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J U N E 2 0 1 4 | O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E
Paula Watkins, RN, CNOR
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
What's in Paula's Pockets?
Why hoarders make efficient nurses.
A
n OR nurse
sometimes
ends up
being the beast of
burden, but she is
always a pack mule.
We carry a ton of
stuff in our pockets
to make the job easi-
er. I've thought
about wearing a con-
tractor-style utility belt, but instead wear 2 jackets, which gives me 4
pockets plus the 1 each in the scrub top and pants. Just be careful:
This practical hoarding can easily turn into PTSD (Pocket-Toting Stuff
Dysfunction) or at the very least pull down your trousers if you don't
tie the drawstring tight. Here's some of what I have on hand at all
times.
• Scissors.
Early on in my career, I learned that a good nurse always
has scissors in her pocket, though I have one co-worker who carries a
box-cutter. It can do a lot of things that scissors can't, but I think I'll
avoid packing one. Too big of a temptation to open more than just
boxes.
• Pens.
Best to carry a pair and a spare, and also Sharpie markers for
specimen cups. I tend to set pens down and walk away from them
while working a room. Or someone borrows one, "just for a second,"
and you know it's walking away on its own. Maybe I should chain
them to me, like at the bank.
• Dry-erase marker.
Whiteboards are incredibly useful for totaling up a
PACK IT ALL How much
do you carry to handle
the day's work?
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