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Some days I feel like Batman in scrubs, with all of the tools and gadgets I carry around in my pockets with me all day at work. Some of which I couldn’t go a day without.
Stethoscope
Uhm duh?? Are you really even a nurse without a stethoscope around your neck? It’s our number one fashion accessory after all. But really though, every nurse needs a good stethoscope in their arsenal of tools and gadgets. Especially if you intend to specialize in some where in the realm critical care.
There are a handful of good brands out there for stethoscopes, but I personally prefer my Littman Cardiology IV. My trusty Littman Classic III had my back through nursing school. I got a Littman Cardiology IV as a graduation gift, and couldn’t be happier with it. My first impression was that I just upgraded to a hi-definition stethoscope. I can hear EVERYTHING with it.
One of the More Underrated Tools: Manual Blood Pressure Cuff
I actually got a manual blood pressure cuff with the stethoscope I was gifted at graduation. It’s already proven it’s worth several times over now. We definitely don’t use manual cuffs nearly as much as the automatic ones these days, but they’re still good to have.
You’ll thank me when your patients BP is reading 60/20 on the automatic blood pressure machine and you want to make sure that things aren’t about to go sideways with that patient.
This manual blood pressure cuff here would be one of the perfect tools for a new nurse just joining the ranks of fellow med surg or progressive care. It comes in a few different colors too. I personally stick with bright/unique colors so that I everyone knows my stuff when they see it.
Bandage Scissors
These come in handy for more than just wound care. Having a pair of bandage scissors is always always good. Especially when your patient needs some IV Flagyl and you need to get through the ridiculously thick packaging.
I recently bought these bandage scissors by Sikuler because they’re larger, making them easier to work with with gloved hands. They also have a carabiner on the handle so that they can be clipped to your scrubs for safe keeping. The carabiner also eliminates the need to reach into your pocket with gloves on when you’re in a rush. Bandage scissors are definitely one of the nursing tools I wouldn’t want to be caught without.
Colorful Pens and Highlighters
Someone could argue that having “colorful” pens isn’t necessary. I’d be happy to argue with that person all day long. I believe in adding fun things into my day at work where ever possible. And my colorful pens are fun to me.
Clipboard
I got myself a foldable clipboard by the brand White coat once I started nursing school and still use it to this day. It has some awesome references on it. References like lab values, vital sign ranges, and other key assessment points.
Another plus about my folding clipboard is that it fits in most scrub pockets. This helps eliminate me putting my papers down and forgetting where they are.
Badge Buddies
For those who don’t know, badge buddies are little cards thy fit right behind your ID badge on your badge reel. These cards have TONS of valuable pieces of information on them. Some of the ones I have include important phone numbers, liquid measurements and bed sore stating guide.
There are also specialty badge buddies like this pack here, that you can get. They include cards with references for cardiac, neuro, peds, and so many other nursing specialties.
There are also specialty badge buddies like this pack here, that you can get. They include cards with references for cardiac, neuro, peds, and so many other nursing specialties.
Compression Socks
You won’t understand the value of compression socks until you’ve come home from a 13.5 hour shift and your legs feel like they’re going to fall off. You just about wish they would just fall off. Before I started wearing my compression socks religiously, there are nights I would come home from work and need to take a massage gun to my calves after my shower just to get my legs to feel a fraction less painful.
Varicose veins are also something you don’t want to have in your 20s and 30s. Compression socks help to keep your legs looking healthy and young. Not to mention keep them feeling great and pain free.
What are some nursing tools that you wouldn’t get caught without while at work?
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