Stethoscope, watch with a second hand, click pens (trust me, they make life easier) with black ink, black sharpies, a pocket drug reference book, note pad.

There is a book with the title, "How to Survive Clinical," that I bought before my first clinical rotation as a student nurse. Also, a book on nursing diagnosis is a good idea. I like the one Mosby's puts out.

Best of luck.

You don't need to spend money on extras like that, just go with a keen eye look at the patient, speak to them, touch the skin if you can.

1. What colour is the skin, pale?

2. Cold, clammy?

3. Is the patient distressed? Are they in pain?

4. Speak to the patient make them feel comfortable.

5. Look at the surroundings I.V. monitors, 02, suction etc.,

6. Any hazards in the environment?? Wet floor, obstacles.

A lot can be learned from observation alone. Relax and listen to what the other nurses are instructing you to do, after all you are there to learn, ask questions relevant to the situation you are in.

Oh snap, I thought aout becoming a nurse but I have a messed up criminal backgroun in the United States, however I see that you are from England...I ws actually born there an was consiering moving back to pursue nursing with my british citizenship....you think that woul be possible.

I would recommend you buy your own stethoscope. There may be some at the hospital to use, but they may be broken or missing parts.

I would also recommend a nurse's drug handbook so you can be familiar with the meds your patients are taking.

Of course, you will need a watch with a second hand, Also, an extra pair of white hose, hair restraints etc. Some clinical teachers are very picky and may dislike a run in your hose or loose hair. Remember, someone is watching every move you make so do everything by the book. Even if you have cared for Mrs. Jones in room 213 for three days, check her room number and wrist band before you give her her meds.

The piece of equipment you'll use the most is a pen.

Don't waste money on buying a stethoscope; you won't use it, and if you do need to use it then there will be some in the hospital, you won't be using one often enough to need your own, they can be expensive, and I don't think I have seen even a qualified with their own stethoscope.

I'd get a fob watch, they can be handy as you can't wear a watch in the hospital so it's handy when you need to know the time. Also, you will be doing basic observations of the patients, this includes respiratory rate, where you count the number of breaths the patient takes in a minute, so having your watch there is good for timing it.

You should also have a couple of BLACK pens (don't get blue, must be black), and you will be using these quite a lot. Maybe a red pen as well, this can be used on a handover sheet to write any changes you need to tell anyone about, which is good practise for when you have to do this alone as a qualified, as then you will know that the old info is in black, and new in red.

A diary is very helpful as you can keep track of when your shifts are, and when assignments are due and such.

I can't think of anything else I have at the moment, just go in with an open mind, and enjoy, its a great course to start!