Is it presumptuous to have your steth engraved RN when you're a student?

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Specializes in Endocrinology, hopefully.

I'm just curious. :) I'm looking at a Littman Classic II (raspberry tubing/rainbow chest piece) and was thinking I would have it engraved with my name and... Dare I say it? "RN!"

Is that presumptuous of me as a new nursing student or is that common practice if you're buying a nicer 'scope out of the starting box?

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

I wouldn't do it. First, you may give the wrong impression to those who see the engraving and assume you're already an RN. Second, some states have protections regarding use of "nurse", "LPN", and "RN", and you could find yourself in hot water over it.

https://www.ncsbn.org/Nursing_Licensure.pdf

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Specializes in Endocrinology, hopefully.

I didn't know that! I'm glad I asked! I just figured I'm gonna earn that title, dang it... I want my stethoscope to announce it! Oh well... Guess I'll have to buy another one when I graduate!

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You could still have your name engraved & then add on the RN later!

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Specializes in Oncology.
I wouldn't do it. First, you may give the wrong impression to those who see the engraving and assume you're already an RN. Second, some states have protections regarding use of "nurse", "LPN", and "RN", and you could find yourself in hot water over it.

https://www.ncsbn.org/Nursing_Licensure.pdf

I'm glad ~Melissa~ asked this question because I was wondering the same thing!!

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

I agree with zoe92. Rather than buying a second stethoscope when you graduate, just have the RN engraved later. I'm sure there are places that can do it for a nominal fee.

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Specializes in Med/Surg,Cardiac.

I put my first initial and last name when I bought my Littman cardiology 3 as a student. I still haven't added my title yet but it would probably only cost a couple of dollars to do at the jewelry store I initially got the other engraving done at. I definitely wouldn't do it until you have your license though. I'd probably be unhappy to see a nursing student walking around with that when they haven't fully earned that title. But soon you will have earned it and can add it.

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Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.

I did it after I passed my NCLEX. Yeah I agree with misrepresentation and really you can get it done at anytime after you gain your license :)

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Many states have passed legislation protecting the title "Nurse" many state make it a criminal offense..... from the ANA website....

Title "Nurse" ProtectionBackground

Restricting use of the title "nurse" to only those individuals who have fulfilled the requirements for licensure as outlined in each state's nurse practice act is a protection for the public against unethical, unscrupulous, and incompetent practitioners. Nurse practice acts describe entry level qualifications such as education, practice standards and code of conduct for continued privilege to practice nursing. Limiting use of the title "nurse" to only those who have satisfied the licensure requirements ensures the protection the public deserves.

At least 37 states are known to have language in their Nurse Practice Act; either explicit in restricting use of the title "nurse" to only those who are licensed or implicit language restricting use of any words implying the individual is a licensed nurse.....AR, AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, KS, KY, MD, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WV, WI, WY

This is from the ANA site and is actually from 12/2011 many states have added this language to their legislation and nurse practice acts.

Title "Nurse" Protection: Summary of Language by State

Good Luck in School!!!!

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Ermmmm I would never do that! Hehe

Although we do sign SN for documents per school rules... Especially at hospitals!

StudentOfHealing SN

Haha :p

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Signing SN (student nurse) is acceptable because its what you are. ;)

I can't tell you how many times I signed CT Pixie LPN when in school. Its a habit..when I document its 99% of the time during working as an LPN. Took me a while but I forced myself to sign..SN. Then I have to remember to sign it LPN at work and not SN...my mind is toast now..ughh!

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You could still have your name engraved & then add on the RN later!

D'oh!! :yelclap:

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