Littmann Classic S.E. II
Essential for the RT profession.  Your stethoscope and you will encounter countless chest auscultations before your clinical year is finished.  The rest of the time, your stethoscope will rest around your neck.  Often overlooked, it is important to purchase a stethoscope that is lightweight.  Littmann is a trusted brand, and their Classic S.E. II model stethoscope is usually a favourite among many in the profession.  The Cardiology III (although aesthetically pleasing) is expensive and heavy. When auscultating, I have a preference towards the Classic S.E. II in listening to breath sounds. You will appreciate the advantage of having a light stethoscope when running to a code blue, or working long days or nights. A lot of RT schools will be able to purchase stethoscopes for a discounted price since they are ordering in bulk. As for purchasing another stethoscope for the pediatric/neonatal population, it is often not necessary if you are a student.  Some clinical sites will provide you with a  pediatric/neonatal stethoscope during your rotation there. You can attempt to rotate your bell and auscultate with the smaller side of the bell, but the manufacturer states that the smaller diaphragm on the bell is for auscultating higher frequencies.

Armor All Original Protectant
You can find a bottle of this at your local Wal-Mart in the automotive section.  Although it is not recommended, you will be carrying your stethoscope around your neck most of the time. Some people may have scrubs with pockets that are large enough to fold a stethoscope inside.  If you do wear your stethoscope around your neck, your natural oils and perspiration will eventually cause the tubing of the stethoscope to become hard and brittle. Eventually, it will crack and you will need to replace it with new tubing. When you spray and rub in Armor All onto the tubing of your stethoscope, it keeps the tubing flexible and soft.

Medical Scissors
Just as you would be using your stethoscope daily, this is the second most important thing to have in your pockets. Invest in a pair of good quality scissors. You will be using them to cut tape, tracheostomy ties, endotracheal tubes etc. It may be wise to cap off the end with something (such as a piece of suction tubing) to prevent penetrating yourself if you fall.

Dickies Scrubs
Check with your school or clinical sites prior to purchasing scrubs. Although it is not usually a problem, some hospitals prefer RTs to wear a certain colour of scrubs. Some clinical sites may provide scrubs for their students.  I would recommend purchasing at least three pairs of scrubs so that you will not be doing laundry on a daily basis.  If you are willing to invest in good quality, brand-name scrubs, head over to http://www.dickiesmedical.com/.  They have a wide selection for men and women.

Birkenstock Profi Clogs
Proper footwear is essential since you will be on your feet for the majority of your time at your clinical sites.  It is best to get a pair of shoes that are solely used within the hospital. It prevents bringing hospital bugs back home and vice versa. As well, you probably don’t want to see blood or any other bodily fluids on your brand new Nikes. A good shoe, or clog is the Profi clog by Birkenstock. Although it is expensive, they have comfortable, form fitting cork insoles and a rugged exterior.  Many RTs will be seen wearing “crocs”  ( http://www.crocs.com) but keep in mind that they are not closed toe shoes, meaning that you are not completely protected from fluids, needles and other objects.

Bic Ballpoint Pen
One item that won’t break your bank is a good cheap Bic ballpoint pen. Although it is tempting to bring a nice gold plated pen to your clinical rotations, chances are you are probably going to lose it.  Keep in mind that some hospitals prefer you to write using a certain colour.  Sometimes it might be worth it to buy a clicker pen that has blue black and red.  Especially if your hospital marks changes (ie. Ventilator setting changes) in another colour, such as red. This saves you from carrying two pens and switching back and forth between them.