What stethoscope do YOU use?

Specialties CCU

Published

Hi all,

I am a student who graduates in 2 weeks and I have recently accepted a position on a cardiac floor. As a graduation present my generous parents are wanting to buy me a new stethoscope to replace the cheapo one I bought in nursing school. I am thinking of a Littmman (of course!) but there are so many to choose from! I have been eyeing a cardiac stethoscope, Littmman just released the Cardiac IV. Does anyone have any experience with this one? Is it worth the extra money? Does a specialty stethocope really make a difference?

What do you recommend?

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Specializes in ICU, Postpartum, Onc, PACU.

I don't know about the newer ones, but have also considered getting a new one as well, since I've had my Littmann since I graduated. It's always done the job just fine (but I'm not trying to be a cardiologist lol). Plus, the one I have now is still about the same price at around $55 and was one of the top choices for stethoscopes. If I were to get another one, I'd probably go with the MDF Instruments MD One stainless steel one because I like the feel of it, plus it's about the same price. Some people say they have some issues hearing some types of murmurs with it, but I've borrowed one for weeks at a time and never had an issue with that.

Otherwise, I'd get the Litmann Master Cardiology one ($205 on Amazon) because they're lovely! xo

Good luck with your search!

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Specializes in ICU, CVICU, E.R..

My dad who practices internal medicine since the 70's still uses his $8 Littmann Steth he bought in 1972 (that was fairly pricey back then). For his 69th Bday I bought him a $200 Littman Cardiology steth. When I visited him one day I could not help but notice the Littman Box sitting on one of his bookshelves in his office. He told me he used it a few times but according to him he hears better using his old stethoscope!

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I have used the Littman II all throughout nursing school and my first job in sub acute. I think I'll try this out on the cardiac unit and then determine if it's a good fit! When I toured the unit, most nurses were using the basic Littman II

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the one that hears the lungs

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Specializes in Stepdown telemetry, vascular nursing..

I have/ have bought about 5 different Littman's (including electronic), my husband has an MDS. I recently got a Welch Allyn DLX after I've played around with my cardiologist's one! Love it and will stop buying stethoscopes officially!

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