Both through my personal experience in nurse practitioner school and talking to other NP students, I have created a list of recommended products. All of these items I have chosen with the purpose to help you prepare for and do well in NP school. *
Stethoscopes
A stethoscope can help a nurse practitioner form a diagnosis and guide decisions about a patient’s treatment. It is essential to have a high-quality stethoscope in nurse practitioner school that you can continue to use after you graduate.
There are many different brands and companies to choose from, but I prefer to use Littman stethoscopes in my practice. They use the latest innovations and technology to make, what I consider, the best stethoscopes on the market.
While you may already have a stethoscope, consider upgrading and investing in a new one. They have three models that I would recommend for NP students:
3M Littmann Classic III Monitoring Stethoscope, Black Tube, 27 inch, 5620
The first model is the Littman Classic Stethoscope. This stethoscope is lightweight but still very durable. This stethoscope can be used on a wide range of patients and in non-critical medical settings, like an ambulatory clinic or medical office. It can be used on both adults and pediatric patients.
3M Littmann Cardiology IV Diagnostic Stethoscope, Standard-Finish Chestpiece, Black Tube, Stainless Stem and Headset, 27 inch, 6152
3M Littmann Classic II Infant Stethoscope, Royal Blue, 28 inch, 2156
For those in pediatric or neonatal NP programs, the Littman Classis II Infant Stethoscope is a great choice. This stethoscope was designed for the assessment of infant patients. It has high acoustic sensitivity for both high and low-frequency sounds.
Stethoscope Accessories
3M Littmann Stethoscope Spare Parts Kit, Classic III, Black, 40016
3M Littmann Stethoscope Spare Parts Kit, Cardiology III, Black, 40003
3M Littmann Stethoscope Spare Parts Kit, Classic II Infant Assembly, 40013
Here are a few links to different stethoscope parts. If your stethoscope is in good condition, but you have used it for several years, consider replacing a few parts. Updating the earpieces, rims, and diaphragm can make a big difference.
Prohapi Hard Stethoscope Case, Large Stethoscope Carrying Case with ID Slot, Compatible with 3M Littmann/ADC/Omron/MDF Stethoscope Includes Mesh Pocket for Nurse Accessories (Black)
A stethoscope case is a must for any NP student! Once you have invested in a nice stethoscope you will want to take care of it. This case can fit your stethoscope and has even more pockets for other small items.
Canboc Stethoscope Carrying Case for 3M Littmann Classic III/Cardiology IV Stethoscope – Extra Storage Taylor Percussion Reflex Hammer, Reusable Medical LED Penlight, Turquoise
This is another stethoscope case that comes in more different color options. I can’t tell you how many times this has saved my stethoscope from being squished in my backpack!
LuFOX 5 Pcs Plastic Two Sided Name ID Identification Tag Clip for Stethoscope Tube Replacement（Black Color）
Make sure to label your stethoscope with your name! These tags are an easy way to make sure your name is on your stethoscope.
Medical Equipment
Premium Pen Lights for Nurses USB Rechargeable Nursing Penlight Flashlights 2 Pack White/Yellow Light for Medical Students Doctors Stainless Steel Body (2)
You will be surprised how often you use a penlight in NP school. The reason I like this one is that it is rechargeable. It comes with a USB cord and you can plug it into any USB port to easily recharge the light.
Pen Light, RISEMART Reusable LED Medical Penlight for Nurse Students Doctors with Pupil Gauge, Extra Warm Light Bulb, Pocket Clip and Batteries Included (Gold/MARRS Green)
Who doesn’t want colorful penlights? This company has a variety of fun colored, but durable penlights. They come with batteries and two different options of lights: warm and bright white light.
EMT Trauma Shears with Carabiner – 7.5″ Stainless Steel Bandage Scissors for Surgical, Medical & Nursing Purposes – Sharp Curved Scissor is Perfect for EMS, Doctors, Nurses, Cutting Bandages [Blue]
I have used these particular shears for so long and they still are sharp! These are the best ones I have found yet. They have a carabiner in the scissor handle, making it easy to carry around and hook on to things.
4th Generation Dr Mom LED Pocket Otoscope and Both Adult and Pediatric Disposable Specula Tips and Protective Hard Plastic Case.
Many schools have professional otoscopes you can rent out to practice. However, for those who don’t, this is a very basic and cheap option. It isn’t anything fancy, but it can help you practice looking in ears and identifying structures without paying several hundred dollars.
Books, Flashcards, Etc.
Pharm Phlash!: Pharmacology Flash Cards
This is a very helpful flashcard set focusing on PHARMACOLOGY. It covers 400 of the most prescribed generic drugs. It lists the drug’s action, use, administration vital signs, lab data assessment, drug levels, and patient education. I have found this to be one of the simplest ways to study for pharmacology.
Patho Phlash!: Pathophysiology Flash Cards
This is another helpful flashcard set focusing on PATHOPHYSIOLOGY. It covers many of the diseases and health conditions in each body system. It describes the basic pathophysiology, assessment findings, complications, treatment, and patient education. This is a great way to prepare for NP school and give you a solid foundation for pathophysiology.
Mosby’s Pharmacology Memory NoteCards: Visual, Mnemonic, and Memory Aids for Nurses
This is a note card set that many NP students have found helpful to learn the basics of PHARMACOLOGY. It comes in a small spiral-bound set that includes pictures and mnemonics to help you memorize medications easily.
Mosby’s Pathophysiology Memory NoteCards: Visual, Mnemonic, and Memory Aids for Nurses
This notecard set focuses on PATHOPHYSIOLOGY topics. It is also a small spiral-bound set that includes visual, mnemonics, and memory aids so that you can learn common pathophysiology topics quickly.
Pharmacology Mnemonics for the Family Nurse Practitioner
Mnemonics can help improve the retention of information and memory. This book is full of mnemonics covering body systems, basic pharmacology, and documentation basics.
Pharmacology Mnemonics for the Family Nurse Practitioner
This book has mnemonics just for basic PHARMACOLOGY. It was written to help you quickly memorize medication classes and information.
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