Nurses spend hours on their feet and don’t have much time to sort through drawers or closets of supplies. According to the RN Network, below is a list of the top 10 items nurses should always carry with them.
- Stethoscope. Choose a high-quality stethoscope that works well for your specialty.
- Scissors. A pair of medical scissors are essential for cutting tape, dressings and even fabric, if necessary. Scrubs with deep pockets allow you to carry scissors without poking yourself.
- Medical tape. You’ll use medical tape constantly, whether you’re wrapping a patient’s arm after drawing blood or dressing to a wound.
- Permanent marker/pen. This will come in handy when you need to label medications, catheter bags, and other items.
- Watch with a second hand. A wall clock won’t always be handy, so make sure to wear a watch with a second hand so you can easily take a patient’s pulse or blood pressure.
- Hemostat.
- Penlight. These compact lights are perfect for neurologic assessments, skin assessments and more.
- Hand sanitizer.
- IV caps. Save yourself trips to the supply closet by keeping these colored IV caps in your pocket.
- Alcohol wipes. Disinfecting wipes allow you to easily clean your scissors, stethoscope, hemostat, phone, and other items.