Orientation & Supplies

If the school provides them, I would do that only because it would be standard. But definitely speak to someone in the nursing department and ask because you still want to get high quality materials at a reasonable price. A good stethoscope will make a big difference in you're understanding of heart and bowel sounds.

Look online to places like Uniform City, Allhearts, and Amazon or just google some online stores for supplies. Get an idea for the prices that are out there but don't buy anything yet. Once you get to orientation compare prices and then ask if it is required to purchase your supplies from them or not. My school didn't care what you purchased as long as they were the school colors and they fit properly. The ones that they offered at the book store were one size fit none, I mean most . So for me buying online was much better option.

Just as a tip buy cheap on everything except you stethoscope. Pens, pen lights, scrubs, ect all function the same regardless of how much or little you pay. Stethoscopes on the other hand vary in quality. As a nursing student it is already difficult to distinguish between sounds while auscultating why make it more difficult by getting a piece of equipment you can't hear anything with.

I would recommend getting most anything from Littmann. If you are really strapped for cash at first you can purchase one of these inexpensive ones...

Amazon.com: ADC Proscope 660dg, Dark Green, Adult: Health & Personal Care

These are NOT high quality but you can hear from them. We got some of these at the facility where I work and they actually do a pretty good job for listening to the basics. You can take a blood pressure with them and auscultate an apical pulse and even some bowel sounds so it could get you through the first semester/year of nursing school. Just a tip though remove the bell and cut the tubing by a couple of inches. This really helps with the sound quality. Good luck!

remember the school book store is also looking to make a profit, you can find the items much cheaper online.

Make yourself popular and bring a sign-up sheet to orientation for mass purchase of stethoscopes and other supplies. You could even charge a small handling fee, so you don't lose money. Take the money and buy a bunch of them--you can often get a discount form a dealer. I used to do this for my students, but the students would do it too.