Stethoscope Question

KristeyK · May 6, 2011

I'm still a student myself, BUT...

I started off with a VERY affordable cheap stethoscope. It was AWFUL. We saved and I have a Littmann Cardio III now. What a difference it makes!!! I've since discovered other more affordable brands out there that also work quite nicely, but I cannot remember the name of them off the top of my head. Try going to a uniform supply place and testing different ones out to see which one you like best.

Good luck!

SNIXRN · May 7, 2011

Congrats on getting in! I just graduated from GCC in December. Throughout school I had the Littmann Lightweight, it's great quality, inexpensive, and not heavy on the neck.

Cursed Irishman · May 7, 2011

Your cheap one will work for nursing school. Wait until you graduate and find a job to invest a quality one. For nursing school just right "clear over diminished" or "scattered rhonchi".

throughCHRISTalone · May 7, 2011

Thanks for the feedback, I think I'm going to test out the stethoscope I have and see if it will do the job! Hey, not buying another one is one less expense that I need to make!!!! :)

Archer1121 · May 8, 2011

ah, the good old stethoscope controversy. you will ask this question to 100 different nurses and get 125 different answers on what you should do.....my advice, stick with the cheap one. a good stethoscope doesn't define a nurse in any way. i have seen nurses with $400 scopes around their neck, and they never actually use it...almost more of a fashion statement. besides, if i spent that much on a stethoscope i would pry have to take out an insurance policy on it, in case it becomes lost or damaged, which it probably will. as long as you use the one around your neck, you are good to go. my two cents

Railgun · May 9, 2011

I've gone through 3 steths since starting nursing school. My first was the Littman Lightweight II. It was okay and perfectly fine but my love of loud music made it dificult to use. Next was the Classic II SE, a bit better and it had a great balance to it. Finally I was gifted a Littman 3000. It's amazing and has improved my assessments tenfold. I'll never go back to a non-electronic.

As a student though the Classic II SE would be fine. Even the lightweight would work if you haven't destroyed your hearing.

Asystole RN · May 13, 2011

Use the scope that best suits you.

That being said I knew a nurse who actually did not use a stethoscope at all, he preferred to literally stick his head against the patient. He was an old gnarled nurse, about the best I have even seen.

I personally use a Littman Master Cardiology II, I do use my stethoscope rather frequently and like to be able to hear subtle or soft sounds...not to mention my hearing isn't too great from shooting without hearing protection. Since I use my stethoscope frequently and the quality of assessments does rely upon my ability to discern subtle and soft sounds I invested in a more expensive stethoscope. I personally believe professionals should use professional equipment, although a $160 stethoscope does you no good if you never use it as was previously mentioned.

I would recommend going down to the scrub store and trying some out and see if you like one more than another. I would also highly recommend that you have your stethoscope engraved.

boomerfriend · May 23, 2011

Remember, that in patient's rooms on contact precautions, you won't be able to use your own stethoscope anyway (or at least you shouldn't without cleaning it before and after). I found that my cheapie got me through nursing school and a family member gave me money for a graduation gift - then I went and bought a good Littmann pediatric one.

HJS27 · May 24, 2011

I prefer Littmann steths, and I think the Littmann Classic II S.E. is the best for students. :) Generally, the poorer your steth skills, the better quality steth you should be using...the technology helps to somewhat makes up for your inexperience, and at the same time does not let you hear every little sound (there can be too much of a good thing when you don't know what all the sounds mean...it can be overwhelming and confusing). The cost is not completely outrageous, and it will continue to be an excellent steth for work once you graduate. They also come in tons of delicious colors. :yeah:

Oh, and spring the extra $$$ for personalized engraving...steth tags can be removed, and unaccompanied steths frequently go on vacation, forever.

http://www.steeles.com/catalog/chart.html

http://www.steeles.com/catalog/3mclassII.html

http://www.steeles.com/catalog/LittmannColors.html

HJS27 · May 24, 2011

http://www.allheart.com/littmann-video-gallery.html

ktgooch · May 24, 2011

I am still a student, but I recently bought a Littmann Classic II and I LOVE IT! I got the tubing color I wanted and my name printed on the diaphragm. It is DEFINITELY worth it!