Published
I use a stethoscope my other half bought when I was pregnant with my 8 yr old son..He bought it at CVS to try and listen to him in my belly. It cost a total of $15 and I have no problem with it.
I recommend a cheap one over an expensive one..Once you have mastered using a cheap one, then you may want to get a littman or something like that. But cheaper ones are better for those learning to take b/p's and listen to heart, lung, and bowel sounds. I've noticed in class those who own littmans had a harder time passing the b/p skill in lab..Mostly because the double stethoscope the teacher uses with you is pretty cheap..and the acoustics aren't as good as the more expensive scopes.
Originally posted by time4mydreamhi. i will be starting nursing school in january. i have been looking around at the different brands of stethoscopes. i have also done a search on this board for stethoscopes and have read through the messages posted there. any recommendations for a good stethoscope and also is it worth the extra money to purchase a good one versus a cheap one? a friend of mine who is an ER nurse says that i do not need to spend more than $20. on a scope. i would love to get some ideas on what type to buy and also, what do you like about the stethoscope that you use?:)
I refuse to spend over $100 for a Littman stethoscope while I'm still a student. After I graduate and pass the NCLEX fine, but for now my $15 stethoscope that works real well will have to do!
When we were buying our supplies before the first semester started, one of the graduating seniors told us there were two things that it would be worth it to invest in. One was a good pair of shoes (obviously) and the other was a stethascope. I have a cheapie Sprague and a Littman Lightweight and they both seem to work well for me. I had no difficulty passing my lab b/p with either scope. Good luck!
My folks got me a Littmann Classic II SE as an early Christmas present. I start school in Jan. I have used it to listen to family members and pets (yes, pets) and it works very well. The scope "recommended" for my class from the place we get our student uniforms is a Prestige sprague (from what I understand it's because its one of the higher quality cheapie scopes).
I am in the same boat - starting school in January and all. I decided to go ahead with the Littman Classic II SE.
The biggest reason I chose it was I think you generally get what you pay for. Littman has an extremely good track record. I'm also pretty good about hanging on to my stuff so I expect to have it for a good while. I didn't want to drop a whole lot of money on one but I felt it was more of an investment.
Terence
I have a Littmann Cardiology III and I love it! I also have a cheapie sprague stethoscope and the earpieces hurt, they never stay in the spot I position them. I love my Littmann and would not trade it for anything. :kiss
I also refuse to lend it because I did not pay all that money for others to use it and I don't need any ear infections. I save the cheapie in case others need to borrow one.
I bought a cheapie sprauge steth, and I really don't like it. I feel that it has too much background noise. I don't know if mine was a dud or not, but my buddy who bought the same one is also upgrading. I bought a Littman select, and it was only $40, and is very good, and light.
Although I hear they tend to "walk" alot. Keep an eye on yours, regardless of cost.
time4mydream
35 Posts
hi. i will be starting nursing school in january. i have been looking around at the different brands of stethoscopes. i have also done a search on this board for stethoscopes and have read through the messages posted there. any recommendations for a good stethoscope and also is it worth the extra money to purchase a good one versus a cheap one? a friend of mine who is an ER nurse says that i do not need to spend more than $20. on a scope. i would love to get some ideas on what type to buy and also, what do you like about the stethoscope that you use?:)