What's in your pockets?

Nurses General Nursing

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My co-workers laugh at me in a good natured way, because I look like a tool belt. My pockets are bulging with 'stuff'. Guess who they come to though, when they need something and they see me down the hall? :D

In my right pocket (yes, I'm anal, lol) is my pocket protector. It has two pockets. One has some change for the vending machine, and the others have my pens. One multi-colored pen and one blue pen that I can hand over to families if they need to sign something. Alcohol swabs, a sterile 2x2, op-site, 2 claves, and some sterile caps. My handy 3:1 tool and my scissors.

Left pocket contains lipstick (must look beautiful while under stress:p) monies for lunch (if I get one) and my key to my locker.

I feel really inadequate:) All I carry is a pen and maybe an alcohol wipe or two.

I got a pocket, gotta a pocket full of sunshine..... ;)

Just a pen (unless I forget it and then I borrow one and give it right back after report.) Other than that - nothing, except my personal cell phone. I'm keeping that on my person, I don't care what they say. Stuff weighs me down and falls out of my pockets when I bend over.

Careful with your clothes washer, guys. I left a roll of surgical tape in my pocket and it got stuck in the hose. Cost me 80 bucks. Almost cost another 200, but I managed to coat hanger it out before the guy came back with the part.

Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

No pens!!!!! I keep loosing my dang pens, if I have one, I promise it's the one you've lost tonight! I'm a pen thief and I need help. :D

Specializes in Neuro, Cardiology, ICU, Med/Surg.

Interesting thread! I'm one of the only packrats on my unit. I LOVE my aviator scrubs and will only buy them. As another said, they're worth the cost for the pockets alone (though they are also extremely durable). I'm typing on my blackberry with an 8-month old baby at my side so I won't list all that I carry right now... Except that I didn't see anyone here who carries a kelly clamp like I do. Countless times, I have been unable to loosen or remove iv tubing/caps... Kelly clamps make a great pair of needle-nose pliers in a pinch (no pun intended). I learned that one from a veteran IV nurse.

Specializes in Med Surg.

Another reason I like Aviators is that you can wear a belt with the pants. I can carry one of my Leatherman tools (better than a Swiss Army Knife!) without dragging my pants down.

Specializes in Emergency, Critical Care (CEN, CCRN).

Good call about the Kelly clamps. Some of our EC techs carry them, and swear by them. Might have to look into getting a pair of those... :idea:

I don't like stuffed pockets, personally - but I DO like having what I need ON ME when I need it. I use what I like to call my "stealth" toolbelt - because you can't tell I'm wearing it when I'm walking down the hallway.

Specializes in Cardiology and ER Nursing.

I got a little change in my pocket goin' jingalingaling

Specializes in Critical Care/Vascular Access.

chest pocket: dry erase marker, little notebook for random info, pen, pen light (if I can find it)

left upper leg pocket: personal stuff I may need

left lower leg pockets: empty unless carrying meds or other thing I need for immediate tasks

right upper leg pocket: saline flushes

right lower leg pocket: alcohol swabs and IV caps

Right shirt pocket: 1 blue pen, 2 black pens, alcohol swabs in the smaller pocket

Left shirt pocker: 1 red pen, chapstick, stick or 2 of gum, cute bandage scissors (patterned so I know they are mine)

Right cargo pants pocket: spectra link phone and report sheet

Left cargo pants pocket: a few saline flushes and empty 5 cc syringes

Bottom right side of scrub top: hemostat with one roll of plastic and one roll of paper tape, clipped to the hem

On my badge reel: locker key, small flashlight, small Sharpie

Specializes in MICU.

Left: trauma shears, hemostats, pen light

Right: report sheets and a pen

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