General question about which Stethoscope and Shoes :)

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Nov 27, 2013

you can call the stores for that info, or the registrar's office on the chance they have knowledge. Somehow I doubt it. You want your shoes to have plenty of support. Podiatrists have recommended to me to get two pair - and switch them out so that foot does not learn to conform to the shoe rather than the other way round. As for stethescopes - do not get a show-offi brand or expensive one. Once you are a graudate you can ask for that. By then you should know what accessories make sense for your practice.

missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN · Nov 27, 2013

Shoes are a preference. Everyone has a shoe brand that they absolutely love, but feet are different depending on the person. Try on different brands, and go with the one that feels best to you!

krisiepoo · Nov 27, 2013

your school may have info on discounts at local stores, I know that we get a pretty good discount at a uniform shop that I got my stethescope at. I can't remember what stethescope I have, but it was a mid-higher one. I talked to the sales staff about what I needed and they talked me down in price, actually, wanting to sell me what I needed

as far as shoes, I wear a pair of running shoes. I over pronate and have found wearing shoes that offer stability make my clinicals so much better. i also wear compression socks which have made a world of difference at the end of the day for me

Twisted Nurse · Nov 27, 2013

I think I'm deaf, hahaha, I couldn't really hear anything with the cheapy stethoscopes. I use the Littman Cardiology III series, and I love it! You can hear everything!!! It's expensive, but I got a really great price on it that I couldn't resist. I love it 3x better than my Regular Littman and 10x better than the cheap stethoscopes.

As far as shoes, I agree with the other posters, it is a matter of preference. After working 13 hour days, my feet would ultra sore and tired by the time I got home, most especially when wearing regular sneakers. I needed a good supportive shoe. So I tried Danskos and never looked back. What really mitigates the pain and tiredness of standing all day are Ted hose too! My feet and legs feel less tired wearing them both. And you don't want those varicose veins gurl! :yes:

BeccaC623 · Nov 27, 2013

I have a Littman Classic SE II and it's fantastic-cost me about $80 on medisave.com. A lot of my classmates have the Littman Lightweight and some love it, some hate it but pretty much everyone that has the same as me loves it. I do recommend getting some sort of name plate for it or having it engraved so that if it does get "accidentally" picked up by someone else, you can prove it's yours.

For shoes, a lot of my classmates swear by their Danskos. I special ordered a pair in a wide width and they didn't work for me so if you have a wider foot, I'd recommend the Timberland line, they're really comfortable and clean easily. Compression socks are a great recommendation, too.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Nov 27, 2013

I love my Littman Cardiology III and I use it when I work triage. However, get it engraved and literally never let it leave your pocket. I can be an ass and no one uses my stethoscope. Black Friday is the best day to buy stethoscopes. Medisave has some on sale on Black Friday.

I have an instructor use an ultrascope. I have never used one personally.

As for shoes, check first if you can wear mesh. We cannot wear mesh except everyone does. Usually there is a color requirement like white. In the real world, all of the hospitals I've worked at or done clinicals at lets nurses wear regular, colorful tennis shoes.

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Nov 27, 2013

shoes are of personal preference. I love my Danskos (especially the XPs) and many nurses swear by them but some of my fellow coworkers have tried them and hated them. I'm also a fan of Alegria shoes which are quite different from the Danskos but it's nice to switch it up every now and then.

As for the stethoscope, I loved my Littmann Classic II S.E. during school. After graduating I upgraded to the Littmann Cardiology III which I love even more...I use my other Littmann as a backup. A lot of medical supply stores will give both student and employee discounts, usually between 10-15% off but sometimes more. I remember purchasing my classic II at reddingmedical.com for around $76 which was actually cheaper than buying in store. That was also back in 2007-2008 so prices may have changed since then.

Boxer Mama · Nov 27, 2013

I have the Littmann Classic SE II, which I do like, and I will upgrade to the cardiology III once I graduate. So far, it has worked for me.

For shoes, I have tried on Dansko and am just trying to talk myself into buying them. I also just received in the mail today (Amazon has an amazing deal on these right now - $65 with the 25% off code) the Timberland Renova Pro. The arches are not as high as the Dansko, but they are comfortable, have a non-slip sole and a box toe. I, too, have heard to have two pairs shoes to wear. But, everyone has different feet, so you just have to buy the ones that work best for you.

sperza · Nov 29, 2013

stethoscope: littman

shoes:

1] most comfortable. add 1/2 inch to your true size.

This is MBT kaya

available at:

http://www.shermanshoes.net

or:

Bethan by ABEO R.O.C.S

on sale now at:

Bethan - ABEO SandalsOn Sale! Save 29% - TheWalkingCompany.com

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Nov 30, 2013

I have a Littman Cardiology III. I know people tell you to buy a cheap one now and buy a better one after graduation, but I have a hard time hearing sounds when I use the cheap ones. I love mine. Any of the Littman products should work well for you. Medisave has free engraving on their Littman stethoscopes.

sunbaby0811 · Nov 30, 2013

I have a Littman Classic II SE and it works great for me. I didn't want to spend the big bucks for the Cardio. As for shoes, has your school given you guidelines? Mine has specific rules about shoes for clinicals and I would have been really disappointed if I had bought shoes before I got the info from them. I wear all leather running shoes (New Balance). It's all about what fits your foot well.