need a new scope

Nurses Uniform/Gear

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I am going to be starting clinicals in January. I have a cheaper Prestige one that I use with my son (he has pretty bad asthma) & I can hear him okay with it, but I've noticed sometimes it gets difficult to hear well. So I'm thinking I might need a new one for clinicals. My program director suggested a Littman Select or a Littman Lightweight. Most of the posts I've read on here don't have good things to say about the Lightweight. And honestly, I can't afford a $150+ cardiology scope right now!

Has anyone used the Select? Which one is better? Or am I better off going with an Ultrascope instead of a Littman (the other approved one)?

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Either one is a good choice. I would personally choose the Select because it has an alloy head, which probably transmits a little better than the plastic head of the Lightweight and I think it has a thicker lumen. The Lightweight is probably a fine piece as well, and some like having the bell/diaphragm separate.

In my opinion, the most important things at the end of the day is picking up one that isn't too heavy on the neck, easy to pocket, a color you like, and comfortable to use and don't worry too much about "sound quality" as I think most is marketing hype (provided you do not have a hearing impairment). As a nurse it's less of a diagnostic instrument and more of a monitoring one. Come with experience, you'll be able to discern systolic and dyastolic murmurs with a $2 dollar disposable steth - what's between the ear pieces that will make you a good clinician.

On a side note: shorter tube length generally has better and more clear transmission, and likewise, solid ear tips transmit better than the soft ones. The distinctness between these factors are probably small at best, however.

Welch Allen, Ultrascope, and ADC are well know brands as well.

Good luck.

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Specializes in Cardiology and ER Nursing.

Not a big fan of plastic scopes like the Lightweight. Stick with the Classic II.

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Stick with the Classic. Have you looked on Ebay? I found a really nice one pratically new for $50.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

Definitely look into the Classic II. I had that in nursing school and I loved it.

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