Littmann cardiology IV for nursing school?

[michigan94]

So I got into my RN clinicals starting this winter and I ordered the Littmann cardiology IV stethoscope to use. After doing a little more research I am worried that I should have went with a cheaper one instead, I read that the sound is so good with this one that it makes it harder when learning.. As a nursing assistant I sometimes struggle hearing the beat on a manual BP so my thought was to get the one that I could hear everything "loud and clear" with. My program is an ADN but I do plan to go onto my BSN and then possibly to NP, and I plan to use this stethoscope I'm getting for as long as I can. So I'm just wondering what other nurses/nursing students thoughts are on this and if you guys think this one will still be okay for me when I'm learning in school... I should've done this before purchasing but just was way too excited. Thank you :)

[Asystole RN]

I read that the sound is so good with this one that it makes it harder when learning..

I cannot disagree with this more. Moving to a higher quality stethoscope makes a world of a difference in being able to pick up all the subtle sounds you may otherwise be missing which is extremely important for being able to differentiate what you are hearing.

I would recommend however that you have the stethoscope engraved and maybe even put on a tracking tag like what they have for car keys now. Most people stay clear of expensive scopes early on because they do not have the knowledge or skills to appreciate the better acoustics and because of loss.

[oceanblue52]

You might also consider carrying a cheap stethoscope too (maybe at your side) to lend out during clinical. Less likely to "walk away" if you have another one to give. And definitely get it engraved. Otherwise I say go for it! It's a great feeling being able to hear variances in sound.

[Sour Lemon]

I read that the sound is so good with this one that it makes it harder when learning..

I've heard that before and found it to be total rubbish. The higher end stethoscopes are better even when learning, in my experience. I can't hear anything but wheezing on the cheapies.