Anyone who has ever worked in a hospital knows the challenges of being on call. Whether you’re working nights or rotating through different patients, there will always be times when you are unsure where your next assignment is coming from. To keep up with your fellow nurses, you need to have access to as many supplies as possible to be fully prepared for any situation that might arise. Every nurse must always have the essentials in their work bag to handle any new situation without having to stop and search for them again.
1- Medical Gloves
Medical gloves are one of the most important supplies you can have in your work bag. Not only do they keep your hands free from germs and bacteria, but they also prevent you from accidentally touching your own eyes or mouth. Medical gloves should be changed every two to three hours to avoid cross-contamination.
2- Retractable Pens
You should invest in a set of retractable pens that can be used with your patients’ medications. If they’re allergic to something, you can even use these pens to temporarily mark it so that you don’t have to keep continually looking it up. Retractable pens are ideal because they can be easily removed from the bag and stored in your pocket.
3- Scissors
Scissors are another essential item in your work bag. They are primarily used for cutting bandages.
4- Medical Tape
A medical tape roll is one of your work bag’s most valuable items. This tape can be used for various functions, including holding bandages and other dressings on patients’ skin.
5- Professional Stethoscope
A stethoscope is one of the essential items in your work bag. It can be used for several functions, including listening to your patient’s heart and lungs. Using a stethoscope allows you to quickly tell if there are any issues with your patient’s health without having to do invasive medical procedures.
6- Mini First Aid Kit
A mini first aid kit is one of the best ways to ensure that you always have the essentials. These kits can contain everything from bandages and antiseptic wipes to calamine lotion and Imodium. Mini first aid kits are pretty small to fit in a backpack and can be easily transported from one place to another.
7- Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer can be used for multiple purposes, including sanitizing your hands before and after touching a patient’s open wound. It would be advisable to keep a bottle of hand sanitizer and alcohol wipes in your work bag to disinfect their hands before and after attending to each patient.
8- Face Mask
Face masks are an ideal way to protect you against infection contamination. Face masks act as respirators and can protect you from droplet-transmitted viruses.
9- Thermometer
You can use a thermometer to ensure that your patients stay at a safe temperature. This is extremely important if a patient has a fever, as it can affect their health and change the course of their treatment.
As a nurse, you’re guaranteed to run into situations where you need to be prepared for whatever might come your way. Luckily, medical supplies such as bandages, thermometers, and stethoscopes are commonly found in every hospital’s work bag. To be fully prepared, you should always have these supplies with you.