What do I buy?

[kristycarberry]

Hello everyone!
I am trying to get everything ready for my clinicals in August. I thought it would be easier to buy it as the Summer goes on rather than buy it all at once. I have my uniforms now and I am on to shoes. I am leaning towards the Nursemates Seneca shoe. The requirement is that the shoes are closed toe, closed heel and white leather. I know I am going to be on my feet a lot and I thought that this would be a good place to ask what works and what doesn't.
I'm also going to be buying a steth soon. I've seen several Littman Master Classic II's on Ebay for less than $50. How wise is it to buy something like this from Ebay, even if it is new?
I've also purchased a few of my books and have met with some of the current nursing students for study tips and what I should be reading over the Summer. I'm taking Micro right now, so when I'm not studying for that I am reading the Clinical Drug Therapy book. If anyone that has completed school recently has any tips other than just stick it out and don't get frustrated, I'd love to hear them. I want to be as prepared as I can even though from what everyone tells me, I won't be prepared!
These supply concerns are small concerns, but I figured I would at least ask. I don't want to start out with all of the wrong stuff and then have to go buy the right stuff later on. That's just stress that I am sure that I won't need.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Kristy

[cassioo]

I've always worn Reebok or Nike Tennis shoes all of the "nurse" shoes kill my feet.
Get your scissors too the nursing students and new nurses have the best scissors

[1mg.epi]

Your school should have a list of what you need. On your first day of clinical, have your hair up, read the schools dress code and adhere to it without question. Just look professional. Do not invest big bucks at this time.

my school list for you:
1. Where shoes that will be approved by your school. Check before you buy.
2. Plenty of cheep black pens. You will take 3 pens with you to clinical and bring home 1. The others go to the black hole every nursing station has.
3. You did not need to get an expensive steth. But you got a good deal. I will tell you If you got it from the factory, you would have a a long warranty. I have had mine re tubed 3 times. all plastic and rubber pieces replaced for free.(Littman)
4. Get a cheep pen light for assessments.
5. Get a small Nurses Drug Handbook. This is a must.
6. Get a cheep small pocket size note pad to take notes or put reminders on.
7. A cheep clip board was nice for me. Some times at nursing stations every body and their mother is at the desk and you must find some place to write. That's were a clip board came in handy. Maybe one with storage in it.

This is a simple list, but start out this way. Clinicals are fun. Keep it that way.

[cassioo]

yes to the clip board I had forgotten that somehow. I even had my own when I started nursing. I had a green one then I could tell mine. I kept my report sheet on it then it was harder to get lost. Now I fold my report paper put it in my pocket and very seldom refer to it...that's either a photographic memory or docs that order the same thing all the time on everyone D5 1/2 @125

[HemoStat]

I like Ryka shoes, made for women, by women. The important thing to remember is that if your feet aren't comfortable, you will be miserable all day. I never scrimp on shoes, even if I pay a little more than I'd planned, I've NEVER been sorry for wearing comfortable, well supporting, well fitting shoes. You just can't go wrong.

I think the stethoscope you found is an excellent first one. Later, if you go into critical care or peds, you'll you'll get one that will better suit. For now you have a winner.

As for the other things, don't get caught up in the razzle-dazzle of gadgets!!! (wish I had my money back for all the junk I ever bought!!)

A funky colored clipboard (so you can find it readily and don't look disorganized while frantically searching for it - instructors always catch that-) is a must. You can either tape notes on it (drug calcs, ie) or use post-it notes (listing your assignment, who your staff RN, LPN, and RT are). I call my clipboard my peripheral brain. I had one with storage in it but it was too cumbersome.

You'll buy a lot of stuff before you find out what works for you. Don't go broke your first semester!!!

[kristycarberry]

Thanks so much for all of your replies!
I have a nice metal clipboard that has the storage inside that I used while in the Navy and think I will use it since it is still in wonderful condition. I remember the nurses and EMT's using these when I worked in the hospital, so that is one reason that I have kept it around.
I bought my scissors from the nurses store and I have a pen light that I've had for too many years, but it still works!
As for shoes, the school just says that they have to be white leather, closed toe and closed heel and no clogs. I noticed that some of you suggested tennis shoes and I have a pair of White Skechers Energy shoes and had planned on wearing them, but the school said no tennis shoes. I suppose I am going to have to go in and ask them if this means no shoes that LOOK like tennis shoes, such as the Nurse mates shoes that I want or if this just means no tennis shoes.
I haven't gotten the drug handbook yet, but will do so. I have the Clinical Drug Therapy for Nurses Textbook that is required for school and have been reading it, but I understand why I need a handbook as well. Thanks for the suggestion.
I think I will buy the Littmann on Ebay. They have those $15 ones in the school store, but I've heard a lot of current students say that they were not even worth the time or money to buy them, because you can't hear anything!

I really appreciate all of your replies. The nurse that did our orientation wasn't very open to questions, she seemed to be in a hurry to get somewhere and was a little snappy. Thank you all for taking the time to answer questions!
Kristy

[nursinghumor]

Hello Kristy,

Also helpful, are NCLEX Examination Prep books. You can either find them at the Library or pick up at a bookstore.

Most teachers will "teach to the test" and include NCLEX type questions in your exams as you go through you clinicals.

By studying the "Med-Surg", Respiratory, Cardiac, etc sections as you go, you'll have a better idea of what types of exam questions you'll have on your exams (and you'll be prepping for the NCLEX in advance also).

You can find other resources on http://www.4nursingstudents.com

Hope that helps.

Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.nursinghumor.com

[1mg.epi]

Oh young nurse to be. if you have any other questions about the profession just ask. As you see, People will jump in and help. Remember one thing. HAVE FUN Learning in clinicals. Just because it is hard do not mean it can't be fun! Study in groups and have fun!

[nursinghumor]

I should probably add, that while in clinicals, take every opportunity to practice your skills.

One thing that annoys the experienced nurses is when say a foley needs to be put in, and it offered to a student.

Too many times I've heard "I've already put one in, that's all that's required."

This is your time to practice and learn. Once you're out on the floors, you'll be expected to be able to do things on your own. The more times you insert foleys, change dressings, assess patients, do paperwork while you're a student, the more confident you'll be in your skills once you graduate.

The willing and eager student will be accepted much more readily then the one that only does what he/she is required and nothing else.

We have too many practice nurses that are in that habit already.

Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.4nursingstudents.com

[kristycarberry]

Thanks everyone for all of your replies! And thank you Epi for calling me Young nurse to be! Teehee! I have been feeling not so young since yesterday I heard on the radio that "Baby Jessica" (remembers, she fell in the well) graduated high school yesterday! That seems crazy to me.

Thanks for the tip on the NCLEX prep books, I had not thought of doing that before. Figured out the shoes thing, bought a pair of Nursemates Senacas and bought my steth from Ebay. I got a great deal, I got a Littmann Master Cardiology II SE for $36 including shipping. I've been listening to everything I can find to listen to, I think my husband is going to hide it soon!

On other news Microbio is kicking my butt. I am doing a 6 week session, so that means a test over three chapters every Tuesday. We are at midterm now, which is crazy because I have been in the class for less than a month. I have a B average, so I guess that I should not complain, but I was hoping for an A. I think the upcoming test will finally be an A. We will see!

I really appreciate all of the advice that you all have given. This is something that I have wanted for a long time and it's both fascinating, scary and a little bit of everything else to finally be here. I am sure that many of you remember those feelings. Now that I have all of my supplies, I feel a little more prepared. Thanks everyone, it means a lot to know that people that I have never met are willing to offer advice!

Kristy