What supplies do you really need?

Nurse Mo here with some advice on what supplies are most useful for your new grad life.

Medical Supplies

First things first, let's talk medical supplies....the things you need in order to do your job. 

• Stethoscope - Before you spend a lot of money on a specialized stethoscope, take a look around. Do you see other nurses using them? Not usually. Unless you're working in a highly specialized area such as CVICU, a standard stethoscope is all you need. If you worry your inability to hear subtle sounds means you need a more expensive stethoscope, what you probably need is just more practice. You may also need to make sure your ear pieces are the correct size for your ears! Over time (and with practice), your ears will get used to picking up the subtle sounds. Of course, if you do have a hearing impairment, then go ahead and get a high-end stethoscope, such as an EKO Core, which amplifies sounds up to 40x!
• Hemostats - I use my hemostats All The Time. Usually to unscrew IV tubing that someone has tightened on with the strength of a thousand men.
• Scissors - Unless you're working in ED, you won't be using trauma shears, but you will be using standard utility scissors regularly. I use mine to open the plastic bags that IV fluids and antibiotics come in every single shift. Sure, I could wrestle them open...but who has time for that? 

Misc Supplies

• Watch - This is one instance where I do recommend spending a little extra money. That's because a smart watch is so incredibly useful. Aside from using mine to check the time, I set timers to remind me of all sorts of things. Need to check for a K level that you sent off to the lab? Set a reminder. Need to unclamp a Foley and grab a urine sample in 20 minutes? Set a reminder. Going to lunch and need to clock back in 30 minutes from now? Set a reminder. Plus, it also tracks my steps which is really satisfying to see after an especially busy shift.

• 4-Color Pens - While standard pens work just fine, 4-color pens take your organization to The Next Level. Take report in black ink and then jot down any changes in another color. Coming back to care for the same patient for two or three days? Just keep adding the changes in new colors. By the end of your work week, you'll have a summary of the patient's plan of care and your end-of-shift report will knock their socks off!

• Brain Sheet - Whether you use the one provided by your unit or one you created on your own, having a standardized way to receive and give report is a MUST for a new grad nurse. 

Personal Supplies

• Compression Socks - I cannot sing the praises of compression socks enough! Run, don't walk, over to Amazon or your nearest scrubs store and invest in three pairs of socks (or enough to get you through a week of shifts). And while they are pricey, a good pair will last you ages. I've had compression socks that are over eight years old and they are as compression-y today as they were when I took them out of the package. I'm a huge fan of Sockwell compression socks, but there are plenty of options out there.

• Comfortable and Supportive Shoes - Now that you're no longer required to wear the all-white shoes that nursing schools require, you can finally get a pair of shoes that you actually enjoy wearing. I'm a huge fan of Klogs and Nurse Steph swears by her Hokas. 

• Inserts - Almost even more important than your shoes are what goes IN your shoes. Do yourself a favor and get a set of inserts before your first day on the floor. I started using SOLE inserts when I hurt my knee and not only did my knee feel a lot better, my feet did, too!

• Hair Control - If you've got longer hair, you'll want something that keeps it out of your face and from dangling down into things that you probably don't want getting on your hair. Throw some head wraps and pony tail holders in your work bag and getting ready for work suddenly got a lot easier.

• Clinical Bag - You may or may not use a clinical bag, depending on how much stuff you take with you to work. Many nurses utilize a backpack, while othes use tote bags or messenger bags. There are even bags specifically made for nurses. And yes, they have a lot of pockets!

• Lunch Bag - Now this is definitely not an optional item unless you plan to eat at the cafeteria every shift. Get a lunch bag that's insulated since fridge space is definitely not guaranteed. You also want one large enough to hold enough food for 12 hours. My favorite lunch bag is this one because it has plenty of space for meals and I use the extra pockets for my ID badge, car keys, lip gloss and spare eye glasses!

• ---

  I hope this helps you start planning your pre-first-day shopping spree as you prepare for your new nursing job. And if there's something I forgot, let me know so I can add it to the list!

  I'm rooting for you!

  Nurse Mo 💚

   Want more help with all the things that come up for new grad nurses? We’ve got SO MUCH more inside Confident Nurse Academy. Click here to learn more about how we help you live your BEST new grad nurse life!