Did I I just get a no-good stethoscope?

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I am in a CNA class, on the wait list for the LVN program. I was sponsered by a local non profit that payed for all my supplies (yay)! I was sent with a checklist to a local uniform store.

The sales lady, who works with this program all of the time, said that there was a big difference between the generic that was $5, and the Littman Lightweight, which was $50. I took her word and took the littman.

Reading all these bad reviews on the Littman Lightweight, I feel bad that I cost this Non profit $45 unnessesary dollars. I could still exchange it.

What do you think...is the Littman lightweight the same as the no name $5 Stethoscopes? After my 1st paycheck, what should I invest in? Could this one (dare I dream) get me through LVN school

~ a nursing newbie

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I never had a Littmann Lightweight, but a lot of my classmates did and they were happy with it.

I had a Littmann Select for most of NS, and it was a good stethoscope--I didn't feel like I wasted my money. When I had to replace it (cat thought it was a chew toy), I got a GRX CD-27. I like it better than the Select...but the downside to the CD-27 is that it's rather heavy. I'm actually looking for a second lighter-weight (but just as good quality) stethoscope so I can switch between the two.

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Specializes in Neuro, Med-surg..

I was looking into one of these GRx Steths and frankly, I haven't found any negative reviews on them. I have a Littmann Classic II SE, and it's OK. Very comfortable, but the sound quality doesn't blow me away. Does your GRx sound better or more sensitive?

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Specializes in Interested in Pediatrics, ER.

I have a Littmann Lightweight II SE and it works just fine for me. I use it most often for lung sounds and I can get a pretty good idea of what's going on - it picks up wheezes, ronchi, etc. It works for blood pressure and basic heart sounds too. I did borrow a classmate's Classic II SE once and noticed things seemed just a touch louder through it - I think the main difference is the Classic is steel, while the Lightweight is heavy plastic. But I wouldn't worry about it - the Lightweight should be absolutely fine to get you through school, and I'm willing to bet it's a lot better than a $5 scope.

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Specializes in Med Surg, ER, OR.

the lightweight most people refer to as being 'crappy' is an older style that was made of cheaper aluminum. aluminum does not conduct sound well at all, but has been used for stethoscope manufacturing because of cost. the new addition is of much better quality, but (IMO) the select is a better stethoscope because it is made of a steel alloy (much better in sound conduction). maybe after you graduate, you will get a better stethoscope, or maybe not. i know many nurses who have been using their lightweight until their tubing is very cracked and tape is covering up the holes.

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It doesn't matter what other people think of the brand or whatever of your stethoscope, what matters is whether or not you can do your job with the stethoscope. A lot of what you're going to hear is dependent on the user, not nearly as much on the quality of the scope. That being said, sometimes it is easier to get a good scope when you don't know what you're listening to.

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I've used the cheap steths and they're fine for obtaining a BP but when it comes to lung sounds and heart sounds I find it difficult to hear. I've done well with the Littmann lightweight! I'm sure it wasn't a waste of money :)

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I know some classmates who have the Lightweight and they like it.

I would personally exchange it and buy a Classic II S.E. - that is the one I have (along with many other students in my program) and I *LOVE* mine. The 4-year warranty will definitely take you through nursing school. The acoustics are great, too (7) - better than the Lightweight (5) so chances are you'll hear better with the Classic II.

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