Choosing the right medical gear as a medical professional is essential for being able to work effectively and comfortably in a medical environment where long hours, lots of standing and handling ill and injured patients is a normal, daily responsibility.
It’s also very beneficial to have the right equipment in order to assess a patient’s condition, stay organized, stay connected with their team and keep track of time.
Below is a list of some of the most essential and highly rated medical gear used at hospitals and healthcare centers.
Stethoscope
This is one of the most important tools of the trade. Medical professionals use this tool to listen to things such as the heart, veins and intestines to make sure they are functioning properly. According to Best Stethoscope Reviews, here are the 6 best stethoscopes to buy.
One of today’s leading stethoscope brands is Littmann. You can choose from the classic style to the most advanced kind.
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Scissors and Micropore Medical Tape
Bandage scissors are used for cutting medical gauze, dressings, bandages and more. Nurses need to have these in their pockets for emergency use, especially for open wounds. Micropore tape is also important and should be readily available, for example, when your patient accidentally pulls his/her IV. Check out The 10 Best Medical Tapes and the 5 Best Bandage Scissors.
Lotion and Hand Sanitizer
Medical professionals always have to wash their hands several times throughout the day, which can leave their skin dry. That’s why having lotion is important to keep their skin in good condition. Meanwhile, the sanitizer helps nurses steer clear of germs, along with other contagious agents. Here’s a list of the best lotions and hand sanitizers for healthcare professionals.
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Retractable Badge Holder
You’ll save tons of time with a handy badge holder. It’s the perfect answer for easy, efficient swiping into locked door entries and time clocks. Here’s Amazon’s list of the best and most affordable retractable badge holders.
Pens
A pen is not just a pen, especially when it comes to healthcare professionals! The next time you’re shopping at an office supply store, don’t get distracted by fancy expensive pens that run out of ink quickly. Instead, find pens that:
- Write nicely
- Doesn’t smear
- Doesn’t leak
- Has a cushioned grip
Top it off with a good highlighter and you’re ready to hit those charts!
Shoes
When shopping for work shoes, you can easily become overwhelmed with the options: walking/running shoes, dedicated healthcare shoes, Crocs, Birks the list is endless.
The best advice we can give? Try out different brands to find the best fit for your feet. It’s totally normal to try on a bunch of shoes before you purchase them. When you find the right ones, you’ll know, because they’ll have these three key features:
- They’re comfortable and supportive for up to 12 hours.
- They have plenty of breathing room.
- They can withstand the wear and tear of your daily duties.
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Scrubs
The perfect pair of scrubs should be able to withstand wear and tear as well as be stain-free after a good washing. They should also be loose-fitting for comfort, but the right size for your frame. And although you’re wearing a uniform, don’t be afraid to pick scrubs that show a bit of your personality to keep your day fun.
- Scrub tops: For those facilities with a chill, try a T-shirt under your scrub top. Avoid scrubs with a deep V-neck unless you have an undershirt.
- Scrub pants: Be careful with drawstring pants! Be sure they sit nicely on your hips, so they don’t fall off during your shift.
- Functional scrubs: A medical professional has to keep multiple tools on them, so take advantage of scrubs that have multiple built-in pockets. Some pants come in a “cargo” style with extra pockets on the legs.
What did we miss? After all… You have all the experience! What are some of the tools or tricks of the trade that you have learned during your career? Let us know in the comments below!