What is the best stethescope for an ER nurse?

edrnloveit · Oct 13, 2012

First of all congrts to you. I may be biased in my opinion but there is nothing like nursing in the ED. Our Ed director suggested a reference book for us from USC called the Hospitalist handbook, I really love it. As far as stethoscopes go I went with the Pittman cardiac master and for years it has served me well. You can get some great deals on this model online. Welcome to the ED, I wish great success in your new endeavor.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Oct 13, 2012

These are a few I have found worthy. I always carry pedi references. I think the littman Cardiology III Is more than sufficient to hear what you need in the ED. You won't have time to listen for heart tones, mummurs etc. That's an ICU thing. In the ED it's are they there or not. can you hear breath sounds or not.....so anything that you can "hear with" is good enough.

The Tarascon Emergency Department Quick Reference Guide

The Vedells resuscitation chart

Pocket Emergency Medicine (Pocket Notebook Series)

Micromedex is pricey but a great reference for your smart phone.

Fast facts at your fingertips.

www.nnccusa.com

http://drkamaldeep.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/iv.pdf

AAFP Mobile Solutions Center

:anpom::ancong!::anpom: Welcome to Chaos!!!!:)

Robublind · Oct 13, 2012

Its Cardiology III vs Master Cardiology again... I like the STC. I think you will be ok with any "good" stethoscope to start, wait and see what you need once you are in the ED. Then spend your money.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Oct 13, 2012

I have both and use both.......I save my master for ICU/CTPACU.

eCCU · Oct 14, 2012

Think labs electronic very light and loud works perfectly in a loud environment

ERNURSEFINALLY · Oct 16, 2012

Thanks for all of your help! I am so excited for this change in my career. As well as for this blog! Thanks again guys!

KBICU · Oct 16, 2012

http://Www.allheart.com cheaper and u can get it engraved!

EmergencyNrse · Oct 16, 2012

I have a Littmann Master Cardiology and am pretty good with high frequency/low frequency auscultation.

Truth be known, the vast majority of physical exams in the ER can be eval-ed with the 2.00/disposable stethoscopes... Don't go out of your way to spend lots of dollars. You don't need one to get the job done. Just my 0.02

mcknis · Oct 19, 2012

Agree with EmergencyNrse... I have used many scopes but just use whatever is comfortable for you. I used a sprague scope, but it was to thick around my neck and gave me an ache. I prefer anything I can hear with but lighter is better. Have used the same littmann scope through school and it still does its job. Just had to replace the tubing because it cracked on me, but no biggie. $20 tubing on ebay from china got me what I needed. I would just keep the same one and use it. If you have $200 laying around then spend the money, but if not, a cheap scope with good earpieces will work just fine!

ecerrn · Oct 19, 2012

I've used littman mostly, if the tubing cracks you can send it back and they'll replace it and the earpieces and recondition it for free, hint, don't wear it around your neck and it won't crack, or use a cover you can wash, also..whatever you get, have your name engraved on it...I've gotten mine back a few times once it was realized who it belonged to....

ERNURSEFINALLY · Oct 21, 2012

Thanks everyone! I am going to stick with my cheap littman for now and then see if I should spend the money. Tomorrow is my first day, and I am SO NERVOUS and EXCITED!