What supplies will I need?

NICU_Nurse, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2004

That was probably me. I use them and they work beautifully for me. I keep meaning to try out the Venoscope but haven't gotten around to ordering it yet. Anyone try that?

dawngloves, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2004

Venoscope??? :confused:

prmenrs, RN · Feb 3, 2004

If there's an older nurse around who has a pair of reading glasses, borrow them, see if it helps. You need about a +1.50 strength.

You can get a very inexpensive neonatal stethescope for ~ $15-$20. Works just fine. Get a more expensive Infant Littman later.

NICU_Nurse, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2004

http://www.venoscope.com/content/neonatal_instructions.php

I meant the older version, but apparantly, in the last year, they've come out with a new one (yikes! out of the budget- the first one was like 150, the neonatal is 270 freaking bucks!) for neonates.

Well, so much for that idea. Maybe the cost will go down after a while. I've heard lots of good things about the original (for adults- can also be used for neonates, but less ease).

wjf00 · Feb 3, 2004

Check with the unit manager before you buy a stethoscope. The last 2 NICU units I worked in had stethoscopes for each pt. It is best to have the unit provide them so there is less chance of cross contamination. I find it is very beneficial to keep the stethoscope in the isolette to keep it warm, so the cold metal does not startle the tiny premies.

prmenrs, RN · Feb 3, 2004

I have never in >35yrs of nursing, including 7 in Infection Control, seen DOCUMENTED an outbreak of infections due to a stethescope.

I have, however, used my clevage to warm up a cold stethescope! :eek: I have also removed tiny hands from that same spot. Those darn V-neck scrubs! The boys seemed to try that trick more than the girls. :confused:

dawngloves, BSN, RN · Feb 4, 2004

Originally posted by prmenrs
I have, however, used my clevage to warm up a cold stethescope! I have also removed tiny hands from that same spot. Those darn V-neck scrubs! The boys seemed to try that trick more than the girls.

:roll :roll :roll

Each of our pts have their own as well. We stick the bell in the isollette to keep it warm though!:chuckle

dawngloves, BSN, RN · Feb 4, 2004

Kristy, that's still too much stuff for me to manage! I have small hands and stubby fingers! I can barely type!:chuckle

iceNICUnurse · Feb 4, 2004

I will show my doctors this venoscope thing. We have an old one and it only sometimes works and smells sooo badly:imbar

I have seen it go out in the worst of times like when the doc is just about to get in to the radial artery.

Always something new to lern from you girls!

NICU_Nurse, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2004

Originally posted by prmenrs
I have also removed tiny hands from that same spot. Those darn V-neck scrubs! The boys seemed to try that trick more than the girls.

Ahhh! You made me laugh with this one, Sandi. I say the same thing at work! I take it as a compliment. Then I go home and tell my husband a cute, young male tried to feel me up at work. Gets him every time.

wjf00 · Feb 6, 2004

Originally posted by prmenrs
I have never in >35yrs of nursing, including 7 in Infection Control, seen DOCUMENTED an outbreak of infections due to a stethescope.

When I was in nursing school an instructor got swimmers ear from an ear piece. Now I always alchohol rub the ear pieces!

Gompers, BSN, RN · Feb 6, 2004

I have never in >35yrs of nursing, including 7 in Infection Control, seen DOCUMENTED an outbreak of infections due to a stethescope.

When I was in nursing school an instructor got swimmers ear from an ear piece. Now I always alchohol rub the ear pieces!

I think prmenrs was actually referring to infections carried from baby to baby via a healthcare worker's stethescope.

But about the swimmer's ear - ick! The idea of sharing a stethescope with the entire staff grosses me out! I think it's cleaner to just alcohol off your own scope between patients. To each her own!

Just my opinion!