11 Must Have Items for all New Nurses in Their Bags – Part I

Are you a nursing student or maybe a new nurse? While communication skills, compassion, empathy, flexibility, emotional stability, and interpersonal skills are some of the must have qualities of a nurse, what all do you keep in your bag? Yes, your bag. Almost all of us keep stuff that tends to signify us to the greatest extent. Are you wondering what all is required in your bag in order to indicate you as a nursing student or a nurse?

Have a look at the 14 essentials that if you keep in your bag, you sure are a nurse!

1. Do You Have a Stethoscope With You?

Probably, one of the most prized possessions of a nurse. A stethoscope does not only help in listening to the heart, but also the veins and the intestines. These days we can get a plethora of variety in stethoscopes, from the older technology to the latest and the advanced. Classic or the up-to-the-minute, a stethoscope is necessary item for a nurse.

2. Another Must Have Item – Thermometer

We all know thermometers are used to measure temperature or a temperature gradient. Nurses use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the patients' body and register it. One of the second most useful items a nurse should have in order to examine the health of the patient.

3. Do Not Forget About the Sanitary Items!

Sure, you keep them-

• Gauze
• Sterilized Mask
• Gloves 
• Cotton Balls

4. Also, the OTC (Over the Counter) Pharmacy Items

• Cold Medicines
• Paracetamol
• Pain Killers 
• Ibuprofen 
• Other emergency medicine

5. The Need for Scissors and Microscope Medical Tape

Whenever there is a question of wound care, scissors and microscope medical tape are the saviors. The scissor is used in the quest for cutting the medical gauze, bandages and dressings. As a nurse, you may come across many such emergencies when there is a need for scissors. Microscope medical tapes always help while accidents like pulling IV micro-drip adapter of patients happen.

Do you have all this stuff in your bag? Keep checking this space to know what else is required in your bag being a nursing student or a nurse new to the profession. Until then, you can check the Nursing Courses offered by INSCOL in various countries such as Canada, UK, USA, NZ, Philippines and Australia. Shine on!

When it comes to Using Technology, Nurses are the Frontrunner

That’s absolutely true! Nurses are getting their hands on the most advanced technology available in healthcare these days. From electronic medical records and patient self-tracking to informatics and minimally invasive procedures, treatments and patient care has become more high-tech. 

Technology in healthcare has made patient care services more efficient, and the more tools and gadgets that are developed, the more skilled nursing professionals are needed to operate them. For nurse graduates, if you consider yourself tech-savvy, there are fields in nursing you may want to consider specializing, such as -

Nurse Anesthetist

Make use of apps and mobile technology to monitor patients during surgery and help with epidurals and other vein procedures. 

Nurse Informatics 

The job involves helping in the development of medical technology and train other nurses on the latest systems.

Radiology Nurse

The job involves working with ultrasounds, MRIs, and the latest in radiation therapy.

Telemetry Nurse 

For using the newest machines to monitor their patients’ vital signs.

Cardiac Care Nurse 

To perform electrocardiogram monitoring, and treat patients with pacemakers and other heart health technology.

Perioperative Nurse

To use the latest surgical systems to monitor patients and coordinate care in the operating room.

Plastic Surgery Nurse

Needs to work with the most minimally invasive techniques and assist in procedures ranging from derm abrasion to facial reconstruction.

Dermatology Nurse

Helps in the treatment of skin cancer, treat burn victims, and perform post-surgery treatments using the latest in laser technology.

Transplant Nurse

To use new organ preservation systems and help monitor patients for complications like organ rejection.

Cardiac Lab Nurse 

Requires nurses to work in state-of-the-art cardiac labs, helping implant pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibillators (ICDs).

Genetics Nurse

 They make use of the latest software to analyze patients’ genes, helping assess their risk for diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's.

Just like these technological specialization, nurse graduates can opt for a career in these rewarding areas of profession. Do you want to pursue a successful and bright nursing career abroad? Have a look at the exclusive nursing programs for Filipino Nurses offered by INSCOL and let the transformation from an Filipino Nurse to a Global Nurse begin!

For Filipino Nurses, Here are Some Tips to Avoid Back Injury

It’s inevitable that the nursing profession requires much heavy lifting and bending throughout the day. As a result, they become prone to musculature disorders (MSDs), such as back injuries. For a Filipino nurse, it becomes important for them as well to take good care of themselves while providing care to others. To minimize the chances of back injury while you work, here are some of the tips for you. 

Start with Strengthening Your Back

When you’re in good shape, you’re less likely to suffer an injury. Thus, start doing some exercise regularly to strengthen your back and the muscles. It’s better to consult your doctor before doing any such as they might aggravate any existing health conditions.

Evaluate the Circumstances

Well, think about what it will take to get a patient from one place to another. Is the patient small and light, or big and heavy? If the patient wants to use the bedpan, or if there is a need to transfer to another room? Are there any obstructions on the floor that must be removed to avoid accidents? These things will help you avoid any untoward situation of suffering from an injury.

It’s Always Better to Seek Help from Co-Workers

It’s not that you have to do all the lifting and bending on your own. Call your co-workers or assist staff to help you in such a situation. If you can estimate the weight that you are capable of carrying, it will help you to avoid any additional strain.

Try Using Lifting Equipment As Much As Possible

Even for a nurse with good strength, there’s still a good chance of being injured when you regularly lift 200 to 300-pound patients. If there is any equipment available for lifting, use it whenever you can. Luckily, thanks to greater mindfulness harms in the nursing profession, patient lifts are becoming increasingly common in healthcare facilities.

Frequent Breaks Can Help To Relax

If you have been lifting patients frequently all through the day, it will easily take a toll on your body. Therefore, take a break between lifts to give yourself time to recover your strength. By doing this and pacing yourself, you ensure that your energy levels last throughout the day.

In a profession like nursing, injuries happen to most and that too due to neglecting the right measures and safety. To enjoy continuous years of nursing career in a good shape, it’s imperative to avoid such situations. In the end, you’ll be thankful for making the best choice.

If you are a nurse and want to make a career abroad, INSCOL is your best bet. INSCOL in collaboration with leading Universities/Colleges in Canada/UK/USA/AUS/NZ offers a wide range of exclusive Nursing Programs for International Nurses in Emergency Care, Critical Care, Palliative Care, Coronary Care, Acute Complex Care, Mental Health, Leadership & Management, Gerontology & Chronic Illness, Healthcare & Rehabilitation and B.Sc./M.Sc. Nursing. Find more details at http://www.inscol.com/philippines/.