Need Stethoscope Advice!!!

[Kat4422]

Hey everyone! I'm fairly new to this site, and also to nursing! I start school next week...and was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on which brand stethoscope to purchase for clinicals?! It needs to be a dual-head.... I know they can get super expensive...I'm really just looking for a practical, trusted brand! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks guys! Good luck to all who have started classes, or those who are preparing to start next week!

Kat :)

[Mkue]

I did the long term investment too, got a Littman Cardiology, love it ! Just gotta make sure it doesn't disappear:eek:

[oldnewnurse]

I bought a Philips M4530A Electronic-about $150, a lot of money. My hearing isn't what it used to be so the amplification this scope provides helps me tremendously. Actually I got the recommendation from the earlier thread on the subject. It is not as impressive looking as the Littman Cardio III (you can't engrave on the electronics) and there is only one color choice (black). I made my own tube covers (camoflauge), so I can tell if my scope is walking down the hall on somebody else's neck. At least anyone who takes it would have to spend some time cutting them off.

[kimmicoobug]

I used a generic stethoscope for my first year. I can't say I had too many complaints about it. At the end of spring, I bought an $80 Littman and don't have too many complaints about it either. Our instructors told us at the beginning of our first year that if we couldn't afford a Littman or other quality brands to just get a cheapie, but recommended upgrading for the RN year.

[Sleepyeyes]

Hint::::::

On our unit, to keep the "good ones" from growing legs & walking off, we use fabric paints in different colors to paint our own ID's onto the barrel of the 'scope and make our own distinctive pattern so each one is readily recognizable.

No doc wants to be seen with all the hearts n' flowers spiraling around these!!

[Mkue]

Originally posted by Sleepyeyes

Hint::::::

On our unit, to keep the "good ones" from growing legs & walking off, we use fabric paints in different colors to paint our own ID's onto the barrel of the 'scope and make our own distinctive pattern so each one is readily recognizable.

No doc wants to be seen with all the hearts n' flowers spiraling around these!!

Fabric paint ! neat idea, thanks Sleepyeyes !