Keeping my stethescope clean

[lisacsi]

I've noticed that a lot of nurses don't clean their stethescopes between patients. I try to remember to, but even I've been guilty of this. Does anyone/do any facilities have ways of remembering to do this/making this more convinient?

[suzy253, RN]

I just walk around with a bunch of EtOH pads in my pocket and wipe down my stethescope (when I remember!) Wish I did it as often as I wash my hands.

[Nutmeg5575]

Wish I did it as often as I wash my hands.

Maybe that is the key. Make it habbit to clean it everytime you wash your hands.

[allthingsbright]

We were taught to wipe it down BEFORE and AFTER each use. I just make sure I wipe it before I put it in my ears, just in case I "forgot" when putting it away. Just make it a habit.

[Nemhain]

I'm so freaked out about germs that I even clean my stethescope when I'm just waiting my turn to get into the med. box. I do it out of habit. I usually have no fewer than 20 Alcohol packets in my pockets and use 3 packets for each cleaning and do it before and after each patient. ... I need help. :uhoh21:

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

You might also try an antimicrobial stethoscope diaphragm. They're available at allheart.com and uniform stores.

http://www.trimlinemed.com/index.php?newpage=products/stethoscopes/safesealrev.html

[RNMISTY362b]

I am a total germ FREAK I wipe it down while still in the pt room before I wash my hand after I remove my gloves. Wants it becomes a habit you don't even think about it.

[RNin2007]

It's also a good thing to do in front of your patient (while introducing yourself)...it shows them that you care about their safety and can help develop rapport...JMHO. Personally, when I intro myself to my patient, I either am rubbing in the foam disinfectant hand sanitizer (in front of them so they know my hands are clean) or tell them i'm going to wash my hands and be right back to do my assessment.

~J

[EmilyCCRN]

I clean mine between patients, usually when I'm walking down the hall between rooms. I always have a ton of alcohol wipes in my pockets, so I just grab one and wipe down my equipment when I'm travelling from one room to another. I also wipe down my Carpuject, penlight, pen, bandage scissors, etc., but admittedly not as often as I clean my stethoscope (at least once per shift--these items don't come into direct contact with the patient like the stethoscope does). Also, to keep things quick, I wipe down the diaphragm and tubing but not necessarily the earpieces during my quick "walks". My stethoscope cost nearly $200 so if it's not in my ears, it's around my neck--I NEVER set it down on a bedside table or at the nurses' station. My top priority is to clean the part that touches the patient. Since the earpieces only go in my ears, I clean them less often.