Using a Littmann 3200 Electronic Stethoscope for nursing school?

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My family doctor is giving me a littmann 3200 electronic stethoscope as present for entering nursing school. Although I have purchased a littmann classic light weight already, would it be strange to use such an expensive, over the top stethoscope for nursing 101?

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My family doctor is giving me a littmann 3200 electronic stethoscope as present for entering nursing school. Although I have purchased a littmann classic light weight already, would it be strange to use such an expensive, over the top stethoscope for nursing 101?

I'd like to hear the replies on this, as well. I am considering buying a more expensive elec steth because I have a harder time hearing than the average person.....

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Personally, I think it would be a little strange unless you need extra help hearing; but, that's just me. My Littman Classic SE has been more than good enough. If I were you, I'd hold on to the expensive one and keep it in a safe place until you finish nursing school; plus, you'll always have it as a back-up in case you lose your littman classic.

If you already have a less-expensive steth, I'd use it at first. You'll end up sharing it with your classmates when they forget theirs, dropping it, leaving it in your hot car all day, and basically just abusing it. I would be afraid to do that with such a nice steth.

greenfiremajick, do you leave near any big hospitals? If so, there's probably a scrub shop in the area. They may let you try out different models of steths in the store if you beg and plead (one scrub shop here will let people do that, one won't). A student a semester ahead of me uses an electronic steth because she is slightly hard of hearing, and it has helped her out tremendously.

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Personally, I think it would be a little strange unless you need extra help hearing; but, that's just me. My Littman Classic SE has been more than good enough. If I were you, I'd hold on to the expensive one and keep it in a safe place until you finish nursing school; plus, you'll always have it as a back-up in case you lose your littman classic.

If you already have a less-expensive steth, I'd use it at first. You'll end up sharing it with your classmates when they forget theirs, dropping it, leaving it in your hot car all day, and basically just abusing it. I would be afraid to do that with such a nice steth.

Thanks, that's what I thought as well. I think a electronic one isn't needed for nursing 101. I'll keep that for after nursing school.

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I'd like to hear the replies on this, as well. I am considering buying a more expensive elec steth because I have a harder time hearing than the average person.....

I think it would be beneficial for you to get a electronic stethoscope. Maybe try it out at medical pharmacies/shops before purchasing. My family doctor has the littmann electronic 3200 and he loves it. When I complemented him on it, he offered to get me one as a gift. I personally wad shocked that he is getting the expensive one for me.lol

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greenfiremajick, do you leave near any big hospitals? If so, there's probably a scrub shop in the area. They may let you try out different models of steths in the store if you beg and plead (one scrub shop here will let people do that, one won't). A student a semester ahead of me uses an electronic steth because she is slightly hard of hearing, and it has helped her out tremendously.

I live in a smallish town with only one hospital. There's only one scrub shop I know of, but I'll ask them.....I can also make it to the "big town" occasionally so maybe I'll have a better shot, there. Thanks for the suggestion, RK.

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We had a guy in our class that used one. No big deal. I have heard before that the Littmann lightweight isn't a very good steth and we were recommended not to get one even though it is what is sold in our bookstore. I don't have personal experience with that though. I use a Littmann Classic SE II.

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Specializes in Infusion.

You might find it helpful when you get into the cardiac portion of class and clinicals. Once you know what you might be listening to, it can make it a lot easier to hear a murmur or some extra sounds.

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Specializes in I'd like to get into neonatal or ob-gyn.

The dean in my nursing school mentioned this and she said that the really expensive ones like this electronic stethoscope isn't necessary because the medical professionals (ie. cardiologist) that use these types for (for the lack of a better word) "sound differentiation" will only confuse the untrained ears of a first year nursing student. But hey if you're getting it for free, why not. These electronic onces are like in $400s

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

Over the years, I've used a Littmann Lite, Classic II SE, and Cardiology III. I love them all for various reasons. I've tried the electronic steths and aside from being able to amplify the sounds more, I found little use for them at the price point. Now if I ever need assistance with hearing stuff... then they'd become a useful tool.

I'd be quite surprised if some of the higher-end e-steths didn't come with an option to turn on some various DSP functions to squelch out background noise these days.

One good benefit of electronic steths is that you may be able to record what you heard very easily.

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my family doctor is giving me a littmann 3200 electronic stethoscope as present for entering nursing school. although i have purchased a littmann classic light weight already, would it be strange to use such an expensive, over the top stethoscope for nursing 101?

if you take it to the hospital, make sure that you do something to identify it to keep it from "walking off". something that expensive will walk off.

i had one given to me a few years ago. it is an old model that does not show hr but it works. sadly, the info about how it works is sketchy. i am always getting the buttosn confused. quite honestly, i prefer my less expensive stethoscopes better.

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Electronic Stethoscope is best for someone who have hearing impairment or who needs to differentiate between different sounds specially for cardiologist. I am using Littmann Classic II SE and I don't think we need anything better then this , I bought it online from http://www.bestbuymd.com

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