Nursing is a great profession. It can be rewarding and satisfying in many ways, but it’s also a job that requires you to spend long hours of your day on your feet. A bag full of essential items will ensure that you are prepared for any eventuality – whether it’s a sudden patient emergency or just the standard stuff like bandages and syringes.
Here are some things nurses always keep in their bag:
1. A flashlight
A flashlight is essential because it can help you see better at night or with no electricity. It also comes in handy when you want to check on your patient during the middle of the night.
2. Bandages
Bandages come in different sizes and shapes, and you should know how to use them properly. If you don’t know what kind of bandage to use, ask someone else.
3. Gloves
Gloves are essential for nurses. They protect your hands from getting hurt while doing procedures. Make sure you wear gloves when cleaning up blood spills.
4. Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is good for disinfecting your hands before and after touching patients. Use hand sanitizer when washing your hands with soap and water.
5. Ice packs
Ice packs can relieve pain and reduce swelling. You can put ice packs on bruises and sprains.
6. Iodine tincture
Iodine tincture helps prevent infection. You can use iodine tincture to clean wounds and cuts.
7. Lint roller
Lint rollers remove lint from clothes and bedding. Roll out lint using a lint roller and then throw away the used lint.
8. Ointment
Ointments help heal minor burns, cuts, scrapes, and bug bites.
9. Oralsyringe
An oral syringe can administer medicine through your mouth.
10. Peroxide
Peroxide can treat minor cuts and burns. Apply peroxide directly onto the wound until it stops bleeding.
11. Scissors
Scissors are necessary for cutting paper and plastic. Make sure you keep these scissors close by.
12. Drug Guide
A drug guide will tell you which drugs are safe and effective for treating certain conditions.
13. Stethoscope
Stethoscopes let you listen to people’s heartbeats. This tool enables you to hear sounds that other devices cannot detect.
14. Waterbottles
Water bottles can hold enough water for an entire day. Carry one with you wherever you go.
15. Clicking Pens
Nurses have to write a lot. Whether they’re filling out charts, jotting down notes, or completing discharge paperwork, having a pen handy at all times is a must.
16. Watch
A watch is essential to keep track of time and just for helping you to stay organized.
17. Food and Water in an Emergency
You may not need to go out and buy foods to prepare an emergency food supply. You can use canned goods, dry mixes, and others.
18. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Especially as COVID continues to be prevalent. We recommend every nursing bag have a few pairs of face masks (surgical and N95), disposable latex gloves, goggles, and face shields.
19. Alcohol pads
Alcohol pads are great for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
20. Aloe Vera gel
Aloe vera gel is excellent for soothing sunburned skin and insect bites.
21. Antiseptic wipes
Antiseptic wipes are helpful for cleansing wounds and cuts.
22. Blood pressure cuff
Blood pressure cuffs are essential for measuring blood pressure.
What is a CHN bag?
The CHN bag is a bag that contains supplies needed to care for children. It includes:
• A child-sized stethoscope
• Child-sized thermometer
• Bandages
• Chlorhexidine solution
• Cotton balls
• Gauze sponges
• Glucose tablets
• Oral syringes
• Sterile gauze
• Tape
• Thermometer
Why is the bag technique important?
The bag technique is a way to ensure that nurses always carry what they need. It also allows them to take care of their own needs without trouble with management. The bag technique prevents nurses from taking unnecessary risks while providing quality patient care.
Conclusion
All these materials should be kept correctly to facilitate easy access during emergencies. A nurse’s bag should always have all the essentials mentioned above so that no panic is caused and the nurse will be super sufficient to carry on with her work.