As a practical nurse (PN), you’ll be working with a range of medical equipment and gear. It’s important to make sure you’re well-equipped and know how to use your tools successfully. Prism Career Institute is a career-focused educator offering a comprehensive Practical Nursing program in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Here, we introduce you to some equipment for a PN that you’ll need to succeed in your nursing career.
Dressing for Success
You might not think of your clothes as tools. In a profession as fast-paced as nursing, however, dressing well can make a big difference in your productivity. Trust us – uncomfortable clothing and sore feet will wear you down much faster! Here are some tips for choosing your workwear:
- Scrubs: Look for breathable scrubs that fit you well. This will keep them from accumulating sweat throughout the day and ensure they don’t get in the way while you work.
- Shoes: A 12-hour shift isn’t the time to think about fashion. Optimal work shoes don’t need to be attractive, but they do need to be well-cushioned, stable, supportive, and protective.
- Socks: When you work on your feet, a good pair of compression socks can improve blood flow and reduce swelling. You’ll feel less sore after your first few shifts.
Tools for Vital Signs
One of the main duties of a PN is to monitor patients’ vital signs. While this sometimes involves checking more permanent equipment, you’ll most likely be using your own tools. The first and most recognizable of these is a stethoscope. By amplifying low sound frequencies, a stethoscope allows you to make sure a patient’s heart rate and lung function are normal. A well-trained nurse can use one to identify conditions like aortic stenosis, vascular murmurs, valve leakage, and more.
You’ll also need to familiarize yourself with the sphygmomanometer. Though most people won’t recognize the name, they’ll know the device by sight. This is the armband used in hospital settings to monitor patient blood pressure. In the same vein is the blood pressure monitor, which allows you to get a quick reading for assessments.
Nursing Electronics
More and more hospitals are learning to rely on digital systems. This means you won’t only have to familiarize yourself with medical tools, but you’ll also have to learn your way around common programs and apps used in hospitals. Most modern nurses carry a tablet alongside their clipboard to take notes, update patient information, pull records, and more.
You’ll also need a device to help you keep track of time. Though a watch seems like a small thing, it’s surprisingly important in day-to-day PN duties. When monitoring vitals, for instance, it’s important to mark the right timestamps on their records. The watch will also help you plan your various tasks throughout the day.
Prepare for Your Nursing Career
Of course, nursing isn’t all about owning the right equipment. It also takes training to familiarize yourself with these tools and make sure you can use them effectively. At Prism Career Institute, our Practical Nursing program teaches you everything you need to know for your PN exam and career. Visit one of our campuses in Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, New Jersey, as well as in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to learn more, or get in touch today with any questions you have about equipment for a PN.