The Case of the Disappearing Pen: Solved
Today we answer the questions: Do nurses still need pens? And where do pens go when they walk off the job?
Nursing legends of the past told of many a frustrated RN, who had a healthy supply of writing instruments at shift
start, only to find at the end of shift that all the pens had “disappeared.” Set a pen down, and before you can turn
around, it’s gone -- seemingly just when you need to write down that hard-to-remember data!
Are Ink Pens Still Needed?
Electronic charting has tremendously lessened the need for a pen in your pocket, but you'll often need a pen while
talking to a patient to jot down a quick reminder. If you’re on a travel nursing job in an unfamiliar city,
getting a tip from another nurse as to the best restaurant in town or an auto repair shop to fix an embarrassing hole in
your car’s muffler (causing your car to sound like a freight train upon arrival to your workplace) is something made
easier by quick access to a pen! Of course, your patient may ask to borrow a pen to write something down, as well. Yes,
ink pens are still often needed by nurses like you.
What to Look for in a Pen – Overall Recommendations
The key to a winning ‘on the job’ pen is quick-drying ink. Nurses need pens that do not smear. Using a pen that smears
not only can result in notes to yourself that are unreadable, but can easily lead to a permanent stain on your scrubs!
Unless you are working with only one patient during your shift, a pen that you can afford to lose “leads the pack” in
terms of pen purchase options. Think inexpensive, non-smearing, and sturdy.
RNs’ Go-to Pens:
- Many sing the praises of the humble Paper Mate stick pen. Cheap and non-smeary, the hard-plastic casing of stick-pens also makes them a nearly indestructible chew toy for various desk-bound staff.
- Bic stick-pens or similar are another solid choice.
- Consider the Zebra Z Grip Retractable ball point. It’s got a decent clip, and the point retracts -- which minimizes staining potential. Its ink is supposed to dry quickly, but you’ll be the judge of that.
You’ll want to stick to black-ink pens, rather than blue-ink pens. This is because most scanning software used to
transmit the data captured on handwritten forms (such as patient satisfaction surveys) typically only “read” black ink!
A ball-point pen with your name engraved on it may be just as suitable for your needs. Although costing far more than a
generic stick-pen, it is far more likely to be returned to you!
Tip: If you’re looking for low-smear ink, you’ll probably want to avoid:
- Fountain pens
- Gel pens
- Rollerball pens
Do Pens go to the Same Place as Missing Socks When They Get Lost?
No. You’re not apt to lose a sock in your workplace, and – even if you did – someone might “save” it to search for its
owner rather than throw it away. In contrast, a lost pen often ends up in someone else’s pocket or a nearby trash
basket.
How to Prevent Others from 'Walking Away' with your Pen
Tape your name on your pen using a slim piece of duct tape. This is because duct tape is nearly impossible to remove, so
will make your patient or a colleague think twice about absconding with your pen!
Does Your Employer Supply Pens?
Maybe or maybe not. Hospital development offices in major medical centers often purchase pens (and mugs) in bulk with
the hospital’s logo on them to promote the hospital to potential donors. However, most employers of healthcare
professionals do not supply pens to non-administrative staff due to the belief that pens are like chocolate candies. If
these are too easily available, people will eat them up!
If it’s your first day on a new travel nursing job, remember that classic Scout motto: “Be Prepared.” Tuck a pen or two into your pocket, and get ready to
take notes!
Last Modified On: Jul 15, 2021
The next stop on your travel journey awaits.
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