You are a nurse who just graduated and is excited for your job, but let’s be real, it takes a lot more than to surviving back-to-back shifts. Nurse spends 12 hours on their feet, which is exhausting, and therefore they need the right gadgets and tools kit to survive the chaotic shifts. In this blog, we will discuss the checklist of must-haves every new nurse should keep. So, let’s dig in.
New Nurse Must-Haves
Whether you are a new grad nurse, travel nurse, or seasoned nurse, here is the checklist of nurse must-haves that you need to survive your long shifts.
Clinical tools nurse must haves
- A good quality stethoscope: A good quality stethoscope is necessary for new grad nurses so they can hear sounds clearly during assessment. This builds confidence and shows professionalism.
- Pulse oximeter and digital BP cuff: This will help the new grad nurses and travel RNs to monitor patients more effectively during their shifts.
- Penlight: This is also one of the nurses must have that they should carry all the time with them because it helps them assess patients more easily, such as checking their pupils, throat, or wounds right away.
- Blunt tip tactical shears: Another important nurses is the blunt shears. This helps nurses safely cut bandages from the patient without hurting them.
Comfort and physical support essentials
- Comfortable shoes: Comfortable shoes are one of the essential must-haves for nurses as they help them stay comfortable during their 12-hour shift. Nurses would look for cushioning, arch support and non-slip shoes.
- Compression socks: We all know nurses are on their feet for 12 hours and therefore compression socks are essential for nurses to improve blood circulation, reduce fatigue and leg swelling.
- High-quality scrubs: New grad nurses also need to include high-quality scrubs that are breathable and stain-resistant.
Organization and essential tool kit
A nurse’s essential tool kit also includes the following:
- Nursing bag with compartments: this helps new grad nurses or seasoned RNs to keep everything organized so it’s easy for them to access when they need it.
- ID holder: Nurse essentials for work also include an ID holder to keep their ID secure.
- Pens and notebook: Nurses manage multiple patients at a time, therefore it is important for them to keep a pen and a mini notebook with them so they can note important stuff right away. This will help them remember important things.
- Clip board with storage: Another tool that nurses use is clip clipboard with storage to take on-the-go notes and keep tools close during shifts for easy convenience.
Tech gadgets:
Nurse essential tech gadget tool check list includes the following:
- Portable charger: Nurses should carry portable chargers with them so they can charge their phones, etc, whenever needed.
- Headphones: Nurse essential checklist should also include headphones so they can listen to songs or podcasts during their break to de-stress.
- Watch with a second: Nursing tool checklist also includes a watch with a second hand that helps them accurately measure vital signs and breathing.
Personal care essentials checklists for nurses
Nurse essentials also include personal items that nurses must have to make sure that their shift goes smoothly, such as:
- A water bottle to keep them hydrated.
- Health snacks.
- Hand sanitizers.
- Lip balm and moisturizers.
Nurse apps:
This is the world of technology and to make sure that nurses are organized and improve patient accuracy, they use nurse apps. Some of the essential nurse app lists are as follows:
- Nurse grid
- Medscape
- Epocrates
- Nursing central
- Vocera
- Pzizz
What are the top 3 nurse must-haves that new grad nurses should have during their shift?
The top 3 nurses’ must-haves include a stethoscope, comfortable shoes, and a penlight.
How do compression socks help nurses during 12-hour shifts?
Compression socks are one of the most essential items nurses must have because they improve blood circulation, reduce swelling and fatigue, and prevent leg pain. This helps nurses to work efficiently during their 12-hour shift.
Do nurses buy their own stethoscopes?
Yes, nurses are required to buy their own stethoscopes, as every nurse has their own preference. It is important that nurses have, and nurses should invest in buying a high-quality stethoscope. Nurses or new grad nurses should look for the following:
- The earpiece should be comfortable.
- Chest and headpieces should be made of stainless steel.
- Tubing should be crack-resistant.
Conclusion
Nursing is no joke; nurses are on their feet 12 hours a day, working hard, providing patient care. This can be exhausting and therefore it is important that nurse have the right gear to make sure that their shift is smooth. A nurse’s essential checklist includes a stethoscope, comfortable shoes, penlight, compression socks, watch with a second hand, etc. Nurses need more than skills and dedication; they need the right nursing essentials to make sure that their shift goes well. Whether you are a new travel nurse or a seasoned travel nurse, and you want to work in top healthcare facilities, then join SkillGigs now and become part of our travel nursing world.
