What kind of stethoscope should I get for nursing school?

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My school offers a stethoscope at orientation for $15. Call me crazy, but is a $15 stethoscope really going to perform? I've heard that breath sounds are hard to detect for a beginner.

Someone said to get a Littmann II Classic S.E. (about $70)

I would love to hear what works best for current nursing students.

The littmann cardiology III has a turnable chest-piece that accommodates both adult and pediatrics and is two tubes in one. check out allheart.com for everything and look for promo codes at retailmenot.com

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Specializes in PACU, presurgical testing.

I ordered the cheapo penlight being sold at our orientation night, and when it burned out, I learned that there was no way to replace the battery. So my husband ordered me a really nice Welch-Allyn one with an extra lightbulb and a way to put replacement batteries in. He said it cost about $40, but the fact that my $4.95 model was dead in less than a year, it wasn't the worst investment. Plus, it's really bright!

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I got a two pack of penlights from wallmart (in the automotive section) for a dollar. I'm not worried about the penlights lasting for years and years as my hospital also provides penlights for staff.

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Specializes in PACU, presurgical testing.

CuriousMe, that's hilarious; I would never think of looking in automotive for penlights! Of course, I bought my Kelly clamps in the fishing department...

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You are all so creative, and so on the right track about nursing supplies. Always have a mind for your wallet. I see a lot of doctors in the ER who are using cheaper stethoscopes - and often they just borrow the nurses' stethoscopes. That is the way to do it! I spend my nursing money on good shoes that are kind to your feet and legs. After several years, I have some spider-web veins (mostly left over from pregnancy)...but no varicosities - and I never have sore legs after 16 hr on my feet. Good detective work, guys!

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Specializes in Hemodialysis- Charge Nurse.

wannabecnl-

i'm pretty sure you can purchase hard tip earpieces at allheart.com for your littman-you should check into it! i just got some new soft tips and they were about $10.oo

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I just ordered a Littmann Classic II S.E. Stethoscope on Medisave for exactly 69.99 with engraving and shipping included. I would have paid $115 dollars for the same stethoscope at allhearts.com. I believe this promotion is until May 3rd 2011 though.

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My friend let me borrow her Cardiology III to see how i liked it. I ended up giving it back to her & ordering a WA Harvey Elite. i am not really sold on the tunable diaphragm that's on a lot of the littmann's these days. i got a pediatric diaphragm & bell ring that came free with the Elite since I was a student through Steeles.com.

i am also ordering a cheaper one so am looking into the one of the prestige or ADC scopes.

Which one did you end up getting?

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Specializes in CNA (Stroke, Neuro, LTC), Volunteer.

I bought a Littmann Classic II SE.

I had one when I was a CNA and I really liked it, and my school highly recommends them. I thought about getting a better quality one, but decided to wait until after graduation for that.

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yea a classic 2 se would be nice for nursing school, than upgrade to a higher scope depending where you are working in

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I would go myself the classic II S.E. or the lightweight because like you said breath sound are pretty hard to tell for beginners. If you have the money I would hit the Classic II S.E.even if you dont I would make the investment in it, at least for through nursing school.

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I bought a KILA labs duo head stethoscope and love it, it was less the $30.

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