What Is In My School Bag vs. My Work Bag

What Is In My School Bag vs. My Work Bag

Before I start this blog, I want to preface this by saying everyone has different things they like to put in their bags for school and work, but this is the system that works for me… make your bags unique to you and your needs for school and work! My day-to-day routine and system crossed over fairly quickly from work to school, so almost everything I carried in bags was for school and work. Here are a few of my favorite items and some tips! 

• Backpack/Tote: In school, I used the L.L Bean backpack to ensure I could carry a variety of large books and notebooks. Backpacks usually have several pockets to be able to store more things I need for school or clinical. I now use a tote for work simply because my locker is not huge, and I do not need that much room for books and things now. I carry my work essentials. Tip: Ensure you get a good sturdy bag! Your bags will go through ALOT, putting them in varieties of rooms and holding areas, taking them all over, so make sure it is a bag that can handle the wear and tear over time. 
• Planner: Schedules can change sometimes, and it is always nice to have your planner with you to look at your schedule and see what changes can be made. You do not have to wait until you get home to look and then have to get a hold of everyone to try to make things work! It is handy and on you at all times. 
• Stethoscope case: It is a great way to ensure your stethoscope does not get ruined and you always know where it is. Also, the REKMED case has a small pocket that I keep mini Clorox wipes in to wipe down my stethoscope after a shift before I put it back in.
• Pencil Bag: Yes, I was the girl with a thousand pins! But they always came in handy! Having a small bag to hold all the goodies in one singular place will help you stay organized and know exactly where things should always be!! 
• Pens/Pencils/Markers: You can never have enough of these things! Seriously… between classes, work, clinical, you are bound to leave somewhere, or someone accidentally takes one, and now you are out of one thing. But if you have multiple of each one, you should be okay! Tip: Pens and markers should be blue or black always for work or clinical! 
• Scrubs/Shoes: Always having an extra pair of scrubs on hand is essential. I have learned the hard way you never know in any given situation when there may be a spill or something gets on you to where you need to change immediately! Instead of having to go all the way back home, having them on hand will be very fast and efficient to get back on the floor. Tip: In case of these emergencies, always bring a plastic bag ( I use a grocery bag) to hold your clothes that have been soiled in to be able to get home so that your bag or care does not get contaminated!
• Extras: Carrying an extra hairband just in case one snaps, some gum during breaks or car rides home, mini calculator in case you ever need to do a quick med calculation. I also have started carrying a small pouch with extra mini toiletries if I or someone else needs something!

Hopefully, some of these tips help you decide what necessary and different ways to bag your bags are! To continue being incredible nurses and nursing students!

Written by: Haley Goff

Instagram: nursehaleyy