Do I need to have my own steth at work?

You don't have to as there is often (if not always) 1 in the nursing station or near the manual BP machine.

However, it is always good to have 1 with you, as a personal 1 will allow you to use it whenever you want and in 100% working order. (Not to mention you won't know when is the last time the work stethoscope was cleaned.)

It often depends on the culture of your ward. The ones that are available on my ward are horrible cheap things.

I use mine everyday I work in post op ward in general surgery. Listening to chests is important for me it sneaks some deep breathing for the pt, I can monitor chests. I often have upper gi surgery pts operations with either a thoracic approach or at least deflate one lung to fain access.

Also bowel surgery pt is essential for return of bowel sounds.

It often depends on the culture of your ward. The ones that are available on my ward are horrible cheap things.

I use mine everyday I work in post op ward in general surgery. Listening to chests is important for me it sneaks some deep breathing for the pt, I can monitor chests. I often have upper gi surgery pts operations with either a thoracic approach or at least deflate one lung to fain access.

Also bowel surgery pt is essential for return of bowel sounds.

Thanks for your responses, guys! :)

May I know the brand of steth you own? :)

I agree, it's definitely cultural.

I don't accept that it's "the doctors job" to auscultate in Australian wards.