Idea for a new sticky

Nursing Students General Students

Published

As many times as people are asking about stethoscopes, this would make a great sticky for the top of the page :D

Posted by time4mydream on 12-14-2003 01:49 PM:

what stethoscope to buy

hi. i will be starting nursing school in january. i have been looking around at the different brands of stethoscopes. i have also done a search on this board for stethoscopes and have read through the messages posted there. any recommendations for a good stethoscope and also is it worth the extra money to purchase a good one versus a cheap one? a friend of mine who is an ER nurse says that i do not need to spend more than $20. on a scope. i would love to get some ideas on what type to buy and also, what do you like about the stethoscope that you use?

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Posted by LauraLou on 12-14-2003 01:58 PM:

I have a Tycos Harvey Elite. As I am also starting in January, I can't give you any feedback on how well it works. My suggestion is once you decide what you want, check out Ebay. I got mine on Ebay, brand new, and paid less than half the list price.

__________________

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

1 Cor 13:7

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Posted by suzy253 on 12-14-2003 02:03 PM:

I'm a student as well and I have been using the Littman Master Classic II on my clinicals based on recommendations from nurses using this board. It's a very good steth.

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Posted by Headhurt on 12-14-2003 03:14 PM:

I've used a Littman, and have no complaints. Fellow classmates have other brands, all report them working well.

Whichever one you pick, make sure it has a doudle-sided bell. Some instructors are particular about that sort of thing.

Good luck in school!

__________________

I could eat a bowl of alphabet soup and crap out a better conversation than you. ~unknown~

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Posted by ibmissy on 12-14-2003 03:24 PM:

I use a stethoscope my other half bought when I was pregnant with my 8 yr old son..He bought it at CVS to try and listen to him in my belly. It cost a total of $15 and I have no problem with it.

I recommend a cheap one over an expensive one..Once you have mastered using a cheap one, then you may want to get a littman or something like that. But cheaper ones are better for those learning to take b/p's and listen to heart, lung, and bowel sounds. I've noticed in class those who own littmans had a harder time passing the b/p skill in lab..Mostly because the double stethoscope the teacher uses with you is pretty cheap..and the acoustics aren't as good as the more expensive scopes.

__________________

Grow Your Own Dope.....Plant A Man!

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Posted by raynefall on 12-14-2003 04:42 PM:

Re: what stethoscope to buy

quote:

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Originally posted by time4mydream

hi. i will be starting nursing school in january. i have been looking around at the different brands of stethoscopes. i have also done a search on this board for stethoscopes and have read through the messages posted there. any recommendations for a good stethoscope and also is it worth the extra money to purchase a good one versus a cheap one? a friend of mine who is an ER nurse says that i do not need to spend more than $20. on a scope. i would love to get some ideas on what type to buy and also, what do you like about the stethoscope that you use?

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I refuse to spend over $100 for a Littman stethoscope while I'm still a student. After I graduate and pass the NCLEX fine, but for now my $15 stethoscope that works real well will have to do!

__________________

*3rd/6 semester nursing student. Hurry up and get here May 2005 so I can have a life again!*

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Posted by debx on 12-14-2003 04:50 PM:

You can't go wrong with a Littman. However, I refuse to pay more than $20 for a stethoscope. I work in ER and they tend to "walk".

As a matter of fact, I bought an extra "cheapy" to keep in my locker at work.

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Posted by AmyB on 12-14-2003 11:38 PM:

When we were buying our supplies before the first semester started, one of the graduating seniors told us there were two things that it would be worth it to invest in. One was a good pair of shoes (obviously) and the other was a stethascope. I have a cheapie Sprague and a Littman Lightweight and they both seem to work well for me. I had no difficulty passing my lab b/p with either scope. Good luck!

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Posted by Sarah Kat on 12-15-2003 01:50 AM:

My folks got me a Littmann Classic II SE as an early Christmas present. I start school in Jan. I have used it to listen to family members and pets (yes, pets) and it works very well. The scope "recommended" for my class from the place we get our student uniforms is a Prestige sprague (from what I understand it's because its one of the higher quality cheapie scopes).

__________________

The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly. -- Buddha

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Posted by tdg_rn on 12-15-2003 03:49 PM:

I am in the same boat - starting school in January and all. I decided to go ahead with the Littman Classic II SE.

The biggest reason I chose it was I think you generally get what you pay for. Littman has an extremely good track record. I'm also pretty good about hanging on to my stuff so I expect to have it for a good while. I didn't want to drop a whole lot of money on one but I felt it was more of an investment.

Terence

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another thread:

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Posted by megamoo1979 on 12-10-2003 01:58 PM:

A few silly questions about equipment needed for clinicals, etc.

Hi all, I'm starting an ADN program in January and I have a couple of questions. What kind of stethescope should I buy? Any particular brands I should look at? Also, do I need a fancy schmancy (expensive) one or will a less expensive one do?

And, does insurance usually cover a TB test? If not, how much should I plan on spending? Can I go to my PCP for this?

Thanks in advance!

__________________

Megan

Mommy and Wife

Graduating in Dec. 2005

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Posted by AmyLiz on 12-10-2003 02:33 PM:

Your program will probably tell you what exactly you'll need for clinicals. As for the stethescope...do a quick search on this site & you'll find dozens of threads on them. Everyone has their own opinion on them. Some swear by their "cheapies" others would rather die than give up their Litmann. (I've got a Littmann Master Classic II & love it, btw)

I'm not sure if a TB test would be covered by your insurance. I don't think mine was. You can go to your local Community Health Department and be able to get one cheap though. You might ask your advisor about that. I know a few folks I am in school with went that route & only paid $10 per test ($20 for the two-part test). You can get one at your doctor's office too, if you would rather do that. I went ahead & got mine done by my doctor since I had to get a physical anyway.

__________________

***Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, because you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup.

***Eat one live toad the first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.

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Posted by megamoo1979 on 12-10-2003 03:12 PM:

Thanks! I did a search and found lots of info on steths! I think I'll end up going with a Littman!

I appreciate your reply!

__________________

Megan

Mommy and Wife

Graduating in Dec. 2005

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Posted by suemom2kay on 12-11-2003 08:12 AM:

The best price I've found for Littman's is http://allhearts.com

Make sure you stay away from the Lightweight version. I've heard they don't work well and the company is d/cing them.

I have the Master Classic II as well. I don't start school until Jan. so don't know how I'll like it.

__________________

Sue

A.A.S. RN Class of 2005 (December)

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Posted by FullMoonMadness on 12-11-2003 09:12 AM:

Go with the Littman, you will be glad you did. Make sure it is marked very plainly with your name and be hesitant to lend it. Those Littmans have a way of growing feet. And congratulations on starting school.

__________________

Shine on you crazy diamond.

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Posted by megamoo1979 on 12-11-2003 09:46 AM:

Thanks everyone! I went ahead and ordered a Littman from allheart.com.

__________________

Megan

Mommy and Wife

Graduating in Dec. 2005

suemom2kay

Please state make/model, price, and where you got it.

I definitely want one on wheels so I have a back to speak of during/after Nursing School.

Thanks all!

proud2basn

Don't buy one of the cheap ones at Walmart. I had one and it constantly tipped over, and I busted a zipper trying to cram books in it. Some people in my class had ones called American Tourister that you also get at Walmart. I am not sure how much they are, But they are big, have wheels, and don't tip over. That is what I am getting for next semester.

hyperstudent

I got mine at Eddie Bauer and I love it. I did break one of the zippers on the outside pouch, but it was covered by a life-time warranty. Eddie Bauer found me an identical backpack from another store and had it shipped to me the same week for free! I originally paid around 70.00 for the backpack a year ago, it may cost more now. It's a great backpack....no tipping and the handle is retractable so it can also be carried as a regular backpack.

maire

Hrm...mine says INGEAR on the tag. I think I bought it at some sporting Goods store (Dick's maybe?) I love it. Can fit a ton of stuff in it and it's sturdy.

Berta

I just love my Eastpak rolling backpack from ebags.com. I think I paid $55. It has awesome quality. I have a old regular backpack from eastpak that has to be at least 20years old and is still going stong. I was just sick to death of it. Plus, I too need to save my back from the weight of all the books.

Berta

tmarie75

It didn't take me long either to get rid of my old backpack and switch to one that rolls once I started carrying my nursing encyclopedias that double as textbooks. I bought a Sports Plus backpack at a department store called Hecht's. I believe they sell them online also. They're priced at $40.00, but I got mine on sale for $20.00, either way, your back will thank you for the relief. Good luck on your search.

KrisRNwannabe

i asked for one for christmas. i found the ebags.com website very helpful. you could learn about the bag and what people thought of it. and they had great prices

kris:devil:

lizz

Don't buy Everest.

After just one semester, there's already a hole in the bottom of it, and I'm going to have to replace it. :devil:

So keep those recommendations coming! :D

Ruylupez

I got one made by a company called outdoor explorer.

The zipper gave out after about 2 weeks and could not be fixed.

I would suggest avoiding this brand.

Love-A-Nurse

I have one but I mostly carry my books.

MLOS

Those rolling backpacks are great (although noisy when there are several of them rolling down the hallway or sidewalk!), but depending on where you do most of your studying, you might want to think about whether or not it's really necessary to carry 40 lbs. of nursing textbooks with you all the time. :specs: This past semester I only brought The Big One to class maybe twice - the rest of the time it stayed at home. Lecture moved too quickly to be flipping pages anyway - much easier to just jot a note to "see chart on p. 348" in my notes.

Happy Holidays,

Leigh

Berta

I do agree about carrying all your books. I don't carry mine with me to class. Just my tape recorder and a pen. Luckily, our instructors give us a stack of notes for each lecture. We just jot down anything extra.

About the only time is comes into the classroom is when we have a clinical lab at school. Those are the 6 hrs sessions. Then I may need my textbook for reference, stethoscope, a soda, etc. Plus, I can stuff my purse inside it.

I use my backpack mainly for carrying stuff to and from the car to the library, etc. Its kind of a mini office on wheels. That way I have everythink I need with me. Pens, highlighters, stapler, hole punch, quarters for the copy machine, lunch, medical dictionary, drug book, etc. Oh, and a big bottle of tylenol. LOL

Lastly, it would be impossible to fit all my books in the backpack. The thing only has a weight capacity of 40 or 50 pounds. My books weigh far more than that. So, I just pick one or two to lug along.

I have had really good luck with my rolling backpack. As I mentioned previously, its an Eastpack from Ebags and cost me between $40-50. I have also bought a sleeve for my laptop from them. It fits beautifully and also fits well in the backpack. That cost only $20.

Berta:)

suemom2kay

Thanks for all your replies everyone. I think I'll go with the Eastpak. There stuff definitely seems to last.

Nurse2bSandy

I wouldn't get another rolling backpack for nursing school. The books are too heavy. My eastpak was history after only 2 week... wheels had flats and couldn't roll smoothly. If I did get another one, I'd go with one with either rubber wheels like on a stroller or wheels that can be changed out. I so wanted a rolling backpack, but found that I got by with not carrying so many books. I use a big bag (like a beach bag) and carry a book at a time... if I really need more, I go to my car between classes and enjoy a walk.

Just my .02. Hope you have better luck if you really need a roller!

hyperstudent

Current nurses, nursing students, future nursing students, what kind of shoes are you wearing with your uniform and what kind and what kind would you recommend?

I just realized today that I have 42 days (i think) until my first day of nursing school and my stomach feels like I'm constantly going downward on a roller coaster. I think I should try to keep busy but the anxiety wont let me. Hopefully, when I am able to registar and buy books I will calm down, but until then ...tell me about your shoes.

CCU NRS

I am limited to what I can find in my size fortunately New Balance makes a wonderful shoe. I wrote them several years ago and I told them that due to the large influx of expected male nurses I would suggest that they continue to make large sizes and in white. They brought back a shoe that had been discontinued which is a very comfortable walking shoe. They also continue to make several other styles mostly white with some color of trim.

BTW I wear 16 4E

Love-A-Nurse

Years ago, the best pair of shoes, which included comfort and support, I wore were Nurses Mate but found they didn't last as long as the less expensive ones. I wear Dr. Scholl's now.

JENRN2BMICHIGAN

New Balance here also.

Carolanne

Quark clogs. Found them on http://www.allheart.com. $19.99. Love them so much I bought a pair in black to wear with my everyday clothes when I'm not in uniform! They're awesome, like wearing slippers. They conform to the shape of YOUR foot, not vice versa, when it takes a week or more to break in regular shoes!

tmarie75

I have nursemates' Angel. I also highly recommend wearing compression stockings or knee-highs. Makes a huge difference when you're on your feet a lot.

AmyLiz

I've got a pair of Nursemates Senneca shoes. They're slip-on, laceless & are NOT clogs. (We're not allowed to wear clogs at our school). I think they're very comfortable. Extremely lightweight. I wear a pair of nursemates pantyhose and a pair of white cotton socks with them (I hate to wear shoes with just hose! I have to wear socks! :chuckle )

Vsummer1

Our school dictates what is needed, so you may want to wait until they send their guidelines. First semester the instructor's were really picky about the uniform.

Until you KNOW what they specify, don't buy!

LauraLou

I also have to buy shoes for January. I have searched on shoes and there are a lot of threads about favorite nursing shoes. This is what I found.

Dansko's and New Balance are very popular. Some people with back problems like Merrels and SAS. There are several people who swear by Z-coils, but I can't imagine any nursing school letting you wear shoes with a spring instead of a heel. They're wild! There are mixed reviews on NurseMates.

I am torn between Dansko's and New Balance. I think I may go with New Balance because they have two styles that prevent over-pronation (feet turning in) which is a big problem for me.

purplemania

Are you familiar with the school's dress code? You might as well start following the rules now, so as not to add stress to your life later. Some schools will not permit shoes with brand identifiers (Nike swoosh, etc.) I like New Balance and Easy Spirit.

Sarah Kat

My school requires all white (only a little blue is allowed), leather and no open toe or heel. I got a pair of Dansko Professionals on ebay for $50 and found a pair of Nikes from Amazon. The Nikes are a great deal, they're less than $30 with taxes and shipping. The Danskos are a little tight, but I am going to have them stretched at the shoe shop. The Nikes fit great. You will definately want to know your school's guidelines for shoes. If I had bought the shoes before I knew the guidlines, I would have gotten a pair of Birki clogs that I wouldn't be able to wear.

twarlik

How I envy you all who are allowed to wear sneakers...

We aren't allowed to wear athletic shoes with our uniforms and the only mens shoes I could find are these horrible, all white Dinkles. I actually think they're made for high school marching bands. The up side is that they're actually pretty comfortable.

For the original poster: I agree with everyone who recommended that you find out what the school's dress code is. Mine is super picky (hence, the ugly shoes!)

#1rnstudent

luckily we can wear clogs. I love my Birkenstocks! They have a new line out called AllPro and you can even get them steel-toed. The heels are much higher and give better protection than ever. :)

Noney

Couldn't work without my Birk's

Noney

Mithrah

Our school is not picky about what shoes we wear, just as long as they are mostly white and clean.

I choose Skechers because they are light weight, add an inch of height, and are very comfortable. I bought mine on sale at a local store for $40.

http://www.skechers.com/shop/produc...l&SORT=null

sunshineclarity

I also have Nursemates Senneca shoes--they are very comfortable, I love them! I do have a pair of Birks though that I don't wear for school/work, but I was thinking of getting a white pair for school--they are also very comfortable!

PJMommy

I wore white Reeboks during clinical. Broke down and bought a pair of black nurse Klogs (brand name) for senior preceptorship and love them. My feet get hot no matter what the temp is so the Klogs are perfect. I may try a pair of Quarks next. We had to wear all white shoes in clinicals so check your dress code.

Another thing to remember -- get something that you can wipe down easily (preferably with alcohol). After being in the hospital for 12 hours, my nursing shoes do not come into my house. I'm tempted to start doing what I see lots of nurses do -- wear a pair of "clean" shoes to work and back home and change into the nursing shoes at work. In just 3 weeks of 12 hour preceptoring shifts, I don't even want to know what kind of nasties are on these shoes!!

BTW...that goes for your steth, scissors, and hemostat also. Wipe 'em down with alcohol before and after your clinicals. (And during if you are going from pt to pt)

PJ

bluesky

When I saw the photo of the Danskos- I fell in love, imagining myself climbing mountains with a beautiful man named Hans...

Yet in reality, the shoes cost me $100 and while I have no specific complaints, they aren't especially comfortable either. Neutral would be the best adjective to describe my overall impression.

SCNuttyMeg

I have worn every kind of shoe you can imagine. New Balance, Nike, Reebook, Adidas. Gave up tennis shoes and Invested in Birkenstocks Birkies wore them for two years and retired them a month ago when I forked out 100 dollars for Dansko. Most of the nurses on my unit wear Dansko, it takes a couple weeks for your feet to adjust but it keeps you in an erect posture and my feet dont hurt when I get off after 12 hours. Plus they look nice. Some nurses even bought the suede brown ones and wear them with jeans outside of work.

chris_at_lucas

I bought my Dr.Scholl's at Wal-Mart for about 12 dollars, and a couple of months of relative comfort later, bought (on clearance of course) for about $5 a set of innersoles to go with them.

The shoes look like "nurse's shoes," and the price was SOOOO right.

Our school required all white shoes, which these were. Classmates got white shoes advertised for nurses, that had a little pink something on them (a heart,maybe?).

Check the school's code, but also ask current students about it: codes are rarely that tightly enforced (at least mine wasn't), but current students will know for sure.

Have fun!

sara610

I wear Anywear's clogs and LOVE them!! :D

donnapalmer

I had my heart set on a pair of Dansko clogs, until I found out that the program didn't allow open-backed shoes, even with a strap. Then I realized how poor I am and decided to ask for the Dansko oxford for Christmas! I own casual (Ingrid model) Dansko clogs and they are without a doubt the single most comfortable shoe I have ever owned...if you can afford them and can navigate the European sizing, I would buy them. I'm wearing Nursemates right now--I got some clearance mocassin-style for $19.99. The Dove model Nursemate seems to be pretty popular in my class, also.

Check their dress code first, I would agree...

proud2basn

I wear Skechers. They are the most comfortale shoes I have ever owned.

PowercarveJen

I have a pair of Danskos that I love and a pair from the Birkenstock Professional line. I love both pairs but the birks were $$$$=180.00. I am told that they will last forever, and are well worth it. Good Luck

caligirl

I wear white adidas. I got them at lady footlocker. THey have white stripes and a little tiny spot of beige at the top..

Kinda like this...

http://www.ladyfootlocker.com/catal...d&sport=all

I want to say they are samba though...

Ruby Vee

quote:

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Originally posted by LauraLou

I also have to buy shoes for January. I have searched on shoes and there are a lot of threads about favorite nursing shoes. This is what I found.

Dansko's and New Balance are very popular. Some people with back problems like Merrels and SAS. There are several people who swear by Z-coils, but I can't imagine any nursing school letting you wear shoes with a spring instead of a heel. They're wild! There are mixed reviews on NurseMates.

I am torn between Dansko's and New Balance. I think I may go with New Balance because they have two styles that prevent over-pronation (feet turning in) which is a big problem for me.

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I'm a big fan of both Danskos and New Balance. I wore the New Balance when I walked the Seattle Marathon (half only) on Sunday, and they're awesome! But for work, I'd go with Danskos. They have a pretty solid arch support and do prevent overpronation -- I think they're better than the NB, actually. When I worked in the NB, I'd come home with my knees aching so much I'd be limping, but in the Danskos I can get through the whole day without knee pain.

The NBs have great cushioning for power walking, but hopefully you won't be doing that on the ward.

Since you're new, I'd go for the all white Dansko Professional. We can (and do) wear browns and blacks where I work, but the white definitely looks more nursey.

Ruby

shannon8282

Rockers are great!

KailuaNurse

I wore a white pair of Birkenstocks through school (closed shoe type); my aunt who is also a nurse swears by them. I found that they were never quite comfortable enough for me. I ended up breaking down and purchasing a pair of Danskos (black, wore them through senior preceptorship). It was the best thing that I did. My feet no longer hurt after my shifts, and two years later working full-time, they are still confortable (although having seen better days :) )

Has anyone heard/worn the brand Troentrop/Bastad (same shoe, changed names a while ago). I am interested in purchasing a pair and would welcome any critiques etc.

suzy253

Dansko all the way here. I tried all kinds of shoes/sneakers but the Dansko (jette) turned out to be the ones for me. Very comfy, supportive. A lot of my fellow students have been asking about my Danskos as they are finding their sneaks or whatever they're wearing, just not supportive enough.

oldiebutgoodie

I have the Dansko clogs that have a back to them. They seemed to feel weird at first, but I found that after wearing them, my back didn't hurt, and I had more energy at the end of my clinical.

I also wear Nikes.

I tried New Balance, but the heel was lower than I am used to, and gavve me back problems.

I mix up wearing my Nikes and Dansko's, so that I can always wear my backup shoes.

Oldie but goodie

jennysjewels

Wow ccu nrs! I thought my husband had a rough time! (size 15 4e)

His search for even regular shoes winds down to... your choice of this ugly shoe, or this even uglier shoe! He gets really frustrated!

I'm not trying to be crude, but lets just say we know that big feet aren't all bad, right....?? ;-)

LOL!

Jenny

lanilpn

I wear Suacony- they have gel in the heal. it feels great. had them for a year now with no problems.

LauraLou

quote:

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Originally posted by Ruby Vee

Since you're new, I'd go for the all white Dansko Professional. Ruby

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Thank you so much for your advice! I will go with your recommendation and get Dansko not New Balance. I want to get the most comfortable shoes I can because I am used to sitting at a desk all day. Being on my feet for hours will be a big adjustment. Thanks again.

Catma63

I wear Rockport loafers. Nice and spongy and have a bit of a lift in the heel. I love that I don't have to worry about shoelaces. They ran me about $49 at the Med Supply store.

Sarah Kat

I wholeheartedly recommend LL Bean. When I was a junior in high school I got a Deluxe Book Bag and used it all the way through my first 3 semesters of college (before I dropped out). I also took it camping, on vacations, as a carry-on, etc.

When I got accepted to nursing school in October I saw on our list of materials we were required to get a bag with wheels. Well, since I am aware of LL Beans customer satisfaction guarantee, I called 'em up, asked if I could send in my beat up old back pack (10 years old) and pay the difference to get their new rolling model. The woman said no problem, so I sent in my old bag with a check for the difference and a paper explaining exactly what I wanted. I had to pay for shipping to send the bag to them, but they sent my new bag back to me no shipping cost.

So now I have a brand new rolling back pack and if something should happen to it, I can just send it back to them and get a new one free. Plus, the wheels it uses are the inline skate wheels and they're strong and relatively quiet. I am so happy with it.

LL Bean all the way, the cost is about the same as any other bag, but the guarantee is priceless.

suemom2kay

quote:

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Well, since I am aware of LL Beans customer satisfaction guarantee, I called 'em up, asked if I could send in my beat up old back pack (10 years old) and pay the difference to get their new rolling model.

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Now THAT is great customer service! I'm going to their site right now!!!

Thanks! :D

Sarah Kat

quote:

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Originally posted by suemom2kay

Now THAT is great customer service! I'm going to their site right now!!!

Thanks! :D

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Yeah, LL Bean rocks. The customer service rep was friendly and didn't seem surprised by my request at all.

mitchsmom

I carry a ton of stuff around school with me... I commute a long way (2 hours and 100+ miles) so I bring everything but the kitchen sink in case I want it. I try to study while I'm at school after classes and I don't like to waste time walking back and forth to my car so I have a huge backpack on wheels. It's a Champion Endurance and it has E-01 on the handle on the front. It's silver and black and has 5 zippers on the front (2 big sections and 3 smaller ones). It was about $50 at Target and has stood up well to dragging it around last semester. If I only needed a little bit of stuff at school I'd carry it or use a little backpack but as it is I'm one of the "click click click" people strolling over the pavement :) I love it tho. I like being able to have all my stuff, drink, snacks, jacket/sweater (our school is notoriouslly FREEZING cold - it is in S. FL... I guess they overcompensate for the heat outside).

EyesForward

I know you're probably past the point of looking for another recommendation, but in case you also have a laptop I have the very BEST rolling backpack from NorthFace. It's so high quality, and has lots of extra compartments. The padded sleeve for a laptop is great, and I stuff it with more books when I don't need the laptop with me. It was about fifty bucks, and is like everything from NorthFace; very high quality.

FarmRN2Be

quote:

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Originally posted by Berta

I just love my Eastpak rolling backpack from ebags.com. I think I paid $55. It has awesome quality. I have a old regular backpack from eastpak that has to be at least 20years old and is still going stong. I was just sick to death of it. Plus, I too need to save my back from the weight of all the books.

Berta

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I second that opinion! (EASTPak from ebags, I thinks its the only one at that price that rolls). I went for the biggest bag I could find and I think thats it! As with any rolling bag, you sometimes have to make sure the weight is evenly distributed so its not "top heavy" or side heavy I guess? If I put my heavy books towards the back of the bag it doesn't tip over. Mine is the Eastpak MPB, it even has a padded slot for a laptop (don't know if I'd put it in there but I cram my books in there just fine). Sadly I don't see mine on ebags anymore, but here's link to the bag from bagking.com:

http://www.bagking.com/Merchant2/me...oduct_Code=T110

navynurse29

quote:

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Originally posted by mitchsmom

I carry a ton of stuff around school with me... I commute a long way (2 hours and 100+ miles) so I bring everything but the kitchen sink in case I want it. I try to study while I'm at school after classes and I don't like to waste time walking back and forth to my car so I have a huge backpack on wheels. It's a Champion Endurance and it has E-01 on the handle on the front. It's silver and black and has 5 zippers on the front (2 big sections and 3 smaller ones). It was about $50 at Target and has stood up well to dragging it around last semester. If I only needed a little bit of stuff at school I'd carry it or use a little backpack but as it is I'm one of the "click click click" people strolling over the pavement :) I love it tho. I like being able to have all my stuff, drink, snacks, jacket/sweater (our school is notoriouslly FREEZING cold - it is in S. FL... I guess they overcompensate for the heat outside).

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I have the very same model and I HIGHLY recommend it. Very durable, you can fit everything you need in it ( and some stuff ya don't) and....you don't have to pay any shipping costs. Just run down to Target and pick one up. Although one downside, I don't think it has a warranty. Still very reliable for the money though.:)

Originally posted by maire

The most common questions asked in the Student Nurses Forum:

1) "What Steth is the best for school?"

2) "What kind of Shoes should I get?"

3) "What sort of Scrubs should I wear?"

4) "What's a good brand of rolling Backback?"

5) "PDAs - woth it? What kind should I get?"

6) "Do ya'll find Voice Recorders useful? What kind should I get?"

7) "Where can I buy Textbooks?!"

Like Sarah Kat said, call it "Nursing School Essentials"...LOL Great idea. This stuff definitely needs to be "stickey'd."

I agree a "Nursing School Essentials" sticky would be great!!!

Fatima

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