According to the US Bureau Of Labor Statistics, the occupational outlook for registered nurses is expected to rise by 15% in the coming years. This percentage is much higher than the average recorded for other jobs in the United States. Hence, if you made it to nursing school, then you are well on your way to creating an amazing future. One of the most challenging parts of your professional training is clinicals. During this phase, you will be exposed to real-life patients, thereby preparing you for the day when you will be the one expected to attend to the sick and ailing. In order to make the most of your clinical years and graduate with flying colors, we have compiled a list of the top 6 must-have essentials that you should begin shopping for right away:
- Comfortable shoes
It’s no doubt that every nursing students desires to get the best grades possible. In order for this to happen, you will be required to sacrifice long hours in the hospital wards during your clinical years. So as to make this experience more bearable, you need to get several pairs of comfortable shoes that will carry you through the strenuous days and tiring nights. Getting the right shoes will not only keep you more active as you move around, but it will also prevent deadly diseases that can be caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes. As you head out shopping for shoes, be sure to look at an expert comparison table that will give you the pros and cons of various brands thereby enabling you to settle on the best option that will suit you.
- Day planner
With the busy schedule of a nursing student, there’s no doubt that there are a million things running through your mind at any given time. From academic obligations to your social life and even job commitments, it’s easy for your life to become extremely disorganized during the clinical years. Luckily for you, this doesn’t have to be the case. Getting a comprehensive daily planner will help you to keep track of time and remember the most important obligations of each day thereby allowing you to live a balanced life. You can get a daily planner app on your phone or alternatively, you could also get a physical diary depending on your preferences.
- Stationary
When doing clinicals, there is a huge amount of important things that you need to note down on a regular basis. From patients’ history to your lectures’ instructions, it’s no doubt that as a nursing student, you will always need to have some writing material close by. For this reason, it is advisable for you to get enough lightweight pens and highlighters as well as a sturdy clipboard or notebook. Try and get pocket-sized stationary as it will be more convenient to carry around.
- Analog watch
Checking vital signs is one of the first tasks you will need to master as an aspiring nurse. From heart rate to breathing rate, there are numerous tasks that require you to measure the precise time. Thus, having an analog watch will prove to be an irreplaceable staple that you should never leave the house without. In addition to taking patient’s vitals, you’ll definitely be glad you carried a watch to inform you when it’s time to check out!
- Spacious bag
Your nursing bag is a sort of survival kit that will basically carry you through your clinical years. When picking out a bag, don’t only look for aesthetic appeal, but rather pick a spacious option that will have enough room to carry all your belongings. Ensure that it is made of a durable material and furthermore, it should have sturdy straps for supporting the weight of the bag. In your bag, be sure to have your medical supplies, a snack box and some water as well as personal effects like hand sanitizer, lip balm and wet wipes.
- Reference material
During clinicals, there are numerous times when you might need to refer the name of a specific drug or clarify some information about a certain procedure. Regardless of what you need, having your favorite reference materials nearby will prove to be an invaluable tool during your training. Many textbooks offer a soft-copy version which you can use on your smartphone or tablet. Alternatively, you could also buy the smaller pocketbook versions of your favorite texts as they offer summarized information in a quick and concise manner.
