silly question re: shadowing an RN

I would bring it, because if I had someone shadow me and I had an especially interesting sound for you to hear, it'd only take a minute to listen.

I would bring it, because if I had someone shadow me and I had an especially interesting sound for you to hear, it'd only take a minute to listen.

Yup. Better safe than sorry.

I agree, bring it. You never know what you may see or have an opportunity to hear. You never know, you might even be able to take an old fashioned blood pressure. Does anyone use stethescopes for those anymore, anyway??? I miss having the "manual" BP around.

I would. I'd also take a small notepad to jot down info I've learned.

I'm sure this is a silly question, but ...

I will be shadowing an ED nurse for 4 hours - should I bring my stethoscope? I doubt I can actually assess pts. or take VS as I'm not a student or employee at this facility, but I'd hate to go without it and look unprepared.

(It's almost 0400 -- been awake for a REALLY long time -- maybe I'm just not thinking clearly. Feel free to tell me so )

Yes, bring your stethoscope...anything you would usually use taking care of patients. Granted you might not be able to do anything but it certainly looks better if you come prepared...if we didn't have a stethoscope w/ us when I was in school you'd get sent home w/ an incomplete (and this wasn't in the dark ages!) ;

we have students shadowing all the time...absolutely bring your stethoscope...I make all my students listen to heart and lung sounds...that's the only way you learn...by doing it....whether they are normal or not...

I agree........you need to take it with you. When you are a shadow you need to be as equipped as if you were on the clock. The replies were right on the money especially if there are any strange/rare sounds.......you will want to hear it and I don't especially like lending my scope to strangers. I don't have a germ phobia, just don't know how everyone takes care of their bodies and don't want to find a wax project in my tips.

BTW, it excites me to think about the vast amount of knowledge you are about to be exposed to. I love when I learn something new and if you have a clean slate you are in for a great ride!!! Enjoy yourself.......soak it up! Best wishes.

Scott

Thanks to all who replied ... I took my stethoscope & yes, I needed it!

I've been offered a GN position in this ED - I asked to shadow an RN so that I could get a better "feel" for the environment. Everything went wonderfully. It was a very busy 4 hours - lots to see & absorb.

I've also been offered a job in another ED, and I will shadow there next week. This decision is keeping me up at night, and I need to make up my mind soon.

I'm a little daunted by what I'm about to undertake, but since I've been working as an ER tech -- I'm hooked! I can't see myself anywhere else, at least for now.

:)

Wow, MLOS! You're very lucky. Many facilities don't accept GNs.

Congrats!