What's In My Clinical Bag?

Hello All!

I have officially completed four semesters of clinical and am gearing up for a fifth. I know when I first started nursing school I was slightly concerned about what to bring to the hospital, and relatively more than slightly concerned about the type of bag I needed to take to clinical. Yet again, I turned to my trusty steed for information: YouTube videos.

There are a plethora of videos on Youtube of nursing students discussing what they bring with them during their clinical day, so I was full of information after my binge watching session. Of course, the standard materials are a given: Stethoscope, pen light, scissors, watch, and blood pressure cuff (Before we were able to use the hospital's automatic vital machines). But, in true Michelle fashion for my first two semesters I severely over-packed.

It honestly was not until my third semester......

When one of friends picked up my bag and said "Wow, Michelle - are you carrying bricks in here??" 

        

"No, just a clip board, a pencil case, a stethoscope, 

pen light, scissors, blood pressure cuff, 

two mini medication and lab value reference books,

a separate pharmocology reference flip book,

a separate folder full of more loose leaf paper, 

approximately six different pocket sized flip style notepads

a water bottle, lunch box, and wristlet. 

Why on Earth do you ask??"

 

..........that I realized I was carrying around too much stuff. 

So, I downsized! Now, I only carry truly the bare essentials. So, without further adieu, here is what I now carry around in my clinical bag. {Click on the highlighted words to be brought to direct product pages}

The bag that I carry all of my supplies is a canvas bag with my University's name imprinted on the front. These were given as gifts to all nursing students during our first skills day and we all use them as our clinical bags. Since they are all the same, I differentiate mine by putting key chains on one of the strap sides.

 The most important thing you carry with you at clinical is your actual nursing supplies. I always bring my stethoscope, scissors, and blood pressure cuff in my clinical bag - because those are what I am going to be using to assess my patients! My stethoscope is a Littmann Stethoscope, and I can honestly say I will always purchase a Littmann. They are sturdy, you are able to hear sounds wonderfully, and they have a lifetime tubing warranty where if you need your tubing replaced all you need to do is ship it to Littmann and they will replace it for you free of charge. They are expensive, but they are built to last and you certainly get your money's worth. You would end up spending the same amount, or more on cheaper stethoscopes that will end up breaking.

I bought all of these products from Amazon, two and a half years ago right before I started my Health Assessment class as a sophomore.

The next important thing to carry with you in your bag is pen and paper. For obvious reasons, pen and paper is essential; I got these memo pads at Target [sold in a bundle pack] for a few dollars, and the pencil case at Meijer.

 The badge reel that I have used all throughout nursing school is this Hello Kitty Nurse badge reel, featured on Amazon. I can honestly say that I have had many patients compliment me on this badge reel, and it can be somewhat of a conversation starter if you don't really know how to break the ice with a new patient. It has also held up really well throughout the semesters and I have no worries about it possibly breaking.

I carry around a folder for any worksheets of printed things that I do not want people to be able to glance down at in the hallways. I think that if you are leaving your materials at the nurses station that you should have it in such a way where it is covered up at all times. You never know who is looking at your things and you want to protect patient confidentiality. I found this clip board that says "Plotting and Planning" at the dollar section in Target. It cost $3.

I also think it is very important to bring a water bottle with you during clinical. You are working long hours and are not allowed in the nursing break room unless to grab something quickly from your bag, so it's best to pack your own. I think that having a water bottle with a cap is important so you can remain hydrated and it is safe from spills. This water bottle is from the company Southern Girl Prep.

Brand Shout-Out

I am shamelessy obsessed with a preppy style of clothing, and follow a lot of preppy Southern brands on Instagram. One brand in particular, Simply Southern, has come out with a few items that have been geared towards the nursing profession.

Their newest addition to that family of product is their own line of badge reels!  I do not believe they are available for purchase currently, but I am sure that they will be up soon! I will certainly be buying one for myself to wear during clinical this fall!

I hope you enjoyed this post!

- Michelle

#BSNbabe