stethoscopes

b-lansing · Dec 20, 2002

I Have 2 scopes, a cheapie and a Litmann Master Cardiologist which I had my name engraved in so it wouln't walk away. I had chickenpox when I was 33 (a mother's day present from my son), and since then I've had a constant ringing in my ears. The Litmann really helps.

b-lansing · Dec 20, 2002

Sorry-Littmann:imbar

lynn1967 · Jan 3, 2003

I bought an Ultrascope. Was going to buy a Littman but I saw somewhere about Ultrascope. Man, you can hear the dust settling with it!! About 100.00. Lots of cool designs you can choose from. I thought it might help, being so original in color and design--maybe it won't walk off.

AIS52 · Jan 3, 2003

I bought a Littmann Master Classic II and my dad gave me so much crap about how I wasted my money. "I've been a nurse over 25 years now and I have never had a problem with cheap stethoscopes- it's the listener, NOT the stethoscope" he'd say.

I had the last laugh after he used someone else's Littmann Card III and the VERY next day bought himself a $150 Master Cardiology. "Wow, I can't believe how much I couldn't hear!"

fab4fan · Jan 3, 2003

As a student, we were REQUIRED to buy a Littmann (that was a long time ago...ouch). I forget what I had as a student; I'm sure it was probably the cheapest Littmann.

Several years ago, I bought a Master Cardiology; I love it. I work in the ED now, and I think it serves me well there, too.

Get what you can afford, but I would also suggest that you get a Littmann if you can at all afford it...doesn't have to be the most expensive one.

Gromit · Jan 3, 2003

For me, its the Littmann Classic II. I used it way back in my EMS days (and yes, like that other nurse said, they do tend to walk, but I was very diligent in keeping mine).

To the nurse claiming to not want someone around in a critical situation (who couldnt hear w/o that $150 scope) I say "Whatever".

Personally, I like to hear the patient, not the sounds of someone rustling the syringe out of a package, or the guy on the next gourney whining about something.

If it works for you, then fine. The only time I use the hospitals disposable '$1 wonderscope' is when the patient is really nasty, and I don't want my scope stuck there, or if I happen to forget it.

hogan4736, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2003

Originally posted by Gromit

To the nurse claiming to not want someone around in a critical situation (who couldnt hear w/o that $150 scope) I say "Whatever".
Personally, I like to hear the patient, not the sounds of someone rustling the syringe out of a package, or the guy on the next gourney whining about something.

If it works for you, then fine. The only time I use the hospitals disposable '$1 wonderscope' is when the patient is really nasty, and I don't want my scope stuck there, or if I happen to forget it.

my point is simply this: If you think you need an expensive stethoscope, that's your buisiness and your right. But if you think that same scope will help you through your code, or make you a better nurse, then you are sadly mistaken (i've heard this "logic" before).

p.s. nice cycle...i have a '97 police issue road king