What would you spend more money on?

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A good stethoscope or a good pair of shoes???

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Neither are optional in my book. I spent $$$ on both.

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Specializes in Junior Year of BSN.

SHOES!!! If you have poor shoes and poor foot support you WILL feel the ramifications after work or school. You don't feel the ramifications of a decent yet cheaper stethoscope. I have a prestige medical and a Littmann Master Classic but I use the prestige medical one more than the Littmann go figure. Yet I will not spend less than $50 on a pair of running shoes UNLESS that running shoes is on sale or discounted from the original price. Comfortable shoes is more valuable than an expensive scope in my opinion and the more costly or expensive shoe is usually the most comfortable.

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Shoes!!!

If you have the best steth in the world but your feet are killing you... it wouldnt matter.

At first i hated my clinicals because my feet hurt all day. Going into my senior practicum, i bought some good shoes and support hose , then i felt so much better.

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My program fee includes a $75 Littman stethoscope, so I didn't have much choice in the matter as far as that went. I am a big believer in good shoes, but honestly for my first semester coming up I only spent $40 on a very comfy pair of white Skechers. My first semester clinical is only one 4-hour shift per week. I've worked retail full time in the past and I know that 4 hours is nothing so my shoes will be fine. I might save up for a better pair of shoes for future semesters.

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Definitely shoes--they make a world of difference. Your legs and back will thank you at the end of the day.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

i would definitely agree with the other posts...shoes! last semester i bought a pair of shoes for clinicals because they were cheaper than my first choice. after working a 12-hour shift in them, i quickly discovered that i should have spent the money on my first choice - which, by the way, i will be doing this week!

as for a stethoscope, there are a couple of moderately priced ones out there that work pretty well. if you look on ebay, you can get a grx cd-29 (advance cardiology stethoscope) which i paid less than $40 in january. another good option is the maxiscope, which is also around $40 on amazon.com. both prices include the cost for shipping.

here are the links:

grx cd-29

http://cgi.ebay.com/cardiology-stethoscope-free-pen-light-name-tag-cd29-/310237386245?pt=lh_defaultdomain_0

maxiscope

http://www.amazon.com/maxiscope-cardiology-type-tubing-pink/dp/b0034pzsf0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=utf8&s=hpc&qid=1281261894&sr=1-1

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Hi,

Go for the stethascope! I got some comfy white leather tennis shoes for $40 at footlocker, I wouldn't spend anyore than that, think of what your stepping in ;)

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I think I would go with the shoes. My stetho will be a Littman one but not one of the high priced heavy duty one. However I already plan to spend at least 40-60 bucks on my nursing shoes because I have a high instep, a few issues due to a sprained ankle years ago and my feet just seem to be sensitive lol. That doesn't mean you go getting one of those 10 buck stethoscopes that look like they should be a child's toy.

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Specializes in Pediatric Hem/Onc.

You should spend what you need to get whatever fits your needs.

If you have to spend more money to get comfy shoes, then do it! I know some people that can spend $20 on some Skechers and be great for 12+ hours. Unfortunately I am not one of those people. I've been wearing the same pair of Danskos for over a year now. I use them for work, clinical, school (when I go to class straight from work)....they still fit and feel wonderful. I spent $120 on them. Less than $10 a month for shoes isn't so bad.

If you're strapped for cash, go for shoes. You can borrow a stethoscope if you can't hear out of your cheapie one. You can't borrow shoes on the floor :)

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I say... shop around and get both for the best possible price. :D

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Shoes!

At 19, almost 20...I have the joints of someone at least a good 10-15 years older than me, so I can't afford to put too much stress/wear and tear on them at this point in time.

Thankfully my clinicals are only 5 hours long though, so I don't need anything super great since I'm used to 8 hour shifts in retail (different, I know...but I've done multiple 8 hour shifts solo, so no break, and absolutely no sitting down ever...so 5 hours seems like practically nothing in terms of being on my feet).

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Another vote for "Definately shoes!" No need for a nurse to spend big bucks on a stethescope, a low end littmann is all you need

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