My nursing bag: RN edition
The Bag.
I love Vera Bradley bags. This one has several pockets for pens and small items. The shoulder strap is comfortable and it is just the right size to be manageable but hold what you need with ease! 😊
For Reference.
For the first several months on a new floor I like to keep my basic orientation information with me to review. My floor provided me with information on common procedures and medications, EKG rhythms, and more. It was super helpful to be able to review details and brush up on things when I had some extra time in the middle of the night. After I was more comfortable on my floor I compiled a lot of this information onto little cheat sheets that I kept in my badge holder.
Badge Reel.
I also love cute badge reels like this one. Anything to make me and my patients smile! When it comes to badge reels, I recommend one that has a rotating back, rather than one that is fixed. It makes it much easier to clip it onto your scrubs and keep it straight, not sideways 🙃 Badge reels that have a retractable chord are also super helpful for when you have to scan in to get into the ICU/lab or other employees-only locations.
Chap stick.
Girl, that hospital air is dry. Like a desert. Get you some good chap stick and use it regularly! (Side note, there are some amazing hand creams out there for dry skin, get. some.)
Pens.
Q. Where would a nurse be without her pens?
A. Searching for them or stealing from another nurse 😏
When it comes to pens, you will want at least 2 black/blue ones for doing legal documents like paper charting. Beyond that, the sky's the limit! I always carry a few different colors so that I can make different notes on my brain sheet during the shift and be able to quickly see how things changed throughout my shift. For example, I write lab values in one color during report and a different color during my shift so that I can easily give updates to the next nurse. (Note: a highlighter and a permanent marker are also very helpful!)
Expo Marker.
It is so much easier to keep your whiteboard updated if you have a marker!
Pulse Ox. Yes, your floor should have one easily accessible. Yes, your respiratory therapist will have one. But when your patient is de-sating and you need one NOW or you are slipping into a room just to check an O2 and the vital signs machine squeaks like crazy, you will be glad you have one in your pocket.
Pill splitter. Again, your floor should have several. But these things grow legs and run away on the nights when every nurse has pills to split. So, do yourself (and your coworkers) a favor and get your own. Be sure to put your name on it so that when you share there is a better chance of it getting back to you. (P.S. Looking for a cheap and practical gift idea for your coworkers? Pill splitters are the way to go!)
Scissors. Bandage scissors are super helpful, and sadly seem to be rare. Even if you aren't a wound nurse, chances are you will have a patient with a dressing change at least every so often. Having a pair of bandage scissors will save you from having to track them down when you need them. And it's another way to bring a fun pop of color to your get up.
Snacks. I probably don't need to remind you of this one, do I? 😋Anything that is easy to grab and gives you long-lasting energy is gold. Some suggestions: trail mix, string cheese, cheese and crackers, peanut butter, and protein bars.
Stethoscope. Don't forget it! And get it engraved with your name, future you will thank me later when it goes "missing" and you can reclaim it. I have this Littman stethoscope.
Jacket. The hospital can get chilly! I recently got this jacket from Scrubs and Beyond and I love it!
Well there you have it! Stay tuned for the nursing student edition!
Cheering you on,
Laura
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