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.
During school I used a simple Sprague Rappaporte as it was not only inexpensive but I heard great with it. There are still times when it's noisy in the unit I will grab the Sprague over my littman!!! Not only that I cant count how many of my stethoscopes grew legs for a permanent walk. Wait until you graduated and figure out where your place in nursing will be before you spend big dollars for one unless you can afford it now.
I've had good experience with Littman as my first one through LPN school and first year of RN school, but ended up upgrading to the master cardiology for my last year. The quality of what you can hear is much better for assessing heart and lung sounds with the better one. I got mine on ebay for about $95 with shipping and it still is in great working shape!
Lacie, BSN, RN
1,037 Posts
During school I used a simple Sprague Rappaporte as it was not only inexpensive but I heard great with it. There are still times when it's noisy in the unit I will grab the Sprague over my littman!!! Not only that I cant count how many of my stethoscopes grew legs for a permanent walk. Wait until you graduated and figure out where your place in nursing will be before you spend big dollars for one unless you can afford it now.