Montgomery College, Fall 2011, 1st semester students

MomBak2Skool · Jun 12, 2011

I hope we don't have to get all black stethoscopes...I wanted to get my fave color-purple! Lol I also heard that brighter colored stethoscopes are harder to "wander off" but in any case I'm still going to get mine engraved as well. I've looked at some kits too but I think I'll end up buying my stethoscope separately so I can get a better quality. My ears aren't the best (prob a result of many years of loud music in the car lol), so I need to make sure I have a really good stethoscope!

Lil-Dragon · Jun 12, 2011

I'm leaning towards the Littman Classic II, also; very good reviews.

Andrea, do you have a brand and model in mind?

I wonder if the vendor will have some to test out.

MomBak2Skool · Jun 12, 2011

I'm trying to decide between the Littman Classic II or the Cardio III. Both seem to be favorites but the Cardio III I believe is more sensitive to faint sounds but then again it costs more money...

MomBak2Skool · Jun 12, 2011

Oh yea, and the Cardio III is also heavier, which I don't like. I hope they do have these and other models to test out so I can hurry up and decide!

Lil-Dragon · Jun 12, 2011

I've read Cardio III is worth the investment. I'm most concerned with acoustical quality, so I may end up investing in that. Does anyone know about maintenance- if the tubing needs replacing, other parts?

MomBak2Skool · Jun 13, 2011

The only thing I've heard that needs replacing are the earplugs, but that's for any stethoscope and I think they only need replacing after several years of constant usage. It's at least a $50-$75 difference though between the two 'scopes from what I've seen, so I'll definitely wait to see if I can sample them at orientation.

I seriously need to start working on my list of questions cuz I know I'm bound to forget something. I'll wait to see if they address them before I ask, since I'm sure many of the new students will all have the same questions lol.

Silly question, but what kind of bag(s) are you ladies planning to use? I've seen some cute nursing bags that hold all your medical things which would be nice to bring to clinicals and labs and be able to leave the bookbag at home. I know the books are going to be numerous and heavy and I've always used a messenger bag but maybe it would be better for my back to use a regular backpack this time...

Here's the link for the nursing bag I like (haven't decided if I'm actually going to get it though):

http://www.allheart.com/nm888135.html?campaign=csegoogle&CAWELAID=370979268&cagpspn=pla&gclid=CPSVqJTWsakCFYNo5QodOWCCtA

Lil-Dragon · Jun 13, 2011

Andrea, thanks for the info. I noticed most med. supply sites that sell scopes also have replacements parts available. And it seems the Cardio has a 5 yr warranty and the Classic II has a 3 yr. I keep telling myself to start writing down questions, then be interrupted w/ something else and forget. I have several totes which I may be able to use. I'm trying to figure out if they would work or if everything would end up at the bottom (not enough of compartments). The bag you picked out would keep everything organized and it's also a good size. Cute color too!

Did you mention that purple is your fav. color? The color looks really nice for the tubing. I'm leaning towards the Carribean blue. I hope they don't require black, it'll be more fun to experiment with other colors to add some personality.

mom23boyz · Jun 13, 2011

Andrea - I was wondering the same thing with regard to bags. LOL! The one you picked is cute and reasonably priced. I have a cute messenger bag (You'd love it cause it is purple ;-)) and a cheap backpack. I think I am going to invest in a better backpack since I will be going full time now and have more books to lug but I don't plan to buy anything else for clinicals.

As for the stethoscopes, I too have read about the ear pieces. But I also read that the tubing needs to be armor alled once in a while to prevent it from drying/cracking. I read that NOT wearing them around the neck helps prevent drying as well.

mom23boyz · Jun 13, 2011

Are you guys planning to bring your laptops to classes? I haven't done this to date but wonder if it might be time once nursing starts. Man, how times have changed since I was in college.

MomBak2Skool · Jun 13, 2011

Oooo...the Caribbean blue looks really nice too! I didn't know about the 5 yr vs. 3 yr warranty...that kind of makes me want to go for the Cardio. I really don't think you could go wrong with either one. And yes, I will definitely need something with a lot of compartments or my bag will be a bottomless pit! Lol

mom23boyz · Jun 13, 2011

what do you y'all think of a wheeled backpack? I've never had one but am wondering if this might be a good option now.

I think I was eyeing the Ocean blue steth.

MomBak2Skool · Jun 13, 2011

Yes Nikki, I've heard about using Armor All on the tubing as well, and about not putting them around the neck. I've seen some hip holsters that are specifically designed to carry your stethoscope but I think I'll just start out by putting it in my scrub pocket.

I have a purple plaid messenger bag too! I wonder if we have the same one...lol. But I don't know if I'm going to use that. Like you said, I kind of want something a little more durable now that I'll be taking more classes with heavier books! I know the Timbuk2 bags are really durable BUT they're also really expensive.

I definitely do think I'm going to want to bring my laptop with me, if not for class then for typing up notes, etc. in between classes (if I even have time between classes). That's another good thing about that nursing bag is I believe it has a separate compartment for a laptop that could come in very handy.