Would you buy a Littman stethoscope or the recommended stethoscope from bookstore?

sjalv · Jul 18, 2013

This fall will be my first semester as a nursing student, and I purchased the stethoscope recommended by the scrub shop where I got my scrubs and blood pressure cuff. It is "comparable to a Littman" and was like $40 I believe. I think as students, we shouldn't be concerned with getting top-of-the-line stethoscopes. When I learn more about how to use them in various ways, and find out where I end up upon graduation, I might consider getting a more expensive one.

nurse_payne · Jul 18, 2013

My first stethoscope was a cardiac master series by Littman as a gift from by boyfriend for getting into nursing school. I didn't truly appreciate how wonderful my stethoscope was until I borrowed one from the hospital and struggled to hear my patients lung and heart sounds. During my semester of Peds and labor and delivery I continued to use my stethoscope and preferred it over the nursery stethoscopes that are recommended for the newborns. I have been using mine for years and have not had to replace it. Others who chose to buy the bookstore stethoscope had to get new ones during nursing school. In my opinion, I would suggest making an investment in a good one and it will allow you to get comfortable listening to you patients without getting frustrated in the early stages of nursing school. Good luck during your first semester and don't hesitate to ask for help.

green34 · Jul 18, 2013

I love my Littmanns and I think they were a great investment. I like my Select II but I love my cardiology III. I still use my select for school but I use my cardiology for work because I triage. I like the cardiology due to the pediatric diaphragm. If you aren't starting this semester, look at Black Friday deals. They are the cheapest. I do have a cheap stethoscope I keep in my jump bag that I won at a convention once.

The real reason why I got the select was because of the rainbow finish and once it came out in the cardiology, I bought it in that color.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2013

One of my nursing classes has a bag that has both a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff. My only concern is that the stethoscope isnt a Littman it appears to be a brand ive never heard. Should I buy the kit its like $90 or invest in an Littman? Ive tried contacting the instructor.
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Here is the deal I am sure that the school makes a profit from the "bag" or kit. You will need to seek the approval oif your school/instructor/director of your program in order to buy an alternative "kit"...they may not budge and you will have to buy the kit.

Is Littman a superior stethoscope? Yes it is....while not everyone needs a Masters.......I have used a littman Cardiology III for most of my entire career (34 years) ...sent it back for refurbishing several times....as it is used to this very day. Check with your school first.

Cohiba · Jul 19, 2013

If your instructors are cool with it, get a Littmann. While you may not need a Master Cardio, having a quality 'scope can help you hear sounds that you might be able to with the (likely junk) piece in the school kit...

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Jul 20, 2013

Well that totally sucks doody if we have to buy that kit for a hundred bucks and all it has in it is a cheap steth and a BP cuff. I already have my Littman Classic II SE, and I'm sure I can find a BP cuff for less than a hundred bucks. Something else I need to check into, I suppose. Hmph.

KJM-RN, BSN · Jul 25, 2013

Well that totally sucks doody if we have to buy that kit for a hundred bucks and all it has in it is a cheap steth and a BP cuff. I already have my Littman Classic II SE and I'm sure I can find a BP cuff for less than a hundred bucks. Something else I need to check into, I suppose. Hmph.[/quote']
I bought a BP cuff from walmart for around $10.
OP, I personally wouldn't be happy with a cheapo stethoscope, how is one to learn if they can't hear the sounds well. I went with the classic II SE during school, not too expensive, but still pretty good.

mplowe1 · Jul 25, 2013

If you are not required to get the kit, I would go for the Littman. You just can't go wrong with that investment and you can also get a decent blood pressure cuff for under $20.

GodIs082010, ASN, RN · Jul 25, 2013

Thank you for suggestions. I will keep you posted. Its diffficult to contact anyone due to Summer break.

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green34 · Jul 25, 2013

I really would question the risks of using my own bp cuff. What if the pressure was wrong? What if I broke the gauge? Who services it? Ok, we don't service them in the ER, we toss em and get a new cuff. I personally would use the hospital equipment.

Stethoscopes are personal, but BP cuffs I'd personally use theirs. You ca. Get a cheap cuff for 10 bucks that works well enough to learn.

KJM-RN, BSN · Jul 26, 2013

I really would question the risks of using my own bp cuff. What if the pressure was wrong? What if I broke the gauge? Who services it? Ok, we don't service them in the ER, we toss em and get a new cuff. I personally would use the hospital equipment.
Stethoscopes are personal, but BP cuffs I'd personally use theirs. You ca. Get a cheap cuff for 10 bucks that works well enough to learn.

I don't think the BP cuff is to bring to the hospital, but rather to use for practice. I purchased one just to practice at home, probably didn't even need to, but it made me feel more comfortable my first couple of weeks of school and it was super cheap anyway.