Decent quality stethoscope and blood pressure kit?

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I'm going into my first semester of nursing school in January. I need to purchase a stethoscope and a blood pressure kit. Any ideas on where to buy these items for a good price? Obviously I wouldn't need the highest quality but I do want one that works well and will last me all 4 semesters.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks so much!

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Specializes in Acute Rehab, IMCU, ED, med-surg.

A blood pressure kit should be readily available for a reasonable price - perhaps $20-30? Try allheart.com or Amazon.

Concentrate more on getting a good quality stethoscope - I used a Littman Classic IIse through nursing school, but just bought an Ultrascope, which helps me better hear cardiac sounds. I really love my new scope, and it was less than $100.

Ultrascope has a pretty good warranty, which includes tubing replacement, I believe. The tubing on a scope does wear out eventually!

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You can get a decent blood pressure set for around $30. I would highly recommend getting a good quality stethoscope!! If you get a cheap one they can be hard to hear out of! Definitely get a Littman!! The classic is about $80 and its a great stethoscope. Don't settle for the cheap stuff, you'll get a lot of use out of this stuff in clinicals!

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Specializes in med-surg.

I started out with the Littmann cardiology III and love it!

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Specializes in OR, Medical/Surgical, Orthopedics.

I have to agree with the Littmann. I have the Littmann Classic that I got off allheart.com for $72. I had a Prestige acrylic heart shaped one before it and the Littmann beats it hands down. Sounds are much louder and more crisp. Good luck with your first semester!

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I agree about Littman stethoscopes- the sound quality is amazing, and they're the only ones that don't hurt my ears. I've been using mine for a good 10 years now.

You might even look at Craigslist for BP cuffs and stethoscopes. You never know what might turn up!

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Thanks all for the awesome replies! I ended up getting the littmann classic II SE for about $55! So far so good, can't wait to really start using it! :)

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