I am a new nursing student accepted to a BSN program beginning in January. One of the required items is a stethoscope. Having no experience with choosing one, should I pay the extra bucks and get a better one, or is there really a difference? Someone recommended a Littmann Cardiology III - is that overkill? Also, there are 22" and 27" tubes...which is better? I would assume that since it's such a big "tool of the trade", that I should get a good one to start. I have looked online for them and am finding big price differences. Anyone know a reputable company to order from? Any feedback would be appreciated.
I just bought a basic $20 package with a scope, scissors, pen and such when I started nursing school in 2000. It worked for me. Generally, the more you pay, the better they are. Litmann makes a great scope. I have bought 2 - and both grew legs and walked while on clinical or at work. I currently use my $20 special and it works fine for me. As for length, generally, the shorter they are, the better you can hear.
Best of luck in your career.
Craig
I have a Littmann Cardiology III and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I can't hear much of anything with the cheaper stethoscopes. But, some of the nurses I work with do great with the cheap ones. If I were you, I'd go to a nearby nursing supply store or the college bookstore and try them. Or, ask a few nurses in the hospital. (I don't mind if someone uses my stethoscope but I make sure and wipe the ear pieces clean) Listen to heart sounds, breath sounds, bowel sounds. See if you can tell a difference. Assessing your patient is so important so you want to make sure you have the right tools to do the job. As for where to get it, I bought mine online, I think it was around $120. I've had several co-workers buy on-line with no problems at all. I personally like the shorter tubing because, again, it helps me hear more clearly. You have to get a little closer to the patient, though! And, be careful if you do buy a really nice one because they do tend to "get legs". I can't stand to wear it around my neck so I am constantly carrying it around or leaving it in the patient's room. Good luck in nursing school and Happy Thanksgiving!
the better ones are...better, however they are a lot harder to keep track of for some reason. I'd buy a crappy one and see how long it lasts you before you spend a lot of money. I "lost" several during nursing school.
I'd go for the Littman 70-76 dollar ones they are the most descent ones and work the best. I have no complains on mine. Put your name and number on it (sticker, or name bracelet, like a pt. ID bracelet. I have and once it had been lost and someone called the number and honestly returned it. But yes, i know that was a honest person. Good luck. Cheaper ones are harder to hear out of. But if money is tight you gotta do whatcha gotta do. ge
My opinion---get the Littman and do hold on to it for dear life. I know this sounds crazy--but I buy a new one everytime a start a new job(and I have had many). That way I have a spare Littman if mine "walks" away--AND you can claim them on your taxes. The shorter the tube the better. I have actually cut the tubing on one of mine to 12inches--you can hear everything REALLY well. Just as long as you don't mind getting up close and personal with your patients!!
Good luck to you with everything!!!!
I bought an el cheapo for school, because it seemed the more expensive it was, the greater the odds of disappearance. I bought a nice Littmann after i graduated, after i tried other people's steths.
I suggest trying several different kinds before making a purchase. You never know, you might like the cheaper one better than the pricey one.
ETNGuy wrote:I am a new nursing student accepted to a BSN program beginning in January. One of the required items is a stethoscope. Having no experience with choosing one, should I pay the extra bucks and get a better one, or is there really a difference? Someone recommended a Littmann Cardiology III - is that overkill? Also, there are 22" and 27" tubes...which is better? I would assume that since it's such a big "tool of the trade", that I should get a good one to start. I have looked online for them and am finding big price differences. Anyone know a reputable company to order from? Any feedback would be appreciated.
I think the Cardiology III is a bit overkill for nursing school plus I think it cost $200 - $300 dollars which is steep for a student. The $20.00 kits are ok but
it's difficult to hear with them as they don't block out background well and the rubber tubing is cheap and tends to wear out fast. I went through 3 of them in Nursing school before I got smart and invested in something decent. You can get a Littmann Classic for around $100.00 which I have and have been using for about 7 years. Littman will put your name on the tubing which I also suggest as people (Doctors) tend to walk away with them. When I bought my Littman I went straight to Littman and bought it wholesale. Don't know the website offhand but you chould be able to Yahoo or Google it.
Good luck with School
Mischif
During nursing school I bought a cheap stethoscope and after graduation I rewarded myself with a nice one.
You want a shorter tube and a single lumen tube is easier to hear out of than the double ones. Ones with just the diaphram tend to be cheap and I'd go with one with a bell and diaphram. When you purchase a "nice" one... Litmann is a great brand. I have the Litmann Master Classic I think and I really like it.
