Posted on Oct 8, 2015

What policy covers the wearing of a stethoscope in uniform?

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Does anyone have any regulation or meddac policy on being allowed to or not allowed to wear a stethoscope in uniform? By that I mean you're actively treating patients. Having to listen to lung sounds/heart sounds/abdominal sounds and you throw you stethoscope around your neck after. I'm referring to hospital/clinic settings only.

A problem I've having is being constantly corrected by a NCO for doing it, and example is right after I'm done working up a patient, in which I used my stethoscope, I might throw it around my neck as i walk to brief my provider. That's when it seems like I'm almost chased down for this NCO to remind me that I can't wear it around my neck.

I've asked for the policy. Either army or hospital that states that, or why providers and nurses walk around wearing them without ever being corrected while in uniforms. The answer I get is basically "well they're different, they're providers, you're a medic."

Policy being discrimatory based on MOS is new to me, so I'm trying to find in writing what the guidelines are. Anyone got answers?

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Medic

Uniforms

DA Pam 670-1

Posted >1 y ago

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Responses: 25

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Edited >1 y ago

Posted >1 y ago

Of all the things to bother you about, this NCO chose this? Its a piece of equipment that you need for your job. Personally, I would ask that NCO if he has challenged the Nurses and Doctors in uniform that have the stethoscope around their necks. If he has not, then ask why he is trying to correct you about it? Equality across the board if that being around the neck is in error, right? Have him cite his source. Again, it is military medical equipment that you need readily available to properly perform your mission. Is this NCO a Medic as well?

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SGT Quinn Reels

>1 y

WELL NOW YOU KNOW THE REGULATION. KEEP DOING YOUR JOB HE WON'T ALWAYS BE OVER YOU.I WOULD MENTION IT TO THE OFFICER IN CHARGE BECAUSE HE IS ONLY TARGETING YOU

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LTC Ray B. (Ret)

>1 y

First Do not ask that NCO how he treats others that is not your lane. If you have an issue with that NCO then speak to your chain and get an NCO to address the issue with the NCO in question. Don’t be that soldier.

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LTC Ray B. (Ret)

>1 y

You know why he doesn’t say anything to those soldiers? Because they are out of his lane. Don’t be that soldier

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CW3 (Join to see)

3 y

LTC Ray B. (Ret) - a standard is a standard, and should be enforced EQUALLY. It is a lack of integrity not to do so.

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Capt Mark Strobl

Posted >1 y ago

If this NCO continues to badger you over toting around your equipment, have them either 1.) cite the directive which would prevent you from continuously keep it on your person, or 2.) Hand the stethoscope to them for safe keeping --and go retrieve it each time you need it. My guess is they'll get bothered by the second option and concede. In a clinic setting, I would expect medical personnel to immediately have the equipment they need at the ready. Shoot, whenever I went to the armory to draw my weapon, I remember the Marines on duty were always carrying their side-arms --it was part of their T/E standard... and I doubt that was ever published in an order/directive. If this NCO can't produce a document outlining when/where you may possess a stethoscope... But similarly, pick your battles.

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