CNA/STNA Stethoscope Dilemma?

Nurses Uniform/Gear

Published

I am a nursing major and have decided to get my Nursing Aide license over the summer for some experience. I will need a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff for supplies...

however I can't decide if I should just go ahead and go all out and get a Littmann because I will be attending nursing school or a get something kinda cheap for everyday use working as a CNA/STNA?

What do you suggest?

(Sorry if this is in the wrong thread - I am rushing. I leave for work in 10 minutes lol)

All the care facilities I have worked at provided stethoscopes for aides to use for vital signs.

If you can afford it I would get a Littmann and a cheap one. I was surprised at how much I used both of them in school. The cheap one was great to throw in my purse, let my kids play with, let friends try out without anyone having to borrow my coveted Littmann.

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

I still have the Littman stethoscope I bought for nursing school 10 years ago. So I don't see why not.

Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

If you need to have your own, I would buy the littman lightweight. It is a quality scope for under $50.

Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

I would get a cheap one for now. Maybe the more expensive scope can be a graduation present. You're not going to be listening to hearts and lungs as an aide, and an inexpensive scope should suffice when you're doing clinicals. Besides, no one is going to steal an inexpensive scope; you'd be surprised at how brazen some people are when it comes to lifting a good scope. When I worked in peds, I caught the pediatrician trying to steal my pediatric Littman scope. Him: "Oh, I didn't know it was yours." Me: "Yeah, I can see how you'd be confused, especially since it has a tag with my name on it."

Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

​BTW, if that's your picture and your real name, it would be a good idea to change them.

I just finished my CNA & start nursing school in August. I got a Littman Classic SE II & a basic Prestige Medical BP cuff with case. They work like a dream. I love them both. I spent extra to get the Breast Cancer Awareness ones and Mt stethoscope is engraved with my name. Every nurse & nursing student I have asked said Littman either the Classic SE II or Cardiology III. Good luck!

Littman Classic SE II. While I bought mine at a local uniform/nurse supply store, I've seen them a whole lot less online. Like 25% less, often with free shipping. There are a ton of colors so get something you like, you'll be using this for years.

But I would suggest you not buy black as most physicians use that and do get it engraved or use a name tag to identify it in the case it grows legs. You'd be surprised how many people will ask to borrow it. Then be prepared to alcohol swap/wipe it down when you get it back. Ears are pretty nasty!

Specializes in ER.

I would go cheap initially and wait till Nursing week deals or Black Friday to get a better stethoscope. Also, I don't think I've ever seen an aide use a stethoscope in the hospital.

+ Add a Comment