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.

A co worker of mine just brought to work the most amazing stethoscope! It's a Lola stethoscope. This stethoscope is a must have. It comes with a penlight built right into the chest piece And it has a pupil gauge and ruler printed right on the tubing. AMazing! i cannot wait to get mine.:)

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where can you get a lola stethoscope? IT sounds great!

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Specializes in medicine, hospice.

I've always had Littman's and they've served me well.

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Nursegirl75. It is! google lola stethoscopes. You wont be dissappointed!:yeah:

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I believe the Littman's are the best "brand" to go with, very reliable

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It sounds like Littman brand is most popular...I am looking for one for school, but have some time to shop. It would be nice if you could "try" them on...kinda like shoes.

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I had the Cardiology III (Littman) and I absolutely loved it for clinical and working as a PCA. Just had it stolen (even though my name was engraved on it..) and I'm probably going to buy another one for my RN job I start next month. Pricey, but I highly recommend it. Also, this is coming from someone who hasn't used anything else-- so I guess I am bias :)

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I hate to be an old lecturer, but having a less than perfect stethoscope to get you through school is not a bad idea!!! I have an old Sprague with a crack in the plastic face, and people have "borrowed" it from me without telling me and then left it behind. It always comes back cause everyone wants a better one....it can go missing for weeks at a time, but always shows up!

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Thank you everyone for your recommendations. They will all be considered!

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I've gotta say though, that I really lust after the Lilo!!! I'm going to put it on my Xmas list. I deserve it after all these years!

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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!

Hi there! I was just accepted into my nursing program so I've been reading through a bunch of forums on here, trying to figure out what I need to buy! :geek: I know good shoes are really important! What brand of shoes do you wear? Thank you!!

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Specializes in NICU.

Nursing schools usually require all-white shoes, which sometimes aren't the most comfortable. I started out using nurse mates, which held up pretty well, but as the clinical hours lengthened I needed more athletic shoes, so I got some Skechers with memory foam insoles- lifesavers!

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