Stethoscope engraving

[Sunshinexoxo1991]

This is sort of an odd question. I'm getting a new stethoscope for my ABSN program. I'll be married by the time I finish my program so should I engrave the stethoscope with my current or future last name? Part of me thinks it's stupid to engrave it with my current last name which I will only have for another year when I will have the stethoscope for many years (unless it grows legs and walks away 😫) and part of me wonders if people would know it's mine if I had the future last name engraved on it?

thanks for any input!

[maeli]

I know some people in my class engraved their name followed by "RN" on their stethoscopes. Of course, we're not allowed to identify as an RN until licensed, so they just keep it covered with a piece of dark tape. That's always an option (covering your future last name with tape). Then happily rip the tape off once you're married!

[Sunshinexoxo1991]

Oh that's a good idea! Thanks for the suggestion!

[Sifty]

I would consider keeping it with your maiden (current name). Depending on where you end up working, sometimes you do not want patients knowing your full name. With all the social media etc it can be easy to find out details about people.

I know people who work in healthcare and the police who use their maiden names for everything work related. It keeps them and their family safer.

[Sunshinexoxo1991]

Oh wow I didn't even think of that! That's pretty creepy now that I think of it....

But wouldn't they see my full name with my badge anyways? I know we're required to have our name and picture easily visible at all times during nursing school.

[Sifty]

Yes that is often the case with name badges. However, myself and other nurses I have worked with often just cover up the surname with a sticker. The patients don't really need to know your last name. Unit managers never had an issue as they understood why.

Also you could choose to keep your maiden name at work, so therefore it would be printed on the badge and not your married name. Most places should allow that.

[Sunshinexoxo1991]

Awesome! Thanks for all the input and perspective! :)

[melizerd, ASN, RN]

My facility requires first and last names to be visible. If your name changes legally you need to change your badge as well.

I engraved only my first name on my stethoscope. It's bright orange and it's the shortened version of my first name, what my coworkers call me, even though it's not on my badge that way.