Whether you are currently in nursing school, a new graduate, or have been a nurse in the field for years, there are some essentials that I think ALL nurses need, whether you're new or not. Here is a list of my haul for my new job at the Mayo Clinic!
1st up on the list = Black pens $5.92. Of course I ordered PENS... you're probably asking yourself ughhh why, but I am so organized that I like to have several in my work bag at all times, because anyone in healthcare knows that pens are valuable to us, and they somehow always end up missing, even if we have 3,000 of them, LOL. So yes, I ordered an 18-Count.
2nd: Backpack $19.99. Yes, I realize that the backpack says "zoo backpack for kids/toddlers"
BUT it is the perfect size for a work bag. Easy to leave in the car, fits my planner, stethescope, BP cuff, 3,000 pens, personal items and even my clipboard. IT IS PERFECT. It is the perfect size to just throw over my shoulder and go. I ordered the grey/ black option, and I also ordered the smallest size of the 2 available. The bigger backpacks just seem too much for a work bag in my opinion, smaller the better.
3rd:The next purchase that I absolutely love, is my foldable white clipboard $13.69. This makes me feel like a nurse. I love it, because it fits in my scrubs and my pockets and yet also can extend into a full sized clipboard. I usually fold my papers at work in half anyways so they are easier to carry, so this is helpful. This also comes in several different colors, even with options to have lab values/abg's/nursing references on it! I just preferred the plain, I like simple, however for those of you that like references handy while on the unit, this is great for you.
4th: Mini sharpie $3.99. My last purchase from amazon was my mini sharpie keychain for my badge reel! I am so excited for this, because I am always losing sharpies/pens, so what better way to never lose them, than by having them clipped onto you?! They have several options for colors and packages, however I think nurses should have the black standard sharpie for dressing changes, etc. it just looks more professional in my opinion.
Not listed in this haul are a few others I've purchased/ had from nursing school that are essential:
- Planner/Calendar
-Stethescope
- Scrubs and Scrub Jacket - I ordered Figs! Try on session/Blog post coming soon.
- Badge Reel
- Trauma Sheers/ scissors
- Pen light
- Hand sanitizer
- Lunch bag
- Personal bag/items: Chapstick, lotion, hair ties, hair pins, whatever else you may need to get you through those long shifts.
Hope this helps :)
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