Stethoscopes

essarge · Dec 9, 2001

We have to use a specific one required by the school (double tube sprague), I'll use that until I get into the field. Then I will have the money to buy the one I want. Check with your school first before you use any others.

StudentSandra · Dec 9, 2001

my school doesn't care what type we use. they only told us they wern't responsible if we lost them, or if we were dumb enough to let someone borrow it & didn't get it back. hubby gave me has littman cardiology ii, i keep it in my coat pocket, so no one even see's it. :cool:

MRed94 · Dec 10, 2001

I have a Littmann Cardiac scope, bought cause the diaphragms are super sensitive, and I can hear real good with it. I wear hearing aides, but can't use them with my scope. This is better than using them, for me.

I think it cost me about $185.00 when I bought it 15 years ago. I just replace the diaphragms and it goes and goes, just like a pink bunny I know...

:)

Marla

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Dec 10, 2001

When I was in LPN school we all purchased Spragues. I quickly found they are way to heavy. I had a horrible neck pain and headache when i would get home from work because they simply were to heavy to carry with me all day.

I went to a cheap one, it has done fine for me working and is working fine for me in my ADN program. Plus its not a big deal if someone walks off with it, they are easier to replace. Plus noone really walks off with a cheap one on purpose, I think ive only lost one in the last 9 years.

zacarias, ASN, RN · Dec 10, 2001

I personally have two stethoscopes even in my 1st quarter of nursing! I have a Littmann classic 2 and a Littmann select that has the bell built into the diaphragm. They are OK I guess. I'm thinking actually of someday getting an amplified one to hear better with as sometimes I have trouble.

Z

Danielle4 · Dec 10, 2001

I use a Littman Classic II SE which I absolutely love I would not use anything else but littman.

I find when you have small ears the others just are not the same- nothing compares. I can hear better and it just feels better in my ears and and it is lighter around my neck. I would not trade it for anything.

I definatly recommend spending the extra money for a decent one. Mail order you can get this one for $50-$60 but in the stores it is $70 it is rated 7 out of 10 by health professionals in my nursing magazine. They also have a decent one for $40 if you are pinched for money. It is definately worth it!!!!

BrandyBSN · Dec 10, 2001

I have used a Littman Master Classic II, but I didnt like it, so i sold it to another nursing major here on campus.

Now I have a Littman Cardiology III, and I absolutely love it. Nothing else compares to the sound quality for me! No matter how noisy the room is, I can hear everything i need to.

Good luck picking one!

BrandyBSN

KristaB · Dec 10, 2001

I have the "cheap" Littmann, the Select, I think. It works great! I think it was about $35 -- definitely better quality than the ones they sell in the bookstore on campus, but not like a Card III. Unless you have problems hearing, there is really no need to buy a cardiology stethoscope when you're in school. The cheaper ones work fine, though I would like to move up the chain and get a bit nicer one, probably next year when I start the RN portion of the program.

I highly recommend Littmann, though! Even the cheap one!

Krista

Marianne518 · Dec 11, 2001

I have a Littmann lightweight stethoscope (received as a gift) and I love it. Our instructors told us not to be ridiculous and buy anything for more than 40 or 50 dollars now, but later as we get closer to graduation we may want to invest in a better stethoscope. Quite frankly, I am very happy with my cheaper version of Littmann and hear just fine. I doubt that I will ever spend 200 dollars to have the fancier one...unless I hit the lottery! haha

bassbird · Dec 11, 2001

I have a Littman Master Cardiology and I love it! (I spent a few too many years standing in front of the drummer and lost a little bit of my upper frequencies). I did find it for ~$125 on the web at Reasons medical supply in Indiana. I think it is a good investment (plus cardiology is my favorite area so far)

-Roberta

Dazedgiggle · Dec 11, 2001

I'm with everyone else, Littman is the way to go! I used to have a Littman lightweight and I loved it, unfortunately it was stolen. My family gave me money to get a new one for Christmas (I was in school at the time and couldn't afford another Littman on my own) and the guy who sold it to me from the medical supply store was very helpful in explaining the differences between the different types of Littmans and let me try them all. There is a definite difference between Littmans, but all are excellent choices! I now have a Littman Cardiology II and love it!!