As a Nurse, you always have essentials in your pockets or bag to help you get through a shift and day-to-day life as you never know when your experience and skills will be needed. Here are some of the essential items Nurses have on hand.
IIPHONE & CHARGER
Your iphone is a useful tool especially when you fill it with apps such as Eponyms, Nursing Dictionaries and Drug Handbooks. You can also use it to set alarms for important reminders.
LOTION & SANITIZER
Nurses are constantly washing their hands throughout the day, leaving their skin dry. That's why having lotion in their bags is important to keep skin in good condition. Meanwhile, the sanitizer helps them steer clear of those pesky germs.
STETHOSCOPE & CLEANER
Every Nurse needs their stethoscope! It's important to keep your stethoscope sanitized, so it's a good idea to keep stethoscope cleaner in your bag. It's an even better idea to have a cleaner with a rubber protecting agent to prevent cracking, keeping it in tip top shape.
EXTRA MASKS
You can never have enough masks and gloves!
FACE CREAM, CHAPSTICK AND MINTS
Wearing face PPE can cause skin irritation, acne and cracked lips. You can use face creams and lip balms to keep skin healthy. Wearing masks all day can sometimes cause bad breath, try keeping mints or a travel size mouth wash in your bag.
SCISSORS & TAPE
Nurses need to have these in their pockets for emergency use, especially for wound care. Micropore tape is also important and should be readily available, for example, when your patient accidentally pulls his/her IV.
SALINE FLUSHES
Nurses are frequently administering medications via IV so having saline flushes on hand is a smart move.
SMALL NOTEBOOK
Mini notebooks are great for taking notes from Doctors and writing down important observations of your patients to remember for charting.
WATER BOTTLE & SNACKS
Staying hydrated is super important as well as eating healthy during your shift. Have a reusable bottle to keep your favorite beverage nearby and toss easy to eat and healthy snacks in your bag.
RETRACTABLE PEN HOLDER
No more losing your pens and markers. The retractable holder keeps badges, IDs, pens, markers and more attached to you for easy access and safe keeping.
What are some of your favorite items you keep nearby?