I don't mean to dig up this thread, but I have a question- I am pursuing my CNA in the state of Utah, and in my classes I am required to take 50 vital signs before I take my test- and, in my skills test, I am required to do tasks in taking vital signs that use a stethoscope. From what my instructor said, I'm also required to do it with a manual blood pressure cuff and stethoscope. I can't hear anything with the stethoscope, and this is where I'm getting problems. I work as a CNA (I have a three month period to get my certification from becoming employed) and at the facility I use a visual blood pressure machine. When I asked my instructor in the class she said that while they did have one at one point, it is now gone since it didn't work, and there's nothing she can lend me since we're required to bring our own vital sign equipment. Do any of you know of what I can do? Shelling out 300 dollars for a visual blood pressure machine is steep for a student to afford, especially if I will only be using it for the class and my skills test- after that, I won't need my own equipment, since the facility I work at provides it. I want to ask my work if I can borrow one, but I'm not sure if they can let me use it. My friend is an OT and offered to let me try out her amplified stethoscope, and if that works I can get one for about 150$- which is still steep, but manageable. I worry that even if its amplified, I won't be able to hear it. Any experiences with the amplified stethoscopes? I have a moderate/severe loss.