Steth shopping

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I'm sure there have been threads on this in the past, but I haven't seen one lately so figured it wouldn't hurt to ask again.

Anyone have any advice on a good stethoscope? Unfortunately, there aren't any med. supply stores locally I can go and try them out.

On the school order form, the following three are suggestions:

Sprague Rappaport (dual tubing)

Littman Classic II-SE (dual head)

Littman Cardiology III (dual head/adult-pedi diaphragm/reversible bell)

For a new student, is it really worth buying something as expensive as the Cardio III?

The nursing program secretary says that we can order one not listed, as long as it is good quality/dual head and will last us throughout school and past. Any other suggestions?

Also, any suggestions where to find good prices on steths online?

I've been noticing this over the last few months. Every time I see a photo of a nurse in a newspaper or magazine or brochure for nursing school, it's a Littmann. All but one of the nurses on the unit in which I volunteer (postpartum/newborns) use Littmanns. I was just given one my by neighbor, and I think I'm quite happy with that.

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Thanks for the advice, everyone!

Okay, here's a dumb question... What does it mean for a steth to have a "dual head" anyway? Does that mean it can be used as both a bell and a diaphragm?

Anyone ever used the Littmann lightweights? What do you think about them?

I think I've just about decided on the Littmann Classic II S.E. - Now to just pick a color! (I wish it came in the same ceil blue as the lightweight!) :)

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with my Sprague, it actually has 2 diaphragms, one that is adult sized and then you can flip it over and there is one that is peds sized. It also had interchangeable parts so you could swap out the diaphragm for a bell. Not sure about the Littmans though.

A

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okay I just looked at a Littman on allheart.com and yes, it has a diaphragm on one side and a bell on the other! it also says that the diaphragm is tunable, which I think you do by applying more or less pressure. Not really sure on that one! :uhoh21:

A

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Specializes in Emergency Dept, M/S.
Thanks for the advice, everyone!

Okay, here's a dumb question... What does it mean for a steth to have a "dual head" anyway? Does that mean it can be used as both a bell and a diaphragm?

Anyone ever used the Littmann lightweights? What do you think about them?

I think I've just about decided on the Littmann Classic II S.E. - Now to just pick a color! (I wish it came in the same ceil blue as the lightweight!) :)

I got the Littmann Classic II SE also. I got the turquoise-y color!

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Littman Lightweights are a huge waste of money, IMO. Nearly everyone in our class bought one. They were fairly inexpensive. I had a cheap Sprague (however you spell it) and I swear the Sprague was better. I actually turned down an offer to buy one of my friend's lightweight littman for $10 when she got sick of it and bought a better one. I couldn't hear a thing out of it.

I have a Cadiology III and a Master Classic II. I really can't tell a difference in them. The Cardiology III was a gift for christmas, otherwise I'd have stuck with the Master II. The Master II is cheaper and I think its nicer looking, but that really doesn't count for much, :chuckle .

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Specializes in tele, ICU.

stupid question - do the littmans have interchangeable parts as well?

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Specializes in Hey I'm now an RN!!.

I had a navy Littman SE II when I was in Respiratory school, liked it alot. Gave it to my sister in law when she was in nursing school because I decided against Respiratory Therapy and thought I wouldn't need it again!! :idea: That's ok, because I just bought a burgundy Master Classic II, so far playing around with it, it's pretty good, but we'll see.

Thanks for the advice, everyone!

Okay, here's a dumb question... What does it mean for a steth to have a "dual head" anyway? Does that mean it can be used as both a bell and a diaphragm?

Anyone ever used the Littmann lightweights? What do you think about them?

I think I've just about decided on the Littmann Classic II S.E. - Now to just pick a color! (I wish it came in the same ceil blue as the lightweight!) :)

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Specializes in orthopaedics, perioperative.

Whatever stethoscope you get, put your name all over it! They have a habit of walking away forever, so don't lend it either. ;)

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I've heard that the Littman Cardiology III is worth the money. I've been thinking about getting one for a while. If the cost is prohibitive, then do the Littman Classic II. These are really good steths. I wish I would have saved up for one in the first place instead of getting a $19.00 steth that I can't really hear diddly-squat with (unless someone's having an asthma attack :rolleyes: )

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Specializes in orthopaedics, perioperative.
I've heard that the Littman Cardiology III is worth the money. I've been thinking about getting one for a while. If the cost is prohibitive, then do the Littman Classic II. These are really good steths. I wish I would have saved up for one in the first place instead of getting a $19.00 steth that I can't really hear diddly-squat with (unless someone's having an asthma attack :rolleyes: )

So far I have not met anyone else who has one. I love mine. Definitely worth the extra. See it as an investment now in your nursing future. ;)

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Specializes in PCU, Critical Care, Observation.

My favorite is the ultrascope - you can hear everything.

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