Published May 4, 2012
tammy_zeidan09
175 Posts
What steth do you have? I am starting the program in August and am going to keep my eyes peeled for online deals for stethoscope. I hear of Littmann, of course, but there is just so many different kinds!
What do you recommend for a nursing student?!
BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN
1,158 Posts
Students don't need anything other than a $12 sprague. You don't even know what you are listening for, lol. Let somone buy you a good model when you graduate.
..yeah that's why I'm in nursing school..
Squarestate
8 Posts
Although I know people who don't mind the cheap stethoscopes, I personally hate them. It's easier to learn it you can actually hear lung sounds/heart sounds ect. I'd spend $75-$100 on a good one. I have an ADC(American Diagnostic Corporation) stethoscope which works wonderful and came with a life time warranty.
Great! Thanks!
I don't want to get a crappy steth and not be able to hear I am supposed to hear. I don't agree with buying the best steth and most expensive, but definitely would like to know what I am listening to as you said.
Thanks again!
FORTHELOVEOF!!!!
299 Posts
I bought a Littman lightweight, I love it! It has little grooves on the outside to put your fingers so I don't hear as much feedback from moving my fingers around trying to hold it just right!
Annachu512, BSN, RN
239 Posts
Littmann Classic SE 2.. It's around 70 and some sites will engrave for free so it doesn't walk away. Awesome selection of colors and well made. I just finished my 1 st semester and highly recommend it.
BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN
3,520 Posts
I didn't want to buy a "student" stethoscope, then a "first nursing job" stethoscope, etc. I just did er' big the first time around, LOL. Littman Master Cardiology in chocolate brown. I can hear EVERYTHING!
Double-Helix, BSN, RN
3,377 Posts
I'd recommend the Littmann Classic II SE. It's a very popular stethoscope for students and nurses. It's probably the most common stethoscope used by nurses on my unit.
DO NOT BUY A CHEAP STETHOSCOPE! In nursing school, it's important to have a good quality stethoscope to learn to differentiate the sounds you are hearing. I can hardly hear anything with the disposable ones we use for isolation rooms, and as a student I would have had no clue. Think of it as an investment. A nice Littmann will last you through school and beyond.
I bought a Littmann Master Classic when I was in nursing school and have never needed a new stethoscope. It cost me about 100 dollars and I've used it regularly for nearly five years. That's a cost less than $1.75 per month. There are other things that you can buy used or save money on. A stethoscope is not one of them.
Littmann Classic II S.E. Stethoscope | allheart.com
eatmysoxRN, ASN, RN
728 Posts
I started with the cheap sprague in nursing school. I couldn't hear anything! I bought a Littman Cardiology III off of eBay for $90 :) I work cardiac so it's awesome to be able to hear murmurs. I highly recommend it.
I've also heard Ultrascopes are good. I know a lot of RTs who use them. If you have people who own different types, id ask them if you could listen.
Thanks so much ladies!!!! You've all given me great suggestions, I'll look into those!
=]
Merlyn
852 Posts
Littman Classic. I had mine for 30 years and I worked from Med/Surg to Cardiac. Always go for the best.