This may be a silly question.. - page 2

In my LTC positions, I'd be lucky just if I could find the scope and ear covers! Not too much use on 11-7, but I have used it.

think of the otoscope as the stethoscope. You can assess, but you cannot diagnose. Will depend on where you practice as how often you use various types of equipment.

We learned...sort of. We covered them briefly in health assessment and then again in 3rd semester med surg. I think it's part of our state mandated curriculum. We didn't spend much time on them. We mostly just played around with them looking in each other's ears. The instructors seemed to think that knowing how to recognize one and put it together was most important.

we were told to know what they are but not to worry about them because it was an advanced assessment

The only thing I use an otoscope for is to check on the status of the ear wax ball that I'm trying to flush out.

Advanced assessment? An otoscope? Wow.......talk about "dumbing down" the RN.

You really don't use it much at the bedside.....but there are areas, like the ED, that it is used by nurses more often.

I am a PN and we learned how to use them in school.I have used one in the hospital where I work.

Glad to have found this thread.

Do any of you seasoned nurses have anything to add about whether or not you use an otoscope in your practice?

I work on a tele floor and have never had to use an otoscope. Someone correct me if I am wrong, but unless you specialize or work at a doctor's office you will never use one.

We learned how to use them for our health assessment course. We also used them when we were doing physical assessments at a local elementary school. It's crazy what a child will stick in their ears!