Question about stethoscopes

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Hi everyone,

I am starting nursing school this fall and have a question about stethoscopes. I have noticed several people say to buy the cheap ones because they often "walk away" and what not but then I have seen others say the more expensive ones due to the quality and being able to hear very well. When I was in CNA school I noticed I sort of had a hard time hearing heartbeats through my stethoscope. I bought one that cost around $25 and honestly I bought it because it was a bright pink, my favorite color :heartbeat Can anyone give their recommendation about these? Quality always cost more so is it a good idea to spend more on your stethoscope or is it not worth it? Someone said to go to Petco and use their small tags to engrave your info and put on your stethoscope so that may help with them disappearing. Anyway thanks for reading! This site is great to browse to read what others are going through and what I may be able to expect! :nurse:

Allisa

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Education.

I personally will use nothing but a higher quality stethoscope. I can't hear as well with the cheap ones. Part of this depends on your own ability to hear. I would compare several models. Find a "fluffy" friend, and have a listen to his or her heart and lung sounds. I'm sure your classmates would let you try out their stethoscopes for comparison.

I would definitely engrave my stethoscope. You can have your name put on the tubing, on the bell, and I believe even on the earpiece.

From my personal opinion, this is a tool that helps me to best perform my job. I don't find it unreasonable to spend money on a tool I use daily. If you've gone out to dinner 15 times in the last year at a cheap restaurant, that same money would buy you an expensive Littmann (ex a master cardiology). You can find them for around $49 on up to several hundred dollars for an electronic model. Ask for gift certificates for birthday, holidays, etc :)

Also, check your school's requirements. Our school requires a master classic II (or better). As an instructor, I'm glad we do!

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Specializes in telemetry/med surg.

I honestly don't know the answer to this, but I have the same question! My sister is in LVN school right now, and her's was a package deal where your total fees included everything. The stethescope she got from them was a cheapy one and immediatly she had to buy a better one because she couldn't hear well out of it. Thats just her experience, but I am already looking around for one, I just don't really know what brand is best.

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I always here people on here say that the more expensive ones are better. My school requires the Littman Classic ll for clinicals. I think the engraving tag is a good idea. I know when I was looking on a site that some places they'll engrave the stethoscope...so that's what I'll eventually do. Anyway....good luck!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I am definitely going to wait until I start school to see what the instructors say but I wanted to get some opinions as well. I will definitely be engraving mine, that is cool you can engrave any part of it! I also agree that it is worth the investment for something you use daily and helps you perform your job at your best ability. Thanks everyone!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the stethoscope forum

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Another option is to get the scope you want, and just not set it down. Engraving won't stop some dirtbag from taking your scope if they want it. that's how I lost my Mater Cardiology last year.

Best advice you'll hear about a stethoscope is, If you don't want to lose it, don't let it out of your sight

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What I did when I was in Respiratory school was to get a middle of the road stethoscope like a Littmann Classic II. I could hear well enough through it and it didn't break my "starving student" bank. Then when I graduated I asked for a Cardiology III. I was glad I had my old school scope for back up when I had to send the fancy one in for a replacement tubing.

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Specializes in Med Surg, ER, OR.

I have used the cheaper ones and they just dont make them like they used to. The older 'nurse' scopes actually worked well all around, but now the scopes are made in china...and it shows based on the acoustics. I like having Littmann quality even if it does not include the Littmann brand. Prestige and ADC are both good brands, too.

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