I've been hearing a wide range of opinions about stethoscope covers. Some say they are: 1) unnecessary and unprofessional-looking, 2) cute, great for personalizing your stethoscope so they don't get stolen and keeping your neck from getting rubbed raw by the stethoscope tubing, or 3) too extra and will make you a target for getting picked on during rotations. What do you think? (Here's an example of a stethoscope cover I found: www.skopeskins.com) Thanks in advance!
MD Need opinions - are stethoscope covers too extra?
- Thread starter merizona
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I can be pretty petty and I wouldn’t judge you for that.
My only concern is they’d probably soak up some stuff over time and get sort of nasty (sweat mostly).
My only concern is they’d probably soak up some stuff over time and get sort of nasty (sweat mostly).
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That thing is a fomite. Just buy cheap stethoscopes, wipe them down between uses, and replace them prn.
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I think they look dumb and would definitely stare at you and assume you were a nurse.
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I wanted to say what the heck are you thinking, but then I looked at your post hx and realized you haven't started M1 yet...
QUOTE="merizona, post: 21125296, member: 981286"
I've been hearing a wide range of opinions about stethoscope covers. Some say they are: 1) unnecessary totally and unprofessional-looking meh, but not the issue. Being groce is the issue since you can't/don't wash them and so they just accumulate all the nasties from you and your patients, 2) cute, *eyeroll* great for personalizing your stethoscope so they don't get stolen nobody's gonna steal your stethoscope. Its not like you all put them in a big pile. Its either on your neck or in your pocket. And generally they come with a name tag clip if youre really concerned about that and keeping your neck from getting rubbed raw by the stethoscope tubing that doesn't happen, they're not abrasive. Also you will have your white coat on, so keep it outside the collar if it bothers you. or 3) too extra and will make you a target for getting picked on during rotations. I wouldnt make fun of you (though some would), but I would roll my eyes and tell you to remove it before infection control sees it and yells at you. what do you think? (Here's an example of a stethoscope cover I found: www.skopeskins.com) Thanks in advance!
/QUOTE
So in short, no, don't get one.
Also, dont try to buy/accessorize every last thing before you start M1. Its a waste of money. Wait and see what you actually need/will use.
QUOTE="merizona, post: 21125296, member: 981286"
I've been hearing a wide range of opinions about stethoscope covers. Some say they are: 1) unnecessary totally and unprofessional-looking meh, but not the issue. Being groce is the issue since you can't/don't wash them and so they just accumulate all the nasties from you and your patients, 2) cute, *eyeroll* great for personalizing your stethoscope so they don't get stolen nobody's gonna steal your stethoscope. Its not like you all put them in a big pile. Its either on your neck or in your pocket. And generally they come with a name tag clip if youre really concerned about that and keeping your neck from getting rubbed raw by the stethoscope tubing that doesn't happen, they're not abrasive. Also you will have your white coat on, so keep it outside the collar if it bothers you. or 3) too extra and will make you a target for getting picked on during rotations. I wouldnt make fun of you (though some would), but I would roll my eyes and tell you to remove it before infection control sees it and yells at you. what do you think? (Here's an example of a stethoscope cover I found: www.skopeskins.com) Thanks in advance!
/QUOTE
So in short, no, don't get one.
Also, dont try to buy/accessorize every last thing before you start M1. Its a waste of money. Wait and see what you actually need/will use.
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Look up char-med stethoscope bling for a subtler way to personalize! I get lots of compliments and they’re great for breaking the Ice with more timid patients.
Thanks everyone! Just wanted to note to those who had concerns about the cover getting gross: the particular cover I was mentioning is machine-washable and very easy to put on and remove.
A family friend who is in the medical field gave me the stethoscope cover as a graduation gift since she knew I was going to med school, and I was wondering if I should use it or not. Based on your comments, it looks like I shouldn't so I probably won't. Thanks again for all your input!
A family friend who is in the medical field gave me the stethoscope cover as a graduation gift since she knew I was going to med school, and I was wondering if I should use it or not. Based on your comments, it looks like I shouldn't so I probably won't. Thanks again for all your input!
