You’re starting your Nursing clinicals. How do you know which penlight to choose?

1 Size and weight

You want a penlight that is easy to carry and use. It should fit comfortably in your pocket, purse, or bag, and not be too bulky or heavy. You also want a penlight that is easy to hold and operate with one hand, especially when you need to hold an instrument or a patient’s head with the other hand. Look for a penlight that is about the size of a regular pen, has a clip or a ring to attach it to your clothing or lanyard, and has a simple on/off switch or button.

4 Features and functions

You want a penlight that has some extra features and functions that can enhance your Nursing skills and make your job easier. For example, some penlights have a pupil gauge or a ruler on the side to measure the size of your patients’ pupils or lesions. Some penlights have a magnet on the end to pick up metal objects, such as needles or scissors. Some penlights have a strobe or a SOS mode to signal for help or attract attention. Look for a penlight that has features and functions that suit your needs and preferences.

5 Price and quality

You want a penlight that is affordable and reliable. You don’t want to spend too much money on a penlight that breaks easily or doesn’t work well. You also don’t want to buy a cheap penlight that has poor quality or performance. You want to get the best value for your money and invest in a penlight that will serve you well throughout your Nursing clinicals and beyond. Look for a penlight that has good reviews, ratings, and feedback from other nurses or students, and that comes with a warranty or a guarantee.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?