How do you store your stethoscope?

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What is the best way to store my stethoscope at my house? In a drawer somewhere, hung on a hook, or how?

(sorry, stupid question I know. But my husband bought me this stethoscope last Christmas when I decided I was finally going to go back to school so not only do I want to take care of it for obvious reasons [hello - PRICEY], but it also holds extreme sentimental value to me.)

Thanks!

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I keep my stethoscope in my clinical bag beside my computer desk. However, mine is neither pricey nor sentimental. But it is a pretty color.:) If you do decide to keep it out (or even if you don't), I suggest you disinfect it before you bring it home. Also, I wouldn't keep it in the car (like over the rear view mirror). I suspect that would damage the tubing.

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Specializes in Antepartm and Mother-Baby.

Not on a hook it will get a bend in it and ruin it. I just lay it out on a shelf by my desk in its natural shape (whatever position it wants to sit in). It can be stored in its box if you kept it.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

I just stuff mine in my work bag.. Its pricey but so far (5 years) and it still works like the day I got it. I would engrave your name in it if its not already, they tend to walk off less :)

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I played with it for a day or two after Christmas and then stored it safely back in the box ever since. I just now took it out of the box to look at it, and apparently I didn't store it right because there's a "crease" or something in the tubing close to the bottom where it meets the round thing (newbie student - don't know the technical terms yet!). Will this hinder my ability to hear? Darn it.

Back to my original post - I guess I'll just leave it in my clinical bag. I didn't consider germs (yuck) but thanks for the heads up. I was also going to get it engraved with my initials, but they spell BAM (haha, when I got married and changed my name I thought that was awesome) and I'm afraid someone would think I was being "cute" or "unprofessional" or something. My last name is somewhat long (8 letters) so what do you think I should do?

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Specializes in ER.

I keep mine in a drawer with my other clinical supplies. As for germs, I wipe it down with alcohol or antimicrobial wipes several times a day. It's a good habit to get into while at the hospital.

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I put mine in the carrying case that came with my blood pressure cuff. It folds in half in order to fit in the bag, but it still works great! I also agree with "learning as I go", I wipe mine down with wipes after every patient. Germs!!! haha

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I hang mine on a hook so it hangs straight down. It's where I hang my uniform so it's all together.

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I keep my Littmann in the box it came in with tender, loving care. It was a gift from a friend when I first expressed my deep desire to be an RN. It is my tangible reminder of all my hopes and dreams, and I can't wait for the day that I get to toss that sucker around my neck and get to work!!!

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When I am not useing it its usually in my desk drawer with my BP cuff.

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Thank you for posting this! Mine has been kept in the box, but we only use them once/week right now. I understand the sentimental value, I got mine from my sister almost a year ago, when I had just started applying. I've been keeping mine in the box, but it seems like there must be an easier way, especially once I'll be using it almost daily.

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I abuse mine terribly. One place not to leave it: blazing hot car in Florida hung on rearview mirror lol....now it has a kink.

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