zippers all over the outside and a few inside. The smaller one is about half the size, but still the same design. The colors are black and khaki.

The price?

$9.99

Yeah, that's my price range, especially after dropping a grand on books. :uhoh3:

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