ultrascopes in school

shrimpchips, LPN · Feb 20, 2009

I bought myself an Ultrascope stethoscope for a reward for getting into nursing school (I've wanted one for over a year, lol) but we're required during our returns to use both the bell and the diaphragm for auscultation. Should I break down and buy another stethoscope or just borrow one/use the school's steth. for my returns? I love my Ultrascope, but it's not respected by my instructors, ha ha.
Any thoughts?

One girl in my program has an ultrascope (and she is the only one) but the instructors don't have a problem with it. During our test outs (especially for cardiac when they want us to listen to the heart using the diaphragm then the bell) they understand that all you have to do is apply pressure to the headpiece and it acts like a bell - do your instructors understand this? When we tested out on blood pressure, we used dual-headed stethoscopes so the instructor could listen in, and those were ultrascopes. Maybe I would talk to your instructors about it and if it's really going to affect your grade, either borrow someone's or get a different one. I have a Littmann Classic II S.E. and I LOVE it and to be honest I can hear better with mine than my friend's ultrascope.

jackson145 · Feb 20, 2009

My Littman Master Classic II is sort of like the Ultrascope. A light pressure & it works as a diaphragm, heavier pressure & it works like a bell. I've yet to find another stethoscope I like as well.

shygoofyone · Feb 21, 2009

I have a cheaper version of an ultrascope and haven't had anyone say anything to me about them in my Cardiac rotation (and that's where I was expecting to hear about it!). Good luck!

p_hawk · Feb 24, 2009

One girl in my program has an ultrascope (and she is the only one) but the instructors don't have a problem with it. During our test outs (especially for cardiac when they want us to listen to the heart using the diaphragm then the bell) they understand that all you have to do is apply pressure to the headpiece and it acts like a bell - do your instructors understand this? When we tested out on blood pressure, we used dual-headed stethoscopes so the instructor could listen in, and those were ultrascopes. Maybe I would talk to your instructors about it and if it's really going to affect your grade, either borrow someone's or get a different one. I have a Littmann Classic II S.E. and I LOVE it and to be honest I can hear better with mine than my friend's ultrascope.

I've mentioned to one instructor that it works via pressure but she seemed unreceptive. Her comment was that I'd eventually need to get a dual-head stethoscope anyway... apparently for when I'm out of school and working(?)... I think I'm just not going to worry too much about it and take things as they come. I don't want to seem like I'm rocking the boat and/or throwing a fit to get my way... know what I mean? It doesn't seem like they're going to care about what I take to clinicals, just what I use on checkoffs... guess that shows that I understand the concept of the bell and diaphragm hearing different pitches. Thanks to everyone for the replies!

truern · Feb 24, 2009

Do whatever it takes to keep them happy. You can buy a cheap stethoscope for check offs at the drug store for under $10.

Btw, I'm jealous....I LoVE ultrascopes, but can't hear with one. Icamethisclosetobuyingoneanyway LOL

p_hawk · Feb 24, 2009

it took some getting used to for me to hear right out of mine. i like how easy breath sounds are. granted i haven't used a littman for any length of time so i guess i can't really say one way or another but i do like my flowers and pink tubing

FloridaGirl23 · Feb 24, 2009

I have a Littman Master classic and a Classic II S.E. Both AWESOME!!! I actually have working in a scrub supply store for the past three years while in nursing school. We have two ultrascopes in our store, both have been there for the whole three years..eeek! I was told by the owner that he was paid to carry them but not to push them because they aren't as good as the Littmans. I've tried one and have a hard time hearing out of it, but if you are comfortable with yours the more power to ya! And you can always buy a cheap dual head for under 15 bucks just to use while in school, we were actually told to do that because stethescopes loooove to walk off! But I couldn't resist (or hear) so I splurged on my Littmans!