stethoscopes

No, I did not put it on backwards, lol. But I did just purchase new earpieces and it made it ALOT better. I had the hard ones, I bought the soft ones and they fit the ear opening and seal better. So, the main problem with my Littmann was the earpieces. As far as color, I have a friend who bought a bright orange one, if anyone steals it she will definitely know.

I haven't started my BSN track yet but I can tell you my Littman cardio III works perfectly in the back of an ambulance at 60 mph with sirens blarring. That is the reason I bought it, I needed a scope with the accustics that would allow me to do my job in those conditions (not to mention the screaming from the pt and crew). Get the Littman you can't go wrong.

I just went to the local nursing supply store & when asked what kind did I want, I said, "I want a stethoscope under $20". Works for me!!:rotfl:

Hi all. As a new nusring student, which is better to buy.... a single head or a dual?? I am not sure how a dual works.

Thanks!

hi, here is some information on dual-sided or dual head stethoscopes:

they enable simultaneous amplification of certain critical physiological sounds, by alternation between the two differently-shaped and differently-sized sound collecting areas. the "bell" side is not more or less suitable for pediatric use than the diaphragm side. the "diaphragm side" is generally more sensitive to respiratory sounds than the "bell" side. high fidelity, dual-sided stethoscopes have greater sensitivity to all frequencies on both sides, than single-sided ones

there are so many 'scopes out there. i would suggest you either ask someone a wee bit more experienced than you or head over to a medical supply store and ask if you can check them out.

good luck with your schooling!

athena

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If you buy a cheap single head stethoscope, the one diaphragm will likely function just solely as one, however, if you buy a more expensive single-head stethoscope it can/may function as both.

From the Littman Website, about their single head stethoscopes:

Tunable technology provides convenience, versatility and enhanced acoustics. The dual frequency diaphragm combines both bell (low-frequency) and diaphragm (high frequency) into a single side of the chestpiece. You control bell and diaphragm modes by pressure on the chestpiece rather than by turning it over.

If you plan to buy a cheapie, might as well get dual-heads. If you get a more expensive one, then its personal preference.

I have both. I have a dual and a single and honestly, I use the single more than the double. It's easier to go from the bell to diaphragm with a simple amount of pressure or release of pressure. Both of mine are littman and I paid about $50 for each.

I bought Littmann Cardiology III on Ebay and love it. I now work in PED's and am glad to have the dual sided bell diaphragm style. Think of your stethoscope as a lasting investment. You WILL use it after nursing school, unlike some of those pricey books we needed to buy.

I also have a Cardiology III. I got it for Christmas and haven't had a chance to use it. But I'm hoping it will work well.

Thanks For All The Tips