Did you need a stethoscope when taking the class?

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I start CNA class next Monday. The only things on the list were scrubs and TB test. I asked the lady enrolling if we needed a stethoscope and she said she didn't think so. Is this something we are going to need? If so where do you buy them and how much are they?

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Specializes in Student VN | Critical Care.

As a CNA there is no need for one.

You might need one for school to learn manual blood pressure.

You can buy them pretty cheap (20 bucks). You don't need an expensive one :)

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Specializes in LTC.

If they weren't on the list, and the lady said no, then the answer is no...

You will probably use them both in class and on the job from time to time, but they will belong to the facility for common use. You don't have to buy your own.

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Don't buy it if you don't need it. It will gather dust like mine.

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Ok, I realize I'm not going to need one for class, but is this something I'm going to need if I get a job in a hospital? I'm not really sure what CNA's learn but I thought one of them was checking Blood pressure. And if I don't learn it in my CNA course, where do I learn it?

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Well------if the person teaching says to you not required - don't sweat it. I do know all CNA's are required to take vital signs as part of their state examinations and part of their daily work in my state.

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Specializes in LTC.
Ok I realize I'm not going to need one for class, but is this something I'm going to need if I get a job in a hospital? I'm not really sure what CNA's learn but I thought one of them was checking Blood pressure. And if I don't learn it in my CNA course, where do I learn it?[/quote']

1. You are probably not getting a job in a hospital anytime soon.

2. You will learn how to do manual BPs in class with stethoscopes that they pass around and let you use.

3. Most facilities, hospitals included, use electronic BP machines.

4. In the event that you need to get a manual BP at work, you can simply go to the supply bin and retrieve a stethoscope or borrow one from a nurse.

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1. You are probably not getting a job in a hospital anytime soon.

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Yes I am. I'm friends with several nurses, respiratory therapist and CNAs at our local hospital (we live in a small town) HR told me to come in and fill out an application as soon as I pass my class. They said they would pay me $11.96 starting out with no experience. I'm not worried about finding a job. Even the 3 hospitals in the next town over have at least 20 CNA jobs listed for each hospital. I have not doubt that I will be working in a hospital.

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Specializes in CNA.

We didn't need one for class, but I bought a BP cuff/Stethoscope on-line to practice with at home. I figure the more practice the better and they aren't very expensive.

I bought mine from www.allheart.com

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I did..

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You probably do not need one. THey provide them for use in class, and if it's not on the list, don't waste your money.

Aides don't do as many vitals in LTC, and most hospitals provide the vitals equipment.

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We didn't even learn how to take blood pressure in my class. (In Wisconsin) I just started working at a LTCF and was told that CNAs rarely take vitals unless a nurse specifically asks us to.

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