Best way to mark your stethoscope?

NurseyBaby'05, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2006

A lot of people I work with have taken different colors of chart tape and "striped" the sides of the tubing. Each person recognizes "his" pattern. It's nice because you can notice it around someone's neck before hs/she forgets he has it and walks off the floor.

S.T.A.C.E.Y, LPN · Dec 31, 2006

I've seen a printed label maker label with first name, last initial, and floor. She had it on the metal part going to the ear piece, I don't know what its called right now--the lady said it doesn't stick as well to the tubing. She said having the unit name was nice, b/c if it gets lost the doc can know where it came from and where to return it.

"Jane X, ICU"

NuseyBaby'05: I like the idea of the coloured tape on the steth, I might just try that one too! I've done it with other stuff, but never thought of doing it for my littman. Good Idea!

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2006

If you buy a littmann you should have the option of having a custom made name plate that you can affix to your scope. I have one on mine it cost me $7.50 but took about 6 weeks.

NurseyBaby'05, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2006

I got one of those too, but I can't see it from across the floor like I can the tape.

spoiled_lil_sister · Dec 31, 2006

Thanks - These are some great ideas! Even though I expect it to get dirty sooner, I went ahead and purchased the light pink breast cancer awareness limited edition. Because it is so limited, I hope that that might help me spot it from a distance if it ever gets lifted. Striping it wouldn't hurt either! Hey, if worse comes to worse, I guess I can always buy that horrible contruction worker bright orange one! It SCREAMS brightness! Thanks again for your replies - I think I'm going to combine all of these. Better to be safe than sorry!

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2006

You can remove the tubing and take the bell/diaphragm part to someone who does engraving and have your name engraved into the metal. I've had this done with each of my stethoscopes. I actually had one that "walked" away and was returned to me 6 months later because someone recognized my name engraved on it. It had made it's way to the pediatric unit! I worked on stepdown. Go figure.

Nursonegreat · Dec 31, 2006

i had a great scope that was mismatched from a couple of different ones. i love it and can hear anything from it...i had tape on it. it walked from the PACU. i looked on all the floors thinking a doc picked it up...i mean, no one would want it, its mismatched...but a float who had been there a few weeks ago came with it...TAPE REMOVED...around her neck. i went OH MY STETHOSCOPE!!!. she said it was hers...i was like nooooooooooo and pointed out all of the different parts and explained where they came from. the nerve of people!!!!!!!! i love that scope

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 31, 2006

You can remove the tubing and take the bell/diaphragm part to someone who does engraving and have your name engraved into the metal. I've had this done with each of my stethoscopes.

I ordered engraving from the place I purchased my stethoscope. I think next time I will find a cheaper method locally.

I actually had one that "walked" away and was returned to me 6 months later because someone recognized my name engraved on it. It had made it's way to the pediatric unit! I worked on stepdown. Go figure.

And it still walked away???? :uhoh21: I suppose adding some nasty looking tape to it might help, I'm not sure. I'll try anyhing. I cannot afford to replace my Stethoscope while in nurisng school.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 31, 2006

i had a great scope that was mismatched from a couple of different ones. i love it and can hear anything from it...i had tape on it. it walked from the PACU. i looked on all the floors thinking a doc picked it up...i mean, no one would want it, its mismatched...but a float who had been there a few weeks ago came with it...TAPE REMOVED...around her neck. i went OH MY STETHOSCOPE!!!. she said it was hers...i was like nooooooooooo and pointed out all of the different parts and explained where they came from. the nerve of people!!!!!!!! i love that scope

UNBELIEVABLE! Not even the nasty tape or different colors worked!!! :angryfire OK in that case I will need to either keep it around my neck or keep it in my scrubs. I might even consider handcuffs! For crying out loud, this is ridiculous! :uhoh3:

prmenrs, RN · Dec 31, 2006

Get a patient ID band--one of those red allergy bands or other colored one. On the insert, write:

"IF YOU STEAL THIS STETHOSCOPE, YOUR LOINS WILL GO NUMB"

on it. Your name and unit are helpful, too.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Dec 31, 2006

I had the bell engraved (so that would be at least one non-removeable way to mark it). I also have that $7.50 name plate for it, and a fluorescent greeen pt. ID band on it that says "Property of ______ _______. If you've met her before, you know to think twice before stealing it."

(I love my steth)