(Part 2) Top products from r/nursing

ADC ADSCOPE

I've had some expensive scopes in my time. After 8+ years of nursing this just under $20 gem is my favorite. The ear pieces are fantastic and form a great seal: probably the most important part of a stethoscope. It also has a bell, which, if you want to listen to heart sounds, does make a difference. The quality is very good.

If I ever lose this scope I will buy another one. Can't seem to lose this one though, no matter how many times I leave it somewhere. It must be paraplegic.

You don't need an expensive scope. You need proper technique. Make sure the diaphragm has a good seal against the skin. Have the patient take a deep breath. Make sure the ear piece has formed a good seal in your ears to block out other sounds. That's all you need.

I have quite a few suggestions.

Specifically for nurses:

1. Schaum's Outline of Emergency Nursing: 242 Review Questions - Not my favorite one, but it serves as an ok reference.
   
   
2. Emergency Nursing Made Incredibly Easy - Love this one.
   
   
3. Saunders Nursing Survival Guide: Critical Care & Emergency Nursing - I like this one because it touches ICU as well as ER nursing.
   
   The following books are more for med students and MD's but I believe as nurses we need to understand rationales behind what MD's do, so these are good references:
   
   
4. Case Files Emergency Medicine - Goes over a number of cases involving common complaints seen in the ER, assessment findings, treatments, etc for those cases. By far my favorite book in my ER Library.
   
   
5. Emergency Medicine Secrets - doesn't have case studies like the book above, but goes more in detail about common and uncommon complaints seen in the ER.
   
   Miscellaneous books:
   
   
6. Rapid Interpretation of EKG's - as an ER nurse you'll need to constantly interpret the EKG of patients that are on the cardiac monitor to bring any changes to the attention of the MD. It really helps if you can identify those rhythms and this book is really easy to understand.
   
   Also consider subscribing to some journals. I'm subscribed to a few of them.
   
   
7. The Journal of Emergency Nursing
   
   
8. Nursing2016 Critical Care
   
   
9. Nursing2016
   
   I'm an ER medicine nerd, so I love reading this stuff but by no means do you need to have all these books. I just enjoy learning as much as I can about EM.

Not sure if you are going to get open heart surgical patients, but by far the best book related to a cardiac ICU is Bojar.

It has a large focus on surgical patients, but goes into detail that would be applicable for regular cardiac ICU patients. Really good book that we reference a lot on our unit. It contains everything from basic cardiac ICU stuff to very specific situational things like hooking a 12 lead EKG directly to temporary pacer wires

I used Saunders and dominated the Exit HESI, which is allegedly supposed to be more difficult than the NCLEX. I loved it, it had tons of questions, and really helped me go through each system and point in the lifespan to come to logical conclusions during my test.

http://www.amazon.com/Saunders-Comprehensive-NCLEX-RN%C2%AE-Examination-Nclex-Rn/dp/1437708250/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335203614&sr=1-1

Other people will recommend Mosby's.

http://www.amazon.com/Comprehensive-Nursing-NCLEX-RN%C2%AE-Examination-Nclex-Rn/dp/0323078958/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335203661&sr=1-1

Both are supposed to be great, just make sure you get one with a CD included, otherwise you will miss out on tons of questions that are not included in the book. Good luck to your wife!

I have never used a knockoff littmann, or seen one that I know of. I would be weary of a $10-15 stethoscope. You want something decent for school because you are just learning things like how to take a manual B/P, how to auscultate heart and lung sounds, etc and you want to be able to hear what you are listening for. I have used a cheap stethoscope (something like one of these) and it sucks. I had trouble getting a b/p because it was hard to hear.

You don't have to go all out and get a Cardiology III or anything, or even a littmann. There are other decent stethoscopes out there, but get one you can hear with. I used a littmann lightweight in school and it was decent and it only costs about 40 bucks on amazon. If you buy the right stethoscope now, you shouldn't have to buy a new one when you graduate, think of it as an investment. Just put your name on it so it doesn't walk away.

Here's the classic II in (what most nursing students use) in navy blue for $68.

Here's The lightweight for $39.99 in burgundy, the other colors are $44.

Here's an AdScope for $15-$18. I've never used one, but it has good reviews and I have heard of the brand before, so it might be worth a shot if you are truly that strapped for cash.

I used AACN's Core Curriculum Review and nothing else. I figured what better resource than the one written by the administrators of the exam. I found it comprehensive and concise and highly recommend it. You can find it on amazon here. Good luck!

Good idea. Like I said to the other poster, I think Saunders is much too easy. Even the priority questions are very obvious. I really liked the Lippincott book. Their questions were harder and helped me more. Lippincott also has a questions book with ALL alternative format questions.

I went from a cardiac telemetry unit to become a hospice nurse. Your best bet would be to shadow a hospice nurse for a day or two. https://www.amazon.com/Gone-My-Sight-Dying-Experience/dp/B00072HSCY/ref=sr_1_3?crid=O16MF0HGYAZZ&keywords=barbara+karnes+end+of+life+guideline+series&qid=1570930886&sprefix=barbara+karns%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-3 is among the best, short, books out there, and it is what I and others of our staff often share with families.

My preceptor suggested and I bought [this] (https://www.amazon.com/Emergency-Critical-Care-Pocket-Guide/dp/1284023702/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1492245808&sr=8-4&keywords=ed+nursing+pocket+guide). it was very useful for me at least. Also study up your focused assessments. The Ed was a fantastic place to learn so enjoy!

• Go onto etsy and search "nurse", "rn", "student nurse", etc. Also try "nurse ID badge", "nurse badge reel", etc. There are a million cute things for nurses on etsy.
  
  
• Cool syringe pens.
  
  
• Does she like to read? This is a great book, it's a bunch of short stories written by nurses telling amazing war stories.

Things I learned for studying.

1. Do plenty of test questions. I used AACN's study guide and Pass CCRN.
   
2. Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio's DVDs are damn good.
   
   I went through the whole Pass CCRN book, but in hindsight, that was a HUGE waste of time. If I did it all over again, I'd take test questions, then review specifics with the Pass CCRN book and do all of Vonfrolio's DVDs.
   
   Good luck to any planning to take the CCRN. It's a bitch, but manageable.
   
   Cheers!

I wear [VitalSox] (https://www.amazon.com/Vitalsox-VT1211-Graduated-Compression-Performance/dp/B004BKIPXO) for work and love them. At first they felt like they were squishing my legs, but I got used to them pretty quick. That being said, they come off IMMEDIATELY when I get home...but so do the rest of my clothes.

I swear by my BATCLIP. I clip it to my left pocket on my scrub pants and I don't even notice it's there anymore.

I used to wear mine on my neck. My preceptor and I had a patient turn crazy on us and he went after my steth. I got this clip shortly after and have been using it for over four years. The clip is super secure and the velcro still grips like the first time!

Several nurses I work with have one of these and like them pretty well. I have one of these and love it, but I work in oncology.

Buy the Fast Facts for critical care binder. Best small resource I've ever found:

https://smile.amazon.com/Fast-Facts-Critical-Kathy-White/dp/0983575053/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502249979&sr=8-1&keywords=fast+facts+for+critical+care

Totally. I got [this] (https://www.amazon.com/Blackout-EZ-Sunlight-Blocking-Customizable/dp/B006S9WI20/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=blackout+ez+window+cover+velcro&qid=1569209401&s=furniture&sprefix=blackout+ez+window&sr=1-1-catcorr) and it blocks light almost entirely. If I had actually followed the insulation instructions it might be 100%.

And I have a white nose l noise machine that works pretty well. Mostly my room just looks less like home now that it's dark and plantless.

Ear plugs + Hibermate + Marpac Dohm sound conditioner = daytime sleep bliss

If she's practical, I'm assuming you mean something she'd use and not something she just wouldn't buy for herself? If that's the case, I would get her something to use on the job. If she didn't get herself a good quality stethoscope through nursing school, do that. Some nice, tough sheers/scissors are always welcome too. If she already got those for school (and likely did) try something for her to use as she gets used to nursing.

I started (and will likely retire from) ER, so this was probably one of my favorite gifts: http://www.amazon.com/Emergency-Critical-Care-Pocket-Guide/dp/1284023702/

It's got drip rates for critical drugs, and the way they list meds in the back is actually useful, rather than flipping through four pages of tiny printed info just to find out what a drug is for. They make a version for OB/GYN, Peds, ect, just search for her intended field. I know it seems underwhelming, but she'll think of you every time she references it.

a former nurse gave me this book, I'm really enjoying it so far. http://www.amazon.com/Wasnt-Strong-Like-This-Started/dp/1937163121/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373584813&sr=1-2&keywords=how+i+became+a+nurse

No one has mentioned this yet. I picked up this sunrise/sunset alarm clock, and it's amazing.

Uni-ball jetstream. I’m left handed and smearing ink is an issue. This pens ink dries very fast and writes well on paper, telemetry strips, and the smooth glossy front of the patients folder.

[Uni Ball Jet Stream](Uni-Ball Jetstream Retractable Ball Point Pens,0.7mm, Black Ink, 3-Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002FSZP5A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_H8VwCb32FQVR5)

I only know of two organizations, MSNCB and ACCN. I did ACCN and got my RN-BC last month. I believe if you go to their website it shows a comparison between them and MSNCB. I did ACCN because it is by far the most common one at my facility. I studied with this book. I work Med/Surg so most stuff was fine, I did need to bone up on endocrine disorders. I only studied a couple weeks and passed.

Fast Facts for Critical Care https://www.amazon.com/dp/0983575053/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_76gODb67X5FTZ

IMO, the best book is called: "Gone From My Sight" by Barbara Karnes, which you can get here:

http://www.amazon.com/Gone-My-Sight-Dying-Experience/dp/B00072HSCY

It's a very small book, and only costs $2. I think you can get it cheaper if you buy in bulk from the author's website. I call it the little blue book of death.

I work as a hospice social worker and the book literally explains what the family members should expect to see and hear as their family member is passing away... it talks about how they stop eating, and why, and how their breathing changes as does their responsiveness. I cannot more highly recommend this book. I gave it to all of my families and almost all of them responded favorably.

check out vitalsox. https://www.amazon.com/Vitalsox-Patented-Graduated-Compression-VT1211/dp/B004BKIPXO

my buddy in the ED swears by them, picked up a few pairs myself and aint turning back. They don't offer much in the cushioning department but that graduated compression really makes a difference

Grab this book by Bojar.

Uni-Ball Jetstream Retractable Ball Point Pens, 0.7 mm, Black Ink.

These are the fucking best pens I've ever owned.

https://www.amazon.com/Uni-Ball-Jetstream-Retractable-Point-3-Count/dp/B002FSZP5A/

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Littmann-Classic-Stethoscope-2201/dp/B001NMT6N6/ref=gbps_tit_s-3_bb19_7fe555ef?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=41fd713f-6bfe-4299-a021-d2b94872bb19&pf_rd_s=slot-3&pf_rd_t=701&pf_rd_i=gb_main&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=NJ5TVF7D3CZ3MF05AT0T

It's on sale for $60

This is it

I guess what I was asking is what semester are you on? Is this a peds final? Med-surg? Exit exam from nursing school?

I'm using Saunders and Kaplan. I also suggest Lippincott's Q&A:
http://www.amazon.com/Lippincotts-Review-NCLEX-RN-Nclex-Rn/dp/1608311252/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

I think it was this one by Lippincott

Not really what you're asking, but I do use a light alarm clock to help wake up. I find it hella useful to get my ass out of bed when it's pitch black. I use the Philips Wake-Up Light and my room gets so ridiculously bright.

Sheehy's Manual

Emergency Nursing Made Incredibly Easy

The first one is a staple for emergency nursing and often recommended for CEN studying.

Congratulations! All units are different, so I'll just say ask questions. Don't let yourself become a jaded judgemental asshole. You get to go home. No matter what they did to themselves, there is a human in that bed having the worst time of their life. That's punishment enough.

As to joining the under world:

Sleep hygine. Do all 3 shifts in a row. Get home before the sunlight gets on top of you and you get the dreaded second wind. Eat, drink, shower and sack out fast. Splurge on a nice bed and linens. Pack lunches and eat clean. You can and will pork out fast on night shift living on pizza and donuts.

Black out window covers
These are better than any shades or curtains. No light gets in. Meth house level coverage. I could never sleep with a mask on, so these were a must.

White noise machine There are tons of options for this. Most are some recorded loop which your brain fixates on the pattern of, and does the opposite of making you sleepy. This is truly white noise from a fan and you can adjust the volume and pitch by twisting it and adjusting the venturi's. They've been made sine the 70's and I also used them in my kids room, have seen them in doctors offices, etc. No need for ear plugs with one of these.

You can't take it off, so they can either offer a way for you to cover it or shut the fuck up.

Edit. BTW, why couldn't you have sleeves on these units?

This is a really good general info book on emergency nursing focus areas. http://www.amazon.com/Saunders-Nursing-Survival-Guide-Emergency/dp/141606169X/

Hard to give you more specific since ED is all sorts of variety. Anything from a sore ankle to a coding patient with hypovolemic shock.

Littman cardiology 4. Get it engraved with her name. Yeah it's expensive, like $200 but she'll use that thing every shift and she'll have it for years. I also have a "batclip" for mine because I have a horrible habit of leaving it on bedside tables, and I hate wearing it around my neck because it's so heavy. Link to the batclip and stethoscope below. It's $30 bucks for the clip but its totally worth it.

Batclip: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0038S8E9U/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1542450076&sr=8-2&keywords=batclip&dpPl=1&dpID=41TlqSDjB9L&ref=plSrch

Littmann cardiology 4: https://www.amazon.com/3M-Cardiology-Stethoscope-Standard-Finish-6152/dp/B01LYVI3Y8/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1542450232&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=littmann%2Bcardiology%2Biv&dpPl=1&dpID=41Blr0m54dL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

I work 2 weeks of day shifts and 2 weeks of night shifts alternating. My trick on my 2 weeks of nights is to get to the gym at 0100 on my nights off for a long and hard workout. I find that I sleep better during the day and have no problems maintaining a totally flipped schedule. I have black out curtains, a portable air conditioner to maintain cooler room temps, and a Dohm sound conditioner to block out daytime sounds.

It took me about 8 months of flipping around to figure that this works for me. I was the most exhausted when I stayed at home bored out of my mind, fighting myself to stay awake all night. Once I started incorporating working out into my routine, my mental and physical fatigue pretty much disappeared.