New CCU RN-Do I need to purchase a cardiology stethoscope?

[JLHCCURN]

I am a new RN who has been recently hired and will start work soon in a CCU/ICU. Will I need to or should I replace my current MDF stethoscope perfectly fine for med/surg with a cardiology stethoscope? If so, what works best for you?

[Member3047]

First of all, Congratulations!!

No, you do not need to replace your stethoscope. The one you have is just fine. You will be trained on methods of listening for those extra heart sounds and to differentiate any abnormalities when auscultating the lungs and abdomen.

[Biffbradford]

I have to admit, those Littman Cardiology stethoscopes are sweet, you can hear a crackle at 50 feet! Then again, you sometimes get stuck in isolation and have to use the 99 cent jobs and do the same job, so .... save your $ and treat yourself sometime down the road.

[mh0712, MSN, RN]

I have to admit those Littman Cardiology stethoscopes are sweet, you can hear a crackle at 50 feet! Then again, you sometimes get stuck in isolation and have to use the 99 cent jobs and do the same job, so .... save your $ and treat yourself sometime down the road.[/quote']

Our unit does admission isolation regardless. It's guilty until proven innocent! It makes me so mad because we need to do the most thorough assessment and are given the cheapest plastic scope pennies can buy. I slip a glove over mine and use it; however, some will complain occasionally. Bottom line is you don't need the best scope available, yet a good one is a necessary tool.

[Do-over, ASN, RN]

I don't think it is necessary, but... I have the MDF cardiology and I love it, although it weighs a freaking ton. You could anchor a boat with the head.

[StayLost, BSN, RN]

... Then again, you sometimes get stuck in isolation and have to use the 99 cent jobs and do the same job, so .... save your $ and treat yourself sometime down the road.

I have a Master Cardiology and it's AWESOME. Where is it? In my closet. My current unit puts a cheap disposable one in each room, and they work just fine. I agree, save your money and get one down the road.

[Bossy Boss]

I hate using the cheap disposable ones, save you money and replace if needed.

[delphine22]

I love my Littman Cardiology III. I can hear murmurs and odd breath sounds really well. I got it on Medisave and got my full name laser engraved on the bell for free, it was really nice and nearly half the retail. (I think I paid like $150 for it.) If you itemize your deductions on your tax returns (for example, if you own your home) you can deduct your stethoscope, scrubs, etc.

I don't usually take mine into an iso room but I had someone with flu AND aortic stenosis so I really wanted it. I usually keep mine in a fabric sleeve but I took it out and then wiped it down really well when I was done -- just like I'd do with ANY equipment.