[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/prismcareerinstitute.edu\/equipment-and-tools-of-a-pn\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/prismcareerinstitute.edu\/equipment-and-tools-of-a-pn\/","headline":"Equipment and Tools of a PN","name":"Equipment and Tools of a PN","description":"As a practical nurse (PN), you\u2019ll be working with a range of medical equipment and gear. It\u2019s important to make sure you\u2019re 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","datePublished":"2020-10-16","dateModified":"2023-07-12","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/prismcareerinstitute.edu\/author\/prism-vendor\/#Person","name":"Prism Vendor","url":"https:\/\/prismcareerinstitute.edu\/author\/prism-vendor\/","identifier":7,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a055421bfa1ca171b49ed3199efa2d2735bd46c256dfd5c8f4aa174ca8cb032a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a055421bfa1ca171b49ed3199efa2d2735bd46c256dfd5c8f4aa174ca8cb032a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Prism Career Institute","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/prismcareerinstitute.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/pci-logo.png","url":"https:\/\/prismcareerinstitute.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/pci-logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/prismcareerinstitute.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/prism-LPN-tools-equipment-300x200.jpg","url":"https:\/\/prismcareerinstitute.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/prism-LPN-tools-equipment-300x200.jpg","height":"233","width":"350"},"url":"https:\/\/prismcareerinstitute.edu\/equipment-and-tools-of-a-pn\/","about":["Practical Nursing"],"wordCount":571,"articleBody":"As a practical nurse (PN), you\u2019ll be working with a range of medical equipment and gear. It\u2019s important to make sure you\u2019re 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\u2019ll need to succeed in your nursing career.Dressing for SuccessYou 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 \u2013 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\u2019t get in the way while you work.Shoes: A 12-hour shift isn\u2019t the time to think about fashion. Optimal work shoes don\u2019t 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\u2019ll feel less sore after your first few shifts.Tools for Vital SignsOne of the main duties of a PN is to monitor patients\u2019 vital signs. While this sometimes involves checking more permanent equipment, you\u2019ll 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\u2019s 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\u2019ll also need to familiarize yourself with the sphygmomanometer. Though most people won\u2019t recognize the name, they\u2019ll 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 ElectronicsMore and more hospitals are learning to rely on digital systems. This means you won\u2019t only have to familiarize yourself with medical tools, but you\u2019ll 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\u2019ll also need a device to help you keep track of time. Though a watch seems like a small thing, it\u2019s surprisingly important in day-to-day PN duties. When monitoring vitals, for instance, it\u2019s 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 CareerOf course, nursing isn\u2019t 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."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Equipment and Tools of a PN","item":"https:\/\/prismcareerinstitute.edu\/equipment-and-tools-of-a-pn\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]