What do you use? A fanny pack?!

Hoozdo, ADN · Oct 16, 2006

This topic has probably been discussed before...
As a nurse or nursing student, what do you use to carry your things at the hospital?
Does it work?
If you could have it your way, what would be the features you would have on whatever it is you would use to carry your things?

I use a nursing apron. The things I carry in it are - hemostats, scissors, penlight, sharpie, about 5 pens, a pencil, tape, and my PDA. IMO, a fanny pack would be to clumsy and bulky. You need something flat that you can stick things into.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Oct 16, 2006

Me too...an apron..it is like a waitstaff apron...the 3/4 size that has special pockets for medical equipment! The hospital liked them so much when I was there as agency (I work there now) that they are buying them for all staff!

Problem was some facilites do not like those, and for some reason think they are an infection risk (hmmmm...like my scrubs and running in and out of rooms for things constantly???), or don't think they look professional or part of the dress code. My hospital actually thinks they are handy and do separate the nursing staff from the other staff (since we wear whatever scrubs we want!).

I love it, and when I enter rooms and use my equipment...I clean them before leaving (like my shears). And everything is tucked tightly in a pocket so it is not encountering any surfaces or pts like items in pockets that may rub somewhere. I also take it home nightly and clean it like my scrubs! So I feel they are a helpful tool in lowering infection risk!

TazziRN, RN · Oct 16, 2006

I have an apron but it's not very size-friendly. I'm on the large side and everytime I sit down it gets in my way.

JMBM · Oct 16, 2006

Way back when, I started with a fanny pack, then went to a smaller fanny pack, then went to multi-pocketed scrubs, now I'm down to carrying 2 pens, a couple alcohol wipes and a tiny drug book in one pocket and trauma shears in the other or tucked into my waistband. I do have a little daysack sitting under the nursing station with a few spare pens, notepad, tea bags, aspirin and a big drug book (in case the one is missing from the med room.) Of course, I work in an ER, where all the rooms have supply carts with IV stuff, 4x4's, etc. I'm sure it'd be different in a unit without stuff close at hand.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Oct 16, 2006

I keep my stethoscopes, thermometer, scissors, ink pens, blood pressure cuff, writing tablet, and other supplies in a Jansport backpack that is kept at the nurses station. I take things out of the backpack as the need arises and replace them when done.

Jarnaes · Oct 16, 2006

I'm in the OR, so a fanny pack is a must (yes, I know they are dorky).

In my fanny pack I carry an O2 key; PDA; bandage scissors; tubex; extra pen; lunch money; permanent marker; erasable marker; and my little black book (my brain) where I take notes ref. supplies I need to order, surgeon preferences/wish list, rep phone numbers, etc etc. (-all the stuff I plan to move over to the PDA when I get a minute...)

Larry77, RN · Oct 16, 2006

SAY NO TO FANNY PACKS!!!

I can give you a number for a support group nearby...lol

I also think those apron thingys look goofy...sorry Amy.

They make a smaller "nurse pro pack" which seems to look alright. I just use my cargo pants.

And yes this topic has been beaten to death on this site...try a search.

ABerryGirl, CNA · Oct 16, 2006

Smartscrubs.com has a great pocket called the scrubpoc that fits around your waist. They come in all kinds of prints. It's small enough not to get in the way, but I find it large enough to hold the essentials.

Jules A, MSN · Oct 17, 2006

I'm in the OR, so a fanny pack is a must (yes, I know they are dorky).
In my fanny pack I carry an O2 key; PDA; bandage scissors; tubex; extra pen; lunch money; permanent marker; erasable marker; and my little black book (my brain) where I take notes ref. supplies I need to order, surgeon preferences/wish list, rep phone numbers, etc etc. (-all the stuff I plan to move over to the PDA when I get a minute...)

Yup I'm a fany pack lover! I agree they look dorky but I'm not there to get a date so I'll wear my fanny pack and NEVER tuck my scrub top into my pants, lol.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Oct 17, 2006

I also think those apron thingys look goofy...sorry Amy.

No probelm Larry..LOL!!!!!!! The only bummer I find with it is leaning on a bed and hitting the controls! LOL!!!!!! Opsidaisy!

I happened to find an apron that is skiny...wasn't easy. There are also some that just fit on a belt loop or what not to the side...but it is too small for me! Mine also has a velcro band and snap loops that fit on it at the top for things.

I keep my shears, pens, alcohol wipes, sticky notes, 2x2's (for those suprise IV d/cs), a couple of IV endcap adaptors, a little clip watch, my cel, and keep my roll of tape on the velcro straps that keep my shears secure.

Yeah it proably looks dorky..but wow, I love having what I need handy!

(when I enter a room with a psych pt though..it comes off, steth off...so those with these may want to think on that one..I forgot a few times and thought...OMGosh, they could have taken my shears..with difficulty yes, but still!).

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Oct 17, 2006

I would never use a fanny pack, Im not one of those guys.