Stethoscope for new student

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Hi all,

I start school in sept at SCCC in new york, and at orientation they told us to purchase a stethoscope, they said nothing crazy but also did not specify what to get... I don't want to seem crazy or lackluster, ccan someone recommend a good stethoscope for a new RN student..? I wish they had been more specific. This is one of the many things driving me crazy that I need to buy and it probably shouldn't be.

Thanks!

Jill Hopeful graduate in 2012.

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Specializes in Anesthesia, CTICU.
hi all,

i start school in sept at sccc in new york, and at orientation they told us to purchase a stethoscope, they said nothing crazy but also did not specify what to get... i don't want to seem crazy or lackluster, ccan someone recommend a good stethoscope for a new rn student..? i wish they had been more specific. this is one of the many things driving me crazy that i need to buy and it probably shouldn't be.

thanks!

jill hopeful graduate in 2012.

my first scope was a sprague rappaport, then i upgraded to the littmann classic ii... i've since upgraded again to the master cardiology iii, etc, but i do not recommend spending that much $$$ for starters with other products out there that will work just as well for you (and will not break the bank if you lose it, or it grows legs and miraculously walks away)...

check these out:

sprague ($8-$30)

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_0_5?url=search-alias%3dhpc&field-keywords=sprague+rappaport+stethoscope&sprefix=sprag

or the littman lightweight ii s.e. (~$50)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/b000f4w1r6/ref=asc_df_b000f4w1r6884336?smid=atvpdkikx0der&tag=googlecom09c9-20&linkcode=asn&creative=380341&creativeasin=b000f4w1r6

or if someone wants to get you a nice present, the littmann master classic ii (~$100) -- although it doesn't have smaller bell for pediatrics.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/b000f4sp1w/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2/184-2890375-2079121?pf_rd_m=atvpdkikx0der&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_r=1f7pbhn6bzw9qfvzkje4&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_i=b000f4w1r6

personally, i'd say the $50 range is probably the best 'value' for your use :twocents:

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Specializes in Transitional Care.

Most people prefer Littman stethoscopes...but, any mid-priced sprague stethoscope will do. I do like my Littman though. :D

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I might be in the minority but I believe that when you are just starting out a good stethoscope is very important. I started off with a $20 one and had the worst time distiguishing the sounds. I bought the Littmann Classic II and boy what a difference. I would suggest whatever you buy, if you have never used a stethoscope to get one with a double sided diaphragm. In my opinion the tunable diaphragm complicates things when you are just learning because the amount of pressure you put on it changes what you here.

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Specializes in chemical dependency detox/psych.

I liked the Littman Lightweight for school. I upgraded to the Littman Master Cardiology when I graduated...I love that stethoscope.

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Specializes in Case Mgmt, Anesthesia, ICU, ER, Dialysis.

Anything Littman, but Ultrascope makes a nice piece of equipment, too! :)

Good luck!

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thanks for the replies, I am a medical assistant and phlebotomist, so I am OK with the sounds, although It's been a couple of yrs since I worked as an MA. My other question is I see the ones with the double tubing and thhe single, which one do you prefer.. I almost bought a double, but I am thinking the single may be just as well...?I believe it was a sprague i was looking at... thanks again!

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Specializes in MICU, neuro, orthotrauma.
Anything Littman, but Ultrascope makes a nice piece of equipment, too! :)

Good luck!

I preferred my Ultrascope over the Littman Classic. If your school doesn't require a bell as well as the diaphragm, then Ultrascope is my recommendation.

http://www.mystethoscope.com/ultrascope-stethoscopes-c-37.html?gclid=COO95uzurZwCFYZM5QodYzSvkw

I now use a Master Cardiology though, like those who are answering. It's pricey, but I can hear everything. I love it. It also worked the same way as an Ultrascope. Low and high frequencies dependent upon pressure exerted.

http://www.allheart.com/2163-65.html

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Specializes in Case Mgmt, Anesthesia, ICU, ER, Dialysis.

Buy the single...the double tubing rubs against each other and you can't tell what's interference and what's the patient!

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hi i checked the site and i see a maxiscope and an adult scope.. should i go with the adult scope?

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Specializes in MICU, neuro, orthotrauma.
hi i checked the site and i see a maxiscope and an adult scope.. should i go with the adult scope?

I haven't used the maxiscope, so I can't vouch for it's quality. The adult ultrascope is the one I used for many years before moving on to the Master Cardiology. I was able to distinguish heart sounds with it quite easily.

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Specializes in Med surg, LTC, day surgery, ped private duty.

I heard the maxiscope is exactly like the ultrascope, but without the picture designs and is cheaper.

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