Trivial detail...rainbow stethoscope chespiece?

[fnpL]

Hi, friends! I'm looking into purchasing a Littman Cardiology III with black tubing and a rainbow chestpiece, but I'm concerned that the multi-colored chestpiece might be too "loud" for professional clinicals (pun intended :)). I'm nervous that more traditional MDs/NPs, or even patients, may think of a multi-colored stethoscope as unprofessional.

I'm a FNP student, and I'm getting ready to start hands-on clinicals this summer (yay!). I'll be working with various NPs and MDs in my area, and I'm hoping to make connections that will assist me in my future search for NP employment.

I know stethoscope color is a completely trivial detail and ideally shouldn't matter at all. However, I'm just not a plain person, and I can't bring myself to spend $150+ on a traditional black scope that everyone else has. A definite benefit of purchasing this scope would be its uniqueness among others (so hopefully it wouldn't walk away as easily).

I know this is kind of crazy...am I worrying too much? Would you consider buying a fun stethoscope for professional clinicals, or would you steer clear of anything that might be deemed immature? I sincerely appreciate your feedback! :)

[MunkiRN, BSN, RN]

Sadly I think your gut might be right. While it might be seen as fun and quirky once you are practicing, while in school it might look a bit rebellious and give an unintended impression. Another thing to think about is that in todays time a rainbow has another strong connotation and regardless of your own feelings or persuasions its just not something that needs to be dealt with in a school/clinical setting. Just my two cents... believe me I wish it were different because I would totally be rocking the lime green stethescope if I could!

[RileyRN2013]

I have the Littman with Rainbow finish and I love it. It is multi colored, but with dark colors. I don't think any nurses, patients, or practitioners have noticed or commented on it. Mine also has the dark teal tubing and in my opinion looks classy, not cheesy. I would say that you are making an expensive investment, so get what you like. The only time I have ever really noticed others stethoscopes are when they have large tape rolls or big name tags. That look I don't like.

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

Had to google what you meant by "rainbow chestpiece". I think it looks cool. It doesn't seem loud to me because the colors are quite muted and blend in with the metallic sheen of the chestpiece. I say go for it.

PS...in my neck of the woods, you can freely wear rainbow colors as much as you want and nobody will bat an eyelash.

[fnpL]

Thank you guys for your input so far! I really appreciate it!

This link will send you to picture of the scope, so it might help to clarify exactly what I'm looking at (you may need to click on the little black/multi-colored square to change the color): Littmann Cardiology III 27" Stethoscope | allheart.com

[MunkiRN, BSN, RN]

Ooh, that looks really cool, after seeing it I say go for it!!

[SaoirseRN]

I say go for it. I would love all over that if you came to my workplace wearing it. It's awesome!

[OnceMore]

I like it. Not at all unprofessional.

[fnpL]

Thank you all so much for your feedback! It was so helpful!

And because of all of your supportive and positive feedback...

(drum roll please...)

I BOUGHT IT! I am super excited, and I can't wait for it to arrive! :)

[SaoirseRN]

Thank you all so much for your feedback! It was so helpful!

And because of all of your supportive and positive feedback...

(drum roll please...)

I BOUGHT IT! I am super excited, and I can't wait for it to arrive! :)

I am excited for you!

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

If you ask me, I doubt you will work with people that pay that much attention to a stethescope! Glad you bought what you like and not what you thought would conform.

[NJprisonrn]

Now I want that stethoscope! I thought it was professional with just a hint of jazz. Who could dirt on that?