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.