I'm sure there have been threads on this in the past, but I haven't seen one lately so figured it wouldn't hurt to ask again.
Anyone have any advice on a good stethoscope? Unfortunately, there aren't any med. supply stores locally I can go and try them out.
On the school order form, the following three are suggestions:
Sprague Rappaport (dual tubing)
Littman Classic II-SE (dual head)
Littman Cardiology III (dual head/adult-pedi diaphragm/reversible bell)
For a new student, is it really worth buying something as expensive as the Cardio III?
The nursing program secretary says that we can order one not listed, as long as it is good quality/dual head and will last us throughout school and past. Any other suggestions?
Also, any suggestions where to find good prices on steths online?
I got a Littman Lightweight SE for Christmas, and I would recommend it to anyone listening for blood pressure as long as the patient has a bounding pulse!! :rotfl:
Really though it SUCKS! Nursing is a career, invest in at least a classic II, better if at all possible. Think about it, would Lance Armstrong buy a Schwinn to save a buck? If you can keep them from walking off they last a long time. Take it from me, a $49 steth is not cheaper than a $199 steth, it just adds $49 to the price you'll still pay later for the better steth. I learned the hard way
I have an adscope-very similar to Littman, but cheaper. Everyone has opinions on each one, but we all probably agree that those really el cheapos are not good for students because you are really learning to differentiate sounds and you get too much outside noise with the under $20 brands. Try to stay below $50 unless you plan to work in a cardiac unit. Also note that if you plan to work in newborn nursery or neonatal ICU that you will be using the facility steths most likely so keep that in mind when purchasing one for the long term. I liked my Adscope brand and it cost around $40.
While in Nursing school I bought the cheap version of a stethoscope. (SPRAGUE)It didn't do miracles but I at least heard a pt's apical pulse. Barely I must add!!!!!! I don't think it's a good idea to buy such an expensive stethoscope while still being in nursing school. Besides, school by it's self is EXPENSIVE.
I just received my RN license and ordered the Littmann Soft Touch Cardiology STC stethoscope as a graduation gift for myself. I paid around $139.00. I'll let you know how good it works.
While in Nursing school I bought the cheap version of a stethoscope. (SPRAGUE)It didn't do miracles but I at least heard a pt's apical pulse. Barely I must add!!!!!! I don't think it's a good idea to buy such an expensive stethoscope while still being in nursing school. Besides, school by it's self is EXPENSIVE.
I just received my RN license and ordered the Littmann Soft Touch Cardiology STC stethoscope as a graduation gift for myself. I paid around $139.00. I'll let you know how good it works.
**BEST OF LUCK IN NURSING SCHOOL** :)
Our school sells us "nursing kits" with our b.p cuff, steth (sprague) and a bunch of other stuff at at a discounted price of $40 for the whole thing. I figured I'll go with that for now, and just get a good steth after graduation.
All the over-involved Moms were ordering their precious daughters and sons the Cardio III at the orientation tea for our program Friday. Then, our advisor and head of the program got up in front of everyone and said "don't order the most expensive on on the list. It's not necessary, and that'd make a good graduation present."
I ended up ordering the Littmann Classic II. Thanks for the advice! :)
I received my STC Cardiology Stethoscope. Let me tell you, I hear bodily sounds I've never heard before. Wow, it's impressive. All sounds are clear and crisp. I recommend this stethoscope to who ever needs a good one. I give it 2 thumbs up!!!!!!!!!!!! :rotfl:
A graduate student gave me the best advice when she said to buy a good stethoscope at the beginning of nursing school. You will be able to hear everything clearer and therefore will learn what sounds are normal vs abnormal sooner. A good steth is worth every penny!!
JimmyMallo
73 Posts
I got a Littman Lightweight SE for Christmas, and I would recommend it to anyone listening for blood pressure as long as the patient has a bounding pulse!! :rotfl:
Really though it SUCKS! Nursing is a career, invest in at least a classic II, better if at all possible. Think about it, would Lance Armstrong buy a Schwinn to save a buck? If you can keep them from walking off they last a long time. Take it from me, a $49 steth is not cheaper than a $199 steth, it just adds $49 to the price you'll still pay later for the better steth. I learned the hard way