EDC in the hospital?

S

str8flexed

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Sep 16, 2007
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I'm just wondering how this will work out. I am going to start working in the hospital, but do not think it would be appropriate to "whip out" the folder to cut small tasks. I could probably leave a deep-carry knife in my pocket the entire time, and maybe use it when nobody is around, perhaps in the locker, but I'm just wondering if this could potentially get me in trouble. The hospital I will be at mentions that weapons are not allowed, and this includes "illegal" knives, but not normal folding knives I presume.
 
Why don't you ask your manager? I would only show a SAK though.
If (s)he says no, then it's not your problem if those small tasks cost more time.
 
I would get a Spyderco Ladybug and use that when other folks are around. I've never seen anyone bat an eye at a Ladybug. And you'd be suprised how much work they can do. Same goes for the Case Peanut.

It depends on your job. If you're a doctor, a pocket clip showing probably wouldn't be a good idea. But a paramedic, a nurse or a maintenance guy could probably get away with carrying any EDC that's legal in your area. It all depends on your administrators though. I would work there for a little while to get a feel for the place. They probably have a lot more important things to worry about than what you're carrying in your pocket. But it only takes one busybody to ruin things for everybody.
 
They're probably not going to care what you're carrying as long as it's legal.

But I'd think twice about carrying, especially a clipped folder that's easy to get to. Not for any PC reasons, but you don't want an unstable patient being able to get a hold of a knife.
 
> But it only takes one busybody to ruin things for everybody.

That's exactly why I suggested to simply ask the manager. If they say no then so be it.
It's not worth losing a job over.
 
I am an LPN. I worked on Medicine and Surgery in my hospital. I carried a SAK Tinker for 14 years there. I eventually sold a knife to all of my co workers.
 
Definitely SAK. IIRC no one's ever said anything about my SAK at work. (I'm leaving that one alone :D ) Just to be sure I would ask your boss or someone "in the know" because you'd rather be upfront then get in trouble later. Good luck.
 
First of all congrats str8flexed on your new job.

When I was working as a Registered Nurse in the States I used to carry either a ladybug SE, cricket SE, or SAK money clip. It would come in handy when I had to open boxes of IV lines etc. I always had trauma shears on me but some tasks are better with knives so I carried it on the job.

As Dagon stated you may want to ask the manager. Just to be on the safe side.
I never did because it didn't occur to me at the time to be a problem but... you never know. There is ALOT of non knife people at the hospital and they may freak out :eek:when you bust out a knife.

Good luck!:thumbup: I hope your manager & coworkers will be understanding.
 
moonwilson said:
I would get a Spyderco Ladybug and use that when other folks are around. I've never seen anyone bat an eye at a Ladybug. And you'd be suprised how much work they can do. Same goes for the Case Peanut.

It depends on your job. If you're a doctor, a pocket clip showing probably wouldn't be a good idea. But a paramedic, a nurse or a maintenance guy could probably get away with carrying any EDC that's legal in your area. It all depends on your administrators though. I would work there for a little while to get a feel for the place. They probably have a lot more important things to worry about than what you're carrying in your pocket. But it only takes one busybody to ruin things for everybody.
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I agree with Moon: carry something small and inconspicuous, like a SAK or small Spydie, but only after you clear it with your boss. I was OK'd to carry anything within CO's legal limits on the floor, but I got sick of people noticing the pocket clip, and getting testy because I was carrying a "weapon". And I figured my 943 was too expensive to replace if someone decided to make a stink and have security confiscate it. Now I carry a Boker Wharcom deep in the pocket, and only pull it out on the rare occasion that I need to cut something that a pair of scissors or my Swisstool can't handle. Honestly, though, I use my Spirit much more during the day, and haven't had any negative comments about that. I love it when people accuse it of being a "knife", and I show them the knife blade (that looks more like a peanut butter spreader than a knife), and they get all deflated. That look is priceless! I've noticed the Engineering guys in the hospital carry some big honkin folders (mostly $5 gas station specials), and they don't seem to get hassled at all. The job, I guess. And I even saw a doc carrying a Kershaw Chive the other day. So they're out there, I guess you just have to be discreet.
 
I also suggest a Case Peanut. Get one in Tangerine, Key Lime, or some other such color. Even most women at my job who would normally be appalled at someone carrying a knife at work always comment on the "pretty color". It really takes the "dangerous:rolleyes:" aspect away from the situation. Not to mention, peanuts are a very useful style and are so lightweight they are comfortable in scrubs.
 
I recall a post awhile back from someone who worked in a hospital. He carried a bright yellow Spyderco Salt I. Very light weight, non-tactical and impervious to rust. I think lightweight is the key here, esp. if you are wearing scrubs. I have the black handled version and it is a quality knife.:thumbup:
 
my girlfriend works as an admitting clerk in the e.r. at our local hospital, and regularly carries a pink-handled leek. but this is oklahoma, and everybody... well, almost everybody carries a knife of some sort.
 
Been working in a Hospital for many years and definitely recommend speaking to Hospital Security first. Don't bring any knife to the discussion, instead mention that you have seen patients carrying knives and you would like to know the rules that apply. Then talk to your supervisor. If folders are allowed, I recommend the SAK that fits your needs. Any fixed blade, no matter how small, will make somebody uneasy. Above all else be considerate of your fellow employees. There will always be tension in a Medical environment, don't add to it. Good Luck.
 
What are you going to be doing at the hospital? If you are working in an office, I'd say a small case or SAK without a locking blade would be fine. Even a Ladybug size knife. If you are working in Maintenance or something like that, I don't think it will be an issue, but a multitool would probably be appropriate. If you are on the floors as a RN, LPN, Aide or something like that, well then either be really careful or talk to a supervisor. I work as a CA (Aide) in my hospital but don't "carry" anything. However, my Dragonfly and my Wave are in my bag which is near me all the time. If anyone has a problem with it, they've never said and they love my Wave because I've pulled it out several times to fix stuff, open boxes, etc. I am actually looking to get one of the Juice or Squirt models so I can carry it in my pocket and it won't weigh me down. I would NOT pull something out in front of a patient. But, talking to security or your boss would be the way to go. After you work there for a while and you find you have need of some sort of cutting tool, then ask if you can use a small SAK or pocket knife. They probably won't care.
 
I work at a hospital ER (part time) as a Paramedic I also carry my normal EDC (usually a custom scaled Kershaw RAM) clipped IWB of my scrubs. People don't usually notice the knife because the scrub top covers the clip a little, and they aren't used to seeing a knife clipped to your side. They look at your pockets when looking for a knife. I never discussed the fact that I would be carrying a knife with my supervisor, she is aware of it now because I used it to slice some home grown tomatoes at work for lunch. She never said anything so I took that as her OK to continue to carry but YMMV
 
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Psychopomp said:
They're probably not going to care what you're carrying as long as it's legal.

But I'd think twice about carrying, especially a clipped folder that's easy to get to. Not for any PC reasons, but you don't want an unstable patient being able to get a hold of a knife.
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hospital policy, or any company's, trumps the law. if it is in violation of policy an employee may be administratively disciplined regardless of whether the item is legal or not.

read the hospital policy regarding weapons (which is most likely where you will find any rules) and abide by them.

i can't see any problem with a sak or small leatherman, but who knows.
 
If the hospital policy only mentions illegal knives, then that makes any knife which is not illegal to carry ok by default. Of course, your supervisor(s) may not see it that way (what I'm trying to say is, if they are anything like the administration at one of my old high-schools, they will twist the wording of the policy to fit their agenda, no matter what the policy actually says). Could you post the hospital policy on knives and weapons here in this thread so we can better help you?
 
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