Is learning on a cheap stethoscope better?

[Erythropoiesis]

I purchased a Littmann Classic II se for myself once I got accepted and was given a checklist of things that we need. A nurse friend of mine, after finding out that I bought a fancier model, said that its recommended for me to "learn to listen" on a cheap stethoscope first, and save the good one for after I graduate. That way my ears will be trained to hear things better and then when I do use a good model, boom I'll hear everything. This makes sense I suppose but can anyone else vouch for it? I want you all to give your opinion. At one time I was a classically trained professional musician who went through quite a bit of ear training, so I already tend to notice things that other people don't (in music). Not sure if that would be a good or bad thing when I'm learning to hear different sounds. Should I go ahead and buy a little $20 student scope? The way that my friend said this almost implied that I would be at a disadvantage by starting off on a good stethoscope. Like my ears won't turn out to be as sensitive as they could be. Any validity to this?

[barcode120x, RN, NP]

Don't think it's really a "big debate" on whether to use a cheap or an expensive one. It really depends on if you're willing to spend. If you can hear a lot better and pick out sounds better on a more expensive stethoscope, why not get one? IMO it's a waste of time to "learn" sounds with a cheap one if you are able to buy a more expensive one that can do the trick even better, but in the end, it's all personal preference. You are paying for quality. Also, if you work in a cardiac unit where heart sounds/tones may be important, you may actually NEED to buy a cardiac stethoscope which is quite expensive. If you're in nursing school, stick to the cheap one, I did because you may lose your expensive one lol.

[AgentBeast, MSN, RN]

Doesn't matter what you are using. You need to know how to use it and know what the hell you are hearing with it.

[Kuriin, BSN, RN]

I bought a cardiology III in my first semester of nursing school and I was able to pick up fine crackles whereas no one else was able to.

In short: Yes, buy a good stethoscope and put your name on it. You won't regret it.

[Erythropoiesis]

I bought a cardiology III in my first semester of nursing school and I was able to pick up fine crackles whereas no one else was able to.

In short: Yes, buy a good stethoscope and put your name on it. You won't regret it.

It is at Things Remembered right now being engraved with my full name! At least if somebody does take it, eventually I may be able to catch a stethoscope with MY name on it around somebody's neck. Can't make an "I bought this a year ago" argument against that.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

I think it's important to start out on a good model but keep a tight grip on it because it may disappear or get picked up. Even the special edition ones because the special edition models really weren't special editions as they have been selling them since at least 2010.

Get it inscribed.

My sister was super excited when I gave her my slightly broken Classic II SE (my back up to the back up). It won't turn so you can't use the bell but it has a tunable diaphragm anyway. She can hear so much with it. And it was a rainbow edition so all of her classmates were jealous.

I'm using my master cardiology while my cardiology III is repaired and I think I don't hear as well as with the cardiology III.

[sysysysy]

I had the Littman Classic II for nursing school. It worked fine for me. I would stick with what you have now.

[smartassmommy]

Never let it out of your sight. I made that mistake one shift when I let a co-worker use it. Even with my name on it someone stole it.

[Erythropoiesis]

Yeah, that's what I'm worried about. I've even heard from somebody on here who told a doctor "No, I need it" when asked for her stethoscope. He pitched a 5-star toddler tantrum, and the NURSE ended up being counseled for being "uncooperative". Because she didn't want to fork over her personal, paid-for property. Ridiculous.

[NeoNurse2Be]

I already had a cheaper stethoscope from when I became a Medical Assistant, but our scope of practice goes so much further as a nurse. I wanted to be sure I hear every little thing so that I don't mess up anywhere. I bought the Littmann Classic III and it was the best decision yet. I can hear stuff that I couldn't before and I don't know why anyone would want a stethoscope that couldn't identify all sounds. My stethoscope also has like a noise cancellation so it blocks out outside noises which can be very important in a busy hospital. I say stick with the Littman.

[Ackeem, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

I used the stethoscope that came with my bp machine throughout college, i got in trouble twice for this actually. good thing i had super kind bathmates.

Funny story; in nursing school we commonly rotated with different nursing schools, but we were always on different shifts. One afternoon when the other students came in, this girl flat out accused me of stealing her stethoscope when i was leaving the day before i was like . Its funny because i had never even seen this person prior, didnt knew she or her stethoscope existed. Her bachmate did apologize to me after she walked away though, turns out an intern stole it by "mistake"

[Erythropoiesis]

My 80 year old great aunt gifted my Littmann to me (in the form of a visa gift card so I could personalize what I wanted) as a congratulations for getting in. If somebody "forgets" they have taken my stethoscope, it's a good thing we all know CPR because I might strangle them.

[Ackeem, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

My 80 year old great aunt gifted my Littmann to me (in the form of a visa gift card so I could personalize what I wanted) as a congratulations for getting in. If somebody "forgets" they have taken my stethoscope, it's a good thing we all know CPR because I might strangle them.

Lol yeah i kinda felt like that girl was seconds away from strangling me, poor girl just wanted her gear back.