Best littmann stethoscope model for Nursing School?

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Hello!

I'll be starting my Nursing school journey this fall! Any suggestions on what stethoscope I should be looking into getting? There are so many different models and since I have never used this instrument before, any feedback is greatly appreciated! :)

Thank you!!

I have a classic II se I bought from Amazon for $80 and then had engraved. I haven't started yet but it seems pretty middle of the road in terms of quality. There are models a lot cheaper and models a LOT more expensive than it.

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Specializes in Psychiatric and emergency nursing.

I have a Littman classic 3 and love it. I bought a lightweight as an interim scope and wasn't too fond of it.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Littmann Classic III. That is what was recommended to me, I purchased it, and am happy with quality. Plus it comes in fun colors (if your school/job allows it).

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Specializes in LTC, Rehab.

If you can afford it, try to get something a little better than the cheapest - that way, you can use it in school AND in actual practice. Why buy one 'just for school' and a better one later? - but again, depends on what you can afford. I didn't buy a great one in school, just a decent one, and I'm still using it.

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Specializes in Cardiac/Tele.

I agree with djh above, I wanted to get one steth once, so for school I got the Classic II SE off Overstock.com for like $70, and I still use it in my practice. It's barely, slightly less clear than the Master Cardiology, and I love the classic for 99% of situations.

But, now that I've had some exposure to many stethoscopes (I try on everyone's at work! "Hey, what model is that? Can I listen?"), I think the real important factor in how good a steth is for you personally is the fit, not the model or the cost. At work, the disposable steths we use in isolation rooms are the epitome of crappiness, but they fit my little ears great, so I can hear perfectly whereas my coworkers can't hear a thing.

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Specializes in Neurology NP.

I agree. #1 Littmann is a must. I'd go for the lightweight for school. The cardiology steths are heavy! I would wait to get those until you're in your first job. I had a littman classic and worked in the CCU and could hear everything fine, over all the bells and noise.

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Specializes in ICU, trauma.

When i first started nursing school i had this horrible stethoscope that i bought in our school's book store. i couldn't hear ANYTHING! My junior year i went and got a littman cardiology 2 and wow-it was like a whole new world, seriously.

but also a ton of my classmates had expensive stethoscopes and either left it at a clinical site or somehow got it stolen lol

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I never got a littman. I have an MDF MD one model and it's great. The only Thing that drives me nuts is the ear pieces wear out-but they are very easy to replace. I do look at Littmans, but I'm glad I don't have to worry about my 'scope growing legs. And I hear everything with it.

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I just ordered a Littmann Classic III! Thank you all for the feedback! I'm hoping this one does the job! :)

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Specializes in Med/surg,orthopedics,emergency room,.

Littman classic hands down!!!! But make sure you put your name on it because sometimes they tend to "walk"!!!!!

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I'm in the process of getting a stethoscope for nursing school. I'm deciding between the classic 2 and classic 3. Have you had any problems with your 3? I read on some other post that people were having problems with pieces breaking or falling off. Didn't know if I should just stick with the 2 because it seems more reliable from what I've read. Do very many nurses or nursing students use the 3?

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