I getting starting CNA classes next week, plan on working as a CNA while I'm in nursing school, and will be starting nursing school... I am really wanting to buy a Littmann Classic III because I want to work with pediatrics and adults (dual head) and it is good quality. I am wondering if I should just buy a cheap stethoscope to get me through school or if it is worth buying a nice one I will keep with me through nursing school and in my RN career.
That's nice that the classic III has a peds head. When I had the classic SE/II/whatever it idd not have a peds side, just a bell. My cardiology III has a peds side and I love it. In terms of stethoscopes, my favorites were cardiology III, classic, then master cardiology.
Black Friday followed by Nurses Week are generally the best deals on Litmanns.
Do you think it's worth getting the cardiology III? Or do you think I will be okay to get a classic?
I'm no longer a floor nurse... But when I was in school I bought the recommended Littmann. It was encouraged we buy a "quality" stethescope, and the recommended model was a Master Classic II. It was nice for me in school and as a floor nurse because there was no flipping sides needed based on situation (the model is tuneable and it depends how hard you press what sounds you hear). Anyhow. Still in nearly perfect condition (7 years later), I've changed the ear pieces. I decided since I was in school and could lump costs of supplies in with other college costs I had no excuse not to buy something "worth it".
Wow! Good to hear! I think I am going to go ahead and buy a good one. I might as well learn with a stethoscope I will be using for my career anyway right? And I might as well get one that lets me hear a more quality sound. I think you're right! College is expensive, might as well make the learning experience a little easier with a quality stethoscope! :) plus I really want one
I say start with a cheapo. When you have a pt that has to use disposable one it will be easier. I learned on a Littman at first and when I had to use a disposable for a test I had a hard time as ev1 in my lvn class that had Littman's. The people who had the cheapest ones did the best with the disposable
That is interesting... why did the people who had the cheapest ones do best?
That is very good to know! Thank you! This may be a dumb question, but are they cleanable?
You can wipe them down with disinfectant wipes or alcohol, yes. But I know what that other reply is referring too, I have done the same thing and CANNOT get the ink off the tubing
Do you think it's worth getting the cardiology III? Or do you think I will be okay to get a classic?
For most people, you can get by with a classic. I just find I can hear better with my cardiology III and I liked that it had a peds diaphragm. I worked in the ER as a paramedic in triage during nursing school. I was actually going to retire my cardiology III in favor of the master cardiology but I can't hear as well. Maybe my cardiology III is perfectly molded for my ears now?
My sister is in nursing school and she is so excited to have my classic. Apparently everyone wants a rainbow stethoscope.
I'd get a darker tubing. I've heard of people having their lilac or breast cancer pink turning colors due to ink or grime.
As for the people with cheap ones doing the best? We had Littman classic teaching stethoscopes. I think the better stethoscopes are better to learn on because you can hear more stuff. Better =/= more expensive. I see residents with everything from Littman classics to electronic Littmans. Cardio II or III are the more common options.
Regardless, get your stethoscope engraved and never let it out of your sight. If someone borrows it, I follow them. I also usually have a watch on mine but my watch finally wiggled it's way loose and became lost.
You don't usually use your stethoscope while taking the CNA class or working as one normally but you will need one in the program. It's worth it to buy a good one but make sure when you start clinicals that you don't leave it anywhere or let a doctor take it:)
I have the classic III and a cheaper sprague stethoscope. They both get the job done, but the classic III is noticeably louder and much more sensitive, which is really nice in the loud hospitals. The Littmann is also MUCH more comfortable. The sprague really hurts my ears because of the hard ear pieces. I can't keep it in for more that 20-30 seconds without my ears hurting for a good 10-15 minutes after. So, if you have the money for a Littmann now, I would say it's worth it.
I personally got the lemon-lime tubing and don't regret it a bit. A LOT of people have the black or the breast cancer pink (I don't see the other pinks so much), so they get switched around/lost a lot easier. I chose a distinct color because I never have to doubt which scope is mine, and I don't have to worry (as much) about it growing legs and running away due to someone mistaking it for their own. But as others have said, definitely get your name engraved. The website I ordered mine on did it for free and it looks really nice (and it actually carved the metal, where some just kind of burn/discolor it).
For learning purposes, though, ask a friend with a cheap stethoscope if you can take a listen with theirs. That way you get an idea of what to listen for if you ever find yourself in a situation where you have to use a cheap stethoscope.
That is interesting... why did the people who had the cheapest ones do best?
In both my CNA & RN program, my BP checkoffs were with a dual-head steth (so that the instructor is listening too). I don't know whether they were cheap ones or not, but they were harder to hear with compared to mine (though I was able to pass on first attempt). Someone with a cheaper steth may already have their ears tuned in & not notice a difference while someone with a better steth may (or may not?) have a harder time.
When my cardio walked a couple yrs ago, I got an acrylic steth by Prestige for maybe $20 which I like so much better!
That is interesting... why did the people who had the cheapest ones do best?
Bc they were crap. They used the ones the hospital we did clinical site used for contact precaution pt. They were soooo horrible after learning on a quality scope. After I learned on that now you can give me any scope from great to terrible and I can make it work.
I am not saying keep the cheapo forever. IMHO learning the hardest first is easier than the other way.
arojumper
17 Posts
Do you think it's worth getting the cardiology III? Or do you think I will be okay to get a classic?