What kind of stethoscope should I get for nursing school?

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My school offers a stethoscope at orientation for $15. Call me crazy, but is a $15 stethoscope really going to perform? I've heard that breath sounds are hard to detect for a beginner.

Someone said to get a Littmann II Classic S.E. (about $70)

I would love to hear what works best for current nursing students.

For nursing school, there's no reason you would need anything beyond a littman SE II. The cardio III is really nice, but not necessary for nursing school. From what I've heard, it only is really necessary if you're a cardio nurse. Or if you'll be working with adults and children since it works for both.

As for buying a cheaper stethoscope... Literally everyone in my class who didn't buy a littman right away upgraded after a year in nursing school. You have to learn how to listen to lungs and hearts and I think having a better tool makes that process easier. And if those people had just bought a littman right away, they would've saved money.

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Whatever you get, don't let people talk you into the electronic Littman 3100 or 3200; you need to learn to hear sounds with a regular stethoscope (for many reasons, but because they're far more common and going from electronic to standard is harder than the reverse). But don't get anything cheap too (you actually want to hear well to learn). I'd recommend Littman Cardiology III (has an adult and pediatric side; pediatric side can also listen for pharyngeal stridor or supracostal bruits). Welch Allyn also makes nice stethoscopes. In general it's harder to use a "tunable diaphragm" so your preference will dictate whether you get a tunable (cardiology III) or a standard bell/diaphragm stethoscope.

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For nursing school, there's no reason you would need anything beyond a littman SE II. The cardio III is really nice, but not necessary for nursing school. From what I've heard, it only is really necessary if you're a cardio nurse. Or if you'll be working with adults and children since it works for both.

As for buying a cheaper stethoscope... Literally everyone in my class who didn't buy a littman right away upgraded after a year in nursing school. You have to learn how to listen to lungs and hearts and I think having a better tool makes that process easier. And if those people had just bought a littman right away, they would've saved money.

On the contrary. It's nice having something good for nursing school. You're training to be a nurse, and therefore should have the best equipment available to you for learning (within reason). I am going through school with a cardio III and compared it to other substandard models with a noticeable difference. I've had a much easier time differentiating murmurs and pleural rub/coorifice crackles in difficult-to-auscultate patients.

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Specializes in critical care.

I used the classic II SE for school. Honestly, it's a great starter stethoscope, and if you aren't on a cardiac floor after you graduate, you might never need anything else again.

I upgraded to the master cardiology after graduation because it was a gift, and because I am on a cardiac floor (well, a stepdown unit). I do notice a difference between them, but I still don't regret my choice to get the II SE for school.

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I got a Littmann Cardiology III when I first began nursing school. I chose it because it was a lifelong career tool for which I did not want to skim on quality. PLUS, I knew I would eventually be an ER nurse, seeing clients of all ages, so the fact that it has an adult AND a pediatric side was essential to me. Look into it. Read reviews. Littmann brand is DEFINITELY the way to go. They have a lot to offer, no matter the model.

--who8mycookie, RN, BSN

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Specializes in Hospice.

I am not a fan of the double tubing. I like the Littman.

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A co worker of mine just brought to work the most amazing stethoscope! It's a Lola stethoscope. This stethoscope is a must have. It comes with a penlight built right into the chest piece And it has a pupil gauge and ruler printed right on the tubing. AMazing! i cannot wait to get mine.:)

I like the lola but I wish it was double sided:(

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

For the first two years of nursing school, (I attended a four-year program), I used the school stethoscope which cost ten to fifteen dollars, similar to your school. The stethoscope worked alright, but I sometimes had trouble hearing lung sounds unless there was absolute silence in the room (which isn't always possible). In my final year of school, I requested a "professional" stethoscope for Christmas and received the Littman Cardio III stethoscope. I love this one because it picks up every sound loud and clear. I am now planning on using it in my first RN position in pediatrics. The nice thing about this stethoscope is that it can be used on both adult and pediatric patients. It comes with a metal plate which you can get engraved with your name so you don't lose it. Personally, I keep mine on at all times because I don't want it to get taken. Good luck in school!

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I have the Littmann Classic III...sooooo worth it!

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