I've seen a lot of posts asking what are the essentials as a first year student nurse so I've compiled a list of things that I couldn't have managed without so far this year.
If you're anything like me, you'll be in your element as far as stationary is concerned, you'll need post-its, highlighters, permanent markers, pens, pencils, you name it, you'll need it at some point. I LOVE the slim-line BIC highlighters, easy to hold as they're not the usual chunky highlighter and they fit nicely into your pencil case or tunic pocket. Multi-coloured biros are advisable for when you're on placement as you'll need to write predominantly in black but you'll find you need red for certain things and having one pen is so much more convenient than swapping back and forth. You'll also need notebooks..and lots of! I initially used one notebook for all of my modules and although everything was in one place, it became confusing very quickly, so this semester I'm taking a new approach and have bought A5 notebooks, one for each module. I've also bought notebooks for medications that I've administered and illnesses, procedures and medical terms so that I can easily revise what I've learned either at University or out on placement.
There's a bit of a misguided preconception that you need to buy a lot of textbooks, and while it can be useful, bear in mind that when referencing, unless its anatomy and physiology, it should be dated within the last 10 years, sometimes 5 years. I was lucky as I had some friends who are already nurses and were happy to donate their old books to me, but if you're purchasing them, I would say really the only books you NEED are A&P. I love the Ross and Wilson textbook, its informative without being too confusing and I also bought the accompanying workbook which has lots of tasks to help you learn. I bought both of these from EBay, quite reasonably priced.
Additionally, going into the second semester, I have recently bought a drugs calculations workbook to get a head start. The 'Calculation Skills for Nurses' by Claire Boyd is brilliant as it really starts with the basics and gradually builds you up to where you need to be in simple, easy to follow steps.
The last book you definitely do need is a decent planner. I'm fairly well organised in general with calendars at home and notes in my phone, but I bought this planner ready for starting in September and I'd be lost without it. Along with standard, regular lectures, we also have adhoc skills sessions, and then placements and exams, module deadlines etc. and I found this planner so useful for keeping everything in check. You can find these over at www.thehappyplannercompany.com
Following on from the clinical skills sessions, we were advised to buy a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope to practice manual blood pressures, you can pick these up really cheap on Amazon or EBay. I had my sphyg from www.valuemed.co.uk and although I did originally have a stethoscope from EBay, I couldn't help but indulge in a Littmann Classic as an early Christmas present to myself. I wouldn't say this is necessary as you wont ever take it into placement, however, my end goal is to be an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, in which case I would need my own stethoscope daily so I used this as justification for spending too much money on myself. I went for the Plum and it is beeeautiful!
Finally, necessities for placement. A decent pair of shoes! Must cover your foot so no dolly shoes or crocs. I have the Skechers Go Step with Goga Mat technology (SUPER springy..like walking on a cloud!) Admittedly my shoes are not leather, but I coat them regularly with waterproof spray so that I can clean them easily and prevent any fluids leaking their way through. I already mentioned the multi-coloured pen, and yet another notebook! One that fits in your pocket so that you can keep it on you. I tried the small ring bound ones but found that they were damaged quite easily so I bought one that was a bit sturdier, even though it is a little bigger. You will also need a fob watch and maybe a whiteboard marker, although some wards have these already. From my experience, scissors aren't needed as my Trust provides disposable scissors. And finally, get yourself a decent sized, closed lid water bottle. Whether its sitting through 3 hour lectures at University, or working a 12 hour shift on the ward, this has been a lifesaver for me. We may be looking after people but its easy to forget to look after ourselves. Stay hydrated guys!!
If I think of anything that I may have missed, I will post an update over on my Instagram page @zoe.m.porter You can also find regular updates of my studies and the odd inspirational quote over there so give me a follow!
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