[ETNGuy]

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.

[craigp]

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

[OhNurseLisa]

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!

[Aaron C.]

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.

[geena]

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

[Tonya B.]

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!!!!

[Marie_LPN]

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.

[hppygr8ful]

Originally Posted by ETNGuy

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

[LTC LPN 2006]

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.