Engraving on stethoscope - yay or nay?

Pink Magnolia, BSN, RN · Jul 10, 2014

I simply put my name on mine in case I lost it or something, but you can do anything you want as long as it's appropriate. Many times people don't even notice.

notnursezelda · Jul 10, 2014

i read a few post on here about that...sometimes engraving might be against the school policy.

also, you can try to write your name inside the diaphragm of the stethoscope with sharpie, so that way it stands out if your worried about someone stealing it,.. im definitely going to be doing that, once the semester starts

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Jul 10, 2014

Oof, I didn't see anything about that in the school policy. They only said we needed a stethoscope, and that was as in depth as the specification for it was. That's a good idea, I saw that posted somewhere. Perhaps I'll do that as well, if I can manage to get the engraving.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2014

What I would do is just engrave your name. It may get misplaced during clinical or at school and it increases the odds of it coming back to you just a tiny bit. Also, unless the Bible verse is just a few words, they may not even be able to do it.

Also, people will jump to get offensive regardless. I wouldn't give them one more thing to attack you with. I've learned to never discuss my beliefs including politics with patients or coworkers just to make it easier.

laKrugRN · Jul 11, 2014

I never engraved mine during school just in case it got lost. I had a little name tag thing that stuck on it. Now that I am a nurse my fiance got me a nice Littmann and engraved my soon to be married name. I suggest waiting till after graduation to get a nice one or expensive engraving. Just my 2 cents though.

christina731 · Jul 11, 2014

I'll chime in on this one. I'm not a religious person nor do I believe in god. If I had a nurse that had bible verses engraved on their stethoscope I wouldn't care. I care about competence, not beliefs. I'm sure that not everyone will agree with me on this topic but who really cares? As long as you're not imposing your beliefs on someone it shouldn't be a problem. I don't see this as any different than someone wearing a cross or star of david pendant on a necklace. I will agree with others about getting your name engraved on it instead, just in case an honest person happens to find it, they will have an easier time looking for you rather than trying to figure out who it might belong to.

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Jul 11, 2014

I've decided to just do without the engraving. The warranty thing is kind of what got me. However, I will be sure to write my name on the inside of the diaphragm, just as a precaution. I bought a Littmann and spent a good deal of money, so no way will I be risking it making a mysterious disappearance if I can help it.

SongofaNurse · Jul 11, 2014

Littmans tend to get stolen. I got mine engraved! I also have crosses on mine :) I think there is no problem embracing your religion.

AmyRN303, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2014

I didn't engrave mine because of the warranty. That being said, I don't take mine off my neck, so I'm going with an ID tag and crossing my fingers it doesn't grow legs and jump off my shoulders :)

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2014

If you really want to prevent your stethoscope from being boosted, do this:

Unscrew the ring holding the diaphragm in place and take it out.

On the INSIDE surface of the diaphragm, write your name backwards (sbrawkcad) in magic marker, mirror image, so when you reassemble it the name is legible.

Since it's inside the diaphragm, it won't wear off, won't scrub off with alcowipes when you clean it, and will be very large and visible if anyone else uses it.

3rdGenRN · Jul 11, 2014

I engraved mine with my name on the advice of long time nurses. I upgraded which stethoscope I bought though, so it is worth it to me to do it.