Happy Nurse Practitioner Week! It’s time to celebrate the hard work we put into our careers as NPs an reflect back on our professional accomplishments. As NPs, we are an integral part of our healthcare system, especially as a shortage of physicians presents itself. For nurse practitioners, this means an increasing role and responsibility for patient care, one we have and continue to step up to fill. So, pat yourself on the back today if you’re a practicing or aspiring NP.
Each November we come together celebrate this exceptional profession and the 222,000 nurse practitioners across the country during National NP Week. National Nurse Practitioner Week is all about boosting awareness and educating the public about the role of NPs, as well as showing appreciation for the NP profession. This year we’re teaming up with another clinician-founded company, Medelita, to give back to NPs by upgrading one of the most important tools of the trade: the stethoscope.
To show appreciation for nurse practitioners, three lucky Midlevel U readers will receive an ERKA stethoscope for nurses from Medelita in honor of National NP Week.
Though ERKA is relatively new to the US, the German brand is already well-known in Europe and Asia for the meticulous quality and exceptional performance of their medical instruments. With over 150 years experience handcrafting these marvelous tools, ERKA offers several models of stethoscopes that are FDA-approved and now available in the US for the first time.
ERKA stethoscopes are ideal for a nurse practitioner who wants to practice at peak performance. Each ERKA model is closely comparable to a Littmann model that you are already probably familiar with, but there are three major differences that set apart the ERKA stethoscope from its Littmann comparison.
- Better value. The ERKA Finesse, Precise, and Sensitive are comparable to their Littmann counterparts: Classic III, Cardiology IV, and Master Cardiology. Both come with solid warranties that show the manufacturer stands behind the quality of the item. However, the ERKA models comes at a lower price point than Littmann, but with better sound quality. ERKA stethoscopes also come with their own stethoscope carrying case, whereas with Littmann you must purchase the carrying case separately for around $10 plus shipping/handling.
- Durability. The chestpiece of the stethoscope is an essential part of the piece of equipment, but it must be sealed airtight or else the diaphragm won’t work properly. Littmann stethoscopes have their diaphragm sealed to the chestpiece with a PVC rubber ring, which will become brittle and eventually crack over time as it comes into contact with the oils produced by human skin. This renders the stethoscope essentially useless. In contrast, the chestpiece of ERKA stethoscopes are sealed internally, with the rubber ring added only for comfort. Therefore if the rubber ring of an ERKA stethoscope falls off, it’s still durable enough to continue using and avoid replacement right away.
- More hygienic. The metal parts of ERKA stethoscopes are made with chrome-polished brass, a better quality material than the stainless steel used by Littmann. Compared to stainless steel, chrome is far less porous and therefore carries less bacteria. This is an important difference that makes ERKA stethoscopes more hygienic than other stethoscopes.
To pay recognition to the NP role and support those nurse practitioners who devote their lives to the health of millions of Americans, Medelita is giving three ThriveAP readers an ERKA stethoscope of their own as a symbol of gratitude for the work they do.
Enter to win by emailing thriveap@thriveap.com or by posting a comment below (including your email address) with the reason you could use a new stethoscope to ring in National Nurse Practitioner Week!
Laura Koskenmaki says:
I graduated in March of this yer and can use a new cardiac stethoscope because my old one is more than 10 years old and beginning to crack. Lauraannk@yahoo.com
Rhonda says:
Would love a more up to date stethoscope- one like the ERKA! I like the above testimony from our trusted mid level u blog site! Thank you for such a great source.
Rhonda Hertwig,CPNP
Scott Franklin says:
Scottfranklin126@gmail.com
I deserve a new stethoscope because I have been instrumental in helping nearly 100 people pass their AGACNP boards!
Veronica O'Steen says:
As a new FNP who is rapidly learning the world of vascular surgery, I’d love the opportunity to have a new stethoscope! vroe83@gmail.com
Ann Marie says:
I’ve been around since 1982 and my stethoscope is “old” like me. And together, we keep on touching and healing!
ammacisaac@aol.com
Dana Connolly says:
I’m a student in a Family NP program and could really use a new stethoscope for when I start my clinicals next quarter! I’m on the student budget but would love a high quality stethoscope like ERIKA to help me refine my assessment skills! dana@btconnolly.net
Tara Keener says:
Who wouldn’t want an opportunity to receive a new top of the line stethoscope ? I’d love a new scope to replace my old Littman to help improve my ability to diagnose and treat my patients and enhance patient outcomes!!!!!!
vejetta50@yahoo.com
Rebecca Hoover says:
I just graduated and would love that stethoscope .
Stephanie Smart says:
Hi. I have been a nurse for over 30 years. I love being a FNP and working in Primary Care. The variety of cases that come in to the office keeps me busy and always looking to learn more.
I would love to win the stethoscope as I truly need one. The reason why is a little sad but true. Mine went missing from an exam room after I left it in the room. A person who was a Walk-In that did not normally come to our practice was the last one I saw there.
I cannot be sure that he took it but we have searched high and low in our clinic and it is gone. It was a very good cardiac stethoscope and I feel like someone took my right arm from me.
I keep hoping he will bring it back as I try to believe in the goodness of humanity.
Happy Nurse Practitioner Week to all my peers! Keep up the good work and never lose sight of “why” we do what we do and “who” we do it for.
Stephanie Smart FNP BC
Tracy Richardville says:
I’d love a new stethoscope to celebrate my very first NP week! I’m learning a lot and living my new career.
Tracyrichardville@yahoo.com
Melissa Wolfe says:
I have been a nurse for 10 years and have had the same stethoscope since graduating. I’m in desperate need of a new one, but as a broke FNP student, it’s been pushed to the back burning! I love trying new things! The ERKA would be awesome!
Missa921@me.com
Joelle Y. Jean says:
Happy Nurse Practitioner Week everyone! I would love this ERKA stethoscope to give as a gift to my sister in law who just passed her nursing boards! I remember getting my own stethoscope from my family after graduating from nursing school, and I would love to do the same for her! Besides, stethoscopes are really expensive for new grads!!! lol! Joelle Y. Jean, FNP-BC joelleyjean@yahoo.com. LOVE LOVE LOVE this BLOG!
Virginia Hofmann says:
This is my first nurse practitioner week! I could really use a new stethoscope because my old one is starting to crack around th neck and it’s getting harder to listen to my patients without manipulating my stethoscope. I would love a new one to help me assess my patients and give them the best possible care.
Virginiahofmann2@gmail.com
Melody Miller says:
I recently graduated and have a job opportunity as a neurosurgical NP! My stethoscope I currently use is over 15 years old. I could definitely benefit from the ERKA stethoscope. melody.miller77@yahoo.com
Jen says:
I’m celebrating my first National Nurse Practitioner Week with my first week as a nurse practitioner! This has been an overwhelming, exciting, and crazy week, and I am LOVING my new profession! It is challenging, but it is also a dream come true. I’ve had the same stethoscope since nursing school, which has carefully listened to hundreds of sweet babies, diagnosed pneumonia and fluid-overload and wheezing more times than I can count, alerted me to problems, and helped me assess and learn since Day 1. It has worked hard for me over the years, but it is nearing it’s time for retirement. We all know a great stethoscope is a vital tool, but it’s also expensive (especially for a new grad!). I would love a chance to try out the ERKA!
Thanks! Happy NP Week, everyone! Thanks for all you do!
Jen, FNP-C
Janet Pemberton says:
I love being a Family NP.
With lots of pride I will see my daughter graduate this December as a FNP from Georgetown University. She will be great!
Chris Dion says:
I would love to have to opportunity to try the ERKA stethoscope. I am a nurse practitioner working as an overnight hospitalist. My 19 year old Lithman master cardiology has to be retired sooner than later. Happy Nurse Practitioner Week everyone.
Chris Dion
Beachmedic1@yahoo.com
Judy, NP says:
How generous! Would love to own one. ccrn162@gmail.com
Lorraine Mitchell says:
I am a new graduate NP, celebrating my first NP week! I would love to have a stethoscope like this to start my new career off!
Brandy Lembke says:
What a pretty and awesome gift! I think I could make very good use of it if given the chance.
lembke@cox.net
Kristi S says:
I am starting a new NP role with heart failure the beginning of the new year and have been looking into upgrading my current stethoscope. This would be perfect !!!
Umzta@comcast.net
joycenor says:
I would love a new stethoscope. As a new NP grad, I am still “making do” with my undergrad first stethoscope. Happy NP week to everyone! blessitjoyously@msn.com
Ed Etherton says:
Perfect timing! My old Rappaport just fell apart, almost stuck my ear with the blunt end. A sweet ERKA would make this APN a happy and healthy one. Thanks for the chance to have one. edee555@gmail.com
Anonymous says:
Happy NP week to all! I would love to win one of these super-cool ERKA stethoscopes. As a NP educator, my stethoscope has been used by many. Having another to teach with would be amazing!
jenn.armfield@gmail.com
Debora Tenter says:
I absolutely love my job as an NP! I would love to share my day with a new stethoscope. I thank you for such a great service to NPs!
Janis Ostiguy says:
I can honestly say I am as passionate about my job as a NP today as I was the day I graduated … just a few decades ago.!!!!
Laura Thompson says:
What a perfect way to honor Nurse Practitioners , Thank you ! Happy NP week everyone !
Mary Norris says:
I would appreciate the opportunity to try the new ERKA stethoscope, sounds wonderful! Happy NP week to all my colleagues. Jmnorris4ever@yahoo.com
Ladyt618 says:
Do you have to be an NP already to participate? I’m going to be an NP student starting in January. Just asking ☺
Raquel Hinsch says:
I work in a big out patient based cardiology practice. I would really like to listen to all the different heart sounds and recognize them using a new ERIKA stethoscope. Thank you so much for this promotion and recognizing us.
HAPPY NURSE PRACTITIONER WEEK TO ALL OF MY COLLEAGUES!
raqtrbys@yahoo.com
Caryn Weiss says:
I’ve been using my old Lippincott for years, promising to get myself a new one. This ERKA would come in very handy!! I know I would put it to good use.
carhon19612@gmail.com
Susie Wiggins says:
I’d love to try this new brand (to me) of stethoscope out! I’ve been using my Littman from nursing (BSN) school all these years and the thought of the more hygenic chrome-polished brass metal parts of the ERKA stethoscope sound amazing! susie_rnbsn@Yahoo.com. I graduated in May with my FNP so I guess I need a new email address!
Judy Umstott says:
Happy NP week. My 20 yr old Lippincott gave up the ghost a few months ago, bought a new one not as good as my old one can not hear heart sounds as well. This one would be great to have
jcumstott@yahoo.com
Ehren Kilpatrick says:
About to finish my first semester of NP school next month and my Littman is still going strong. I would love to have a new high-quality stethoscope kick off my new career. I have enjoyed all the knowledge I’ve gained from your website. It will pay great dividends once I get to the point of negotiating my first NP contract, for sure.
Thanks, Ehren Kilpatrick BSN, RN
ehren.kilpatrick@gmail.com
Esmeralda Little says:
I could use a new ERKA stethoscope bc I like new toys & this one seems particularly useful! Happy NP week to all my fellow colleagues & good luck!!
esmelittle21@gmail.com
Pamela Smith says:
Happy Happy Nurse Practitioner Week to all the Hard-working NPs. I sure could use a brand new ERKA stethoscope to help me practice at peak performance due to the fact that I use a stethoscope daily to auscultate heart sounds for the many boys and girls that come to me for their sport physical exams. It is critical that I have the Best stethoscope to assist in such a very important part of the sport physical exam. Again, Happy Nurse Practitioner Week to You all!
Pamela Smith says:
So sorry, I forgot to include my email address due to all of the excitement for National NP WEEK, it is (pamjs@bellsouth.net)!
Christian says:
Happy nurse practitioners week to all! What a great way to top it off with a new ERKA stethoscope! blackwell.connie@gmail.com
Ladyt618 says:
Happy NP week!! I’ll be a budding new NP student come January….still have my Master Cardiology from graduating nursing school over 10 yrs ago. Would love a new one as I embark in this journey. ladyt618@gmail.com
steph says:
Happy NP week to an amazing and inspiring group of colleagues! A new ERIKA stethoscope would be an amazing way to replace my aging, well loved pedi stethescope!! thanks for the support!!
stephmellen@yahoo.com
Andrea says:
Happy Nurse Practitioner week! I just started my first NP job with an inpatient transplant team. It is very demanding but I’m learning a lot and hoping to be more confident! I’ve had my purple Littman stethoscope for 10 years so think its about time for a new one!!! I know the value of a good physical assessment 🙂
greethax@gmail.com