Do I need a stethoscope for Nursing

2

Hi, I'm about to start my Mnurs Adult and Mental Health Nursing at the University of Chester and I've seen conflicting arguments whether I will need a stethoscope or not - I was looking at the Littmann® Classic III™ Stethoscope but it's around £80 but I think it's still expensive but my theory was if I got a cheap one on amazon will it be worth getting the more expensive one to last the 4 years - or will the cheaper one be ok?

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Your uni should tell you what if any equipment you need to purchase for yourself, either before the course or during the welcome week typically.

I would not buy anything until you have confirmation from the uni to save yourself potentially wasting money :smile:

Reply 2

Shannon-WxmUni

Official Rep

4

Original post

by CG2605

Hi, I'm about to start my Mnurs Adult and Mental Health Nursing at the University of Chester and I've seen conflicting arguments whether I will need a stethoscope or not - I was looking at the Littmann® Classic III™ Stethoscope but it's around £80 but I think it's still expensive but my theory was if I got a cheap one on amazon will it be worth getting the more expensive one to last the 4 years - or will the cheaper one be ok?

Hi!

First of all congrats for getting onto the course and starting your nursing journey! 🙂

I'm now in my third year of childrens nursing at Wrexham University and some students - like myself - have purchased stethescopes however they aren't necessairly needed as most hospitals have them for all to use and the univeristy will have their own for practical sessions, it's entirely your decision whether you wish to spend the money on one or use what is provided. 🙂

I hope this helps! And good luck, you've got this!

Shannon - WrexhamUniReps - Bsc Children's Nursing

Reply 3

Emily_B

16

Original post

by CG2605

Hi, I'm about to start my Mnurs Adult and Mental Health Nursing at the University of Chester and I've seen conflicting arguments whether I will need a stethoscope or not - I was looking at the Littmann® Classic III™ Stethoscope but it's around £80 but I think it's still expensive but my theory was if I got a cheap one on amazon will it be worth getting the more expensive one to last the 4 years - or will the cheaper one be ok?

You won't need your own stethoscope - same reasons as Wrexham rep Shannon has already given.
I did my nursing degree at Chester, and regularly mentor Chester adult nursing students. From my experience, your own stethoscope is a bit of a pointless purchase - a decent pair of shoes for placement, a fob watch, and a heap of black biros would be significantly better and more practical purchases.

Reply 4

HLRoberts

6

If you do decide you want one (I’m a student midwife and prefer my own for hygiene reasons)

Look on medisave at the ‘over-engraved’ Littmanns it’s basically where the personalisation has been done wrong so they’ve buffed the whole patch out

I got a classic 3 for £35 and it was delivered the next day

Reply 5

Tracey_W

17

Original post

by CG2605

Hi, I'm about to start my Mnurs Adult and Mental Health Nursing at the University of Chester and I've seen conflicting arguments whether I will need a stethoscope or not - I was looking at the Littmann® Classic III™ Stethoscope but it's around £80 but I think it's still expensive but my theory was if I got a cheap one on amazon will it be worth getting the more expensive one to last the 4 years - or will the cheaper one be ok?

Absolutely no you don't really need to buy one as you can use what the university and placements has but if you have issues with using things what others has used before you then personally you could buy your own one for hygiene reasons.

I bought my own one when I was studying my midwife degree and I am actually still using it now.

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 6

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

17

Original post

by CG2605

Hi, I'm about to start my Mnurs Adult and Mental Health Nursing at the University of Chester and I've seen conflicting arguments whether I will need a stethoscope or not - I was looking at the Littmann® Classic III™ Stethoscope but it's around £80 but I think it's still expensive but my theory was if I got a cheap one on amazon will it be worth getting the more expensive one to last the 4 years - or will the cheaper one be ok?

Hi,

As mentioned above, you don’t usually need to buy your own stethoscope right away. I’d recommend checking with your tutors to see if having a personal one would be necessary. Most universities and hospitals provide stethoscopes that you can borrow for clinical workshops and placements. That said, if you’d feel more comfortable having your own, it’s perfectly fine to get one.

Hope this helps,

Tayba
Student Rep

Reply 7

University of Chester

12

Original post

by CG2605

Hi, I'm about to start my Mnurs Adult and Mental Health Nursing at the University of Chester and I've seen conflicting arguments whether I will need a stethoscope or not - I was looking at the Littmann® Classic III™ Stethoscope but it's around £80 but I think it's still expensive but my theory was if I got a cheap one on amazon will it be worth getting the more expensive one to last the 4 years - or will the cheaper one be ok?

Hi @CG2605

If you've already started with us, we hope you're settling in ok!

We asked Helen, a senior Nursing lecturer, her thoughts and she has advised this which we hope will help you: Although your own personal stethoscope is nice and can help with practicing your skills away from university it is not essential. Within skills sessions stethoscopes are always provided and most placement clinical areas will have supplies as needed. I would advise if you are purchasing your own then a lower cost option will most definitely suffice for the start of your training. Littmann are great but as you have stated can be expensive.

Let us know if you have any other questions.

Best wishes,
Becky

Reply 8

t.s.r.

16

Great choice of a degree. Thanks 4 your help.

Warmest wishes and I apologise 4 the trouble.

Do I need a stethoscope for Nursing

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