Nursing School Supplies: A Comprehensive Guide

This blog post will provide you with a list of essential supplies for nursing school.

Essential Textbooks and References

Some of the first items required are textbooks, and there are a lot of them. Different programs will have different textbook requirements, but many will have similar information. A solid understanding of nursing theory and practice foundation is crucial for success. Some books may include:

• Fundamentals of Nursing: This main textbook gives a clear overview of basic nursing ideas. It covers patient care, communication, and safety.
• Medical-Surgical Nursing: This textbook focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating adult patients with various medical and surgical conditions.
• NCLEX-RN Review: This helps you prepare for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This is the test that all future registered nurses must pass.
• Anatomy and Physiology: A strong grasp of human anatomy and physiology is fundamental to understanding disease processes and patient care.
• Drug Guides and Pharmacology References: These resources are essential for learning about medications, their uses, side effects, and interactions.
• Nursing Skills Manuals: These manuals give clear, step-by-step instructions for different nursing tasks. They cover things like giving medications, changing dressings, and taking vital signs.

Medical Equipment

In addition to textbooks, nursing students need various medical equipment to practice their skills and prepare for clinicals. Here are some essential items:

• Stethoscope: A high-quality stethoscope is essential for assessing heart and lung sounds. Consider acoustic quality, comfort, and durability factors when choosing a stethoscope.
• Blood Pressure Cuff: A reliable blood pressure cuff is necessary for measuring blood pressure.
• Penlight: A penlight helps examine pupils, ears, and throats. This is perfect for the PERRLA (pupils are equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation) exam.
• Watch with a Second Hand: A watch with a second hand is essential for measuring pulse and respiration rates.
• Trauma shears:Medical scissors thatcut through clothing and bandages during emergencies.
• Pulse Oximeter: A pulse oximeter measures oxygen saturation levels in the blood. This is a valuable tool for assessing respiratory function and monitoring patients with respiratory conditions.

Tips for Using Medical Equipment

Practice using medical equipment regularly. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with using medical equipment. Learn how to calibrate and maintain medical equipment properly to help ensure that you obtain accurate readings. Follow safety precautions when using medical equipment precautions to prevent injuries to yourself or your patients.

Uniforms and Accessories

Nursing students typically have specific uniform requirements, including scrubs, nursing shoes, and a nursing badge. Here are some things you may need:

• Scrubs: Choose comfortable and durable scrubs that meet your school's color and style requirements. Look for scrubs made from breathable fabrics that are easy to care for.
• Nursing Shoes: Wear comfortable, supportive nursing shoes with non-slip soles. Avoid shoes with holes or fabrics that can absorb liquids. Nursing shoes should provide good arch support and cushioning to help prevent foot pain and fatigue.
• Nursing Badge: Your nursing badge shows that you are a student nurse. It also has important information, like your name and school.
• Identification Card: You may need a student ID card to access clinical areas.

Additional Tips for Choosing Uniforms and Accessories

When selecting uniforms, prioritize comfort and mobility. Opt for durable materials that withstand frequent washing and wear. Wearing compression stockings to aid circulation and prevent swelling, especially during long shifts.

Do not wear artificial nails like gel or acrylic. They can hold bacteria and raise the risk of infection.

Keep nails short and manicured for hygiene and patient safety. Minimize dangling jewelry, such as necklaces and earrings, which can pose a hazard in healthcare. A wedding band and simple ear studs are acceptable.

Other Supplies

In addition to the items listed above, you'll also need a variety of other supplies for nursing school:

• Backpack or Messenger Bag
• Notebook and Pens/Pencils
• Highlighters and Sticky Notes
• Calculator
• Clipboard
• Mask
• Safety Glasses
• Alcohol Swabs

Tips for Getting Creative and Organized

In addition to the important supplies listed earlier, there are other items that can help you. These items can keep you organized. They can also help you stay motivated and be creative during nursing school.

• Planner: A planner is a valuable tool for keeping track of assignments, deadlines, and clinical rotations. You can use a physical planner or a digital planner app.
• Vision Board: A vision board can help you focus on your goals and visualize your success as a nurse.
• Journal: Journaling can be a great way to reflect on your experiences, manage stress, and stay motivated.
• Laptop: A laptop is essential for completing assignments, researching topics, and accessing online resources.
• Recording Device: A recording device can help review lectures later.
• Tablet: A tablet can conveniently access textbooks, study materials, and online resources.
• Water Bottle and Snacks: Staying hydrated and fueled is essential for maintaining focus and energy. Keep a water bottle and healthy snacks with you throughout the day.

Having the right supplies is essential for success in nursing school. Using good supplies and using them well can improve your learning experience. This will help you get ready for a rewarding career in nursing.

Remember to stay organized, practice regularly, and seek help from your instructors and classmates when needed. With the proper preparation and dedication, you can achieve your goals and become a successful nurse.

References:

Elkins, N. (2019). Failure to complete BSN nursing programs: Students views. U.S. Department of Education. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1252119.pdf

Mazinga, G. (2024). NLN Annual Survey of Schools of Nursing academic year 20222023: Executive summary. Nursing Education Perspectives, 45(5), 269270. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.nep.0000000000001322

About the Author:

Breann Kakacek, BSN, RN, has been a registered nurse since 2015 and a CNA prior to that for two years while going through the nursing program. Most of her nursing years included working in the medical ICU, cardiovascular ICU, and the OR as a circulating nurse. She has always had a passion for writing and enjoys using her nursing knowledge to create unique online content. You can learn more about her writing career and services at ghostnursewriter.com

Breann is an independent contributor to CEUfast's Nursing Blog Program. Please note that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this blog post are solely of the independent contributor and do not necessarily represent those of CEUfast. This blog post is not medical advice. Always consult with your personal healthcare provider for any health-related questions or concerns.

If you want to learn more about CEUfasts Nursing Blog Program or would like to submit a blog post for consideration, please visit https://ceufast.com/blog/submissions.