When I started in the ICU, I bought way too much stuff trying to figure out what I needed. Half of it I never used. These are the things that actually stuck around — the pens that didn't die halfway through report, the books that actually helped me pass the CCRN, the small stuff that made twelve-hour shifts easier. No fluff. Just what worked. If I were starting over, I would buy all of these again.
The daily carry. What I kept in my pockets and used every single shift.
Colored pens for report. Blue for vitals, red for alerts, green for tasks. These never smudged even when I was scribbling fast. Cheap, reliable, lasted months.
Held my report sheets, extra pens, alcohol wipes, and reference cards. Survived two years of constant use. Still looks fine. Just buy this one.
Sharp enough for tape and dressings. Durable enough to last. The 2-pack meant I always had a backup. Essential for any new grad.
Winter shifts when the ICU felt like a freezer. Thin enough to layer under scrubs without bulk. Warm enough to actually help. Kept three in rotation.
Fit in my scrub pocket. Used them for quick notes, reminders, things to look up later. Went through dozens of these. Would buy again.
What I actually read. What actually helped.
My foundation. Read it cover to cover twice. The practice tests felt realistic. The content was thorough. If you only buy one book, buy this one. Worth every dollar.
Broke down complex topics into simple language. Used it when I needed extra clarification on overwhelming concepts. Great for visual learners.
Deeper than what you need for the CCRN. Helped me understand the why behind what I was doing every day. Referenced it constantly. Still keep it on my desk.
Barron's + AACN practice questions = all I really needed to study for the CCRN. Everything else is supplemental I used to help me adjust in the ICU.
More resources as I continue the journey.
Everything I bought when moving for CRNA school. Furniture, kitchen tools, organization supplies.
Resume templates, organizational tools for managing multiple applications at once.
Notebooks, study tools, and tech gear I am using during school. Updated as I figure out what works.