Published
I have a Littman Cardiology III. I feel that the more expensive stethoscope pays for itself in the long run. You get good assessments and it will last you a long time.
This is very true. However, the pricey stethoscopes tend to 'grow legs' and 'walk away' during our student years when we are surrounded by flat broke classmates who might not have the most active moral compasses in the world.
So when students are looking for suggestions on stethoscopes to purchase, I usually suggest reasonably priced ones that offer a good mix of quality and durability. The expensive stethoscope can always be purchased later on in their careers.
I recommend a stethoscope that is between $30 and $70 for this purpose. Just about any stethoscope in that range is going to be decent enough for you to learn on, use through school, and will carry you through the beginning of your career with ease. That amount is also low enough so that you can lose a stethoscope and it won't hurt too badly that you can't replace it.
Personally, I went through nursing school with my Littmann Cardiology III, but I'd have gone with a Littmann Lightweight or any stethoscope with a similar quality if I hadn't already had my Cardiology III. I very much should point out that I've had that stethoscope for just about 13-14 years now, so it's not a new purchase by any stretch. I was a Paramedic back then and I could afford a high-end stethoscope.
My ears are pretty well trained for what I need to hear, so for the most part, I can get by quite easily with a $5 single head stethoscope, though in the back of an ambulance, that can get very challenging to say the least.
Just make sure that you use the stethoscope the right way, including putting the tips in your ear canals so that the sound travels to your ear drums and not into the wall of said canal...
I have a Littman Cardiology III. I feel that the more expensive stethoscope pays for itself in the long run. You get good assessments and it will last you a long time.
Agreed. your really going to get your moneys worth if you spend the extra cash. Whether is LVP program or RN program you are eventually going to being working and need an instrument you can relay on.
mandimarie
23 Posts
What is the best stethoscope for starting LPN school? Is it worth it to pay more and get a really good one? Or is it okay to get a cheaper one for now? Thanks!