Best Stethoscope for Cardiac Nursing

Published

Hello, and Good morning to all. I originally posted this under the "nursing stethoscope" forum but I received no replies. Later this month, I will be interviewing for a position on a Cardiac Stepdown unit where I completed my acute care preceptorship last fall. I would like some opinions regarding the best stethoscope for cardiac nurses. I've heard that Littman's are great, however, there are so many stethoscopes produced by littman (Master Cardiology, Cardiology STC, Lightweight Classic II, etc), I don't know which one to choose. What do you use or suggest I use?

Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Public Health, TB.

I have had my Littmann Master Cardiology for 8 years. It's a little heavier than some and doesn't fold up into a pocket well, but the earpieces are comfy and sounds are extremely clear.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for responding. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in medical device.

A CLEAN ONE :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in cadiology/telemetry.

When I went to school the whole class bought Littman Cardiology Master stethoscopes (solicited group pricing). Then soon after, I traded mine in for a Doctors' Research Group cardiology stethoscope. They cost in the $200 range, but the difference in quality of sound is really tremendous. And you can buy stethoscopes at stethoscopes.com, or even amazon or ebay and get a better price. It's worth investing in a good piece opf equipment.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CTICU.

SE II is fine for most nurses.

I now have a DRG stethoscope which is nice and light, changeable rubber diaphragm covers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, MedSurg, Medical Telemetry.

I have a Littmann Master Cardiology. I love it. Soooo comfortable. And I hear heart and lung sounds better than I ever have with other stethoscopes I've used.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the replies everyone

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Tele, ICU, ED, Nurse Instructor,.

Thank you all also.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Cardiac Cath Lab.

The Littman Master Cardiology stethoscope is the best one I have ever used. My husband bought mine for me as a Christmas gift when I was still in nursing school, and I still love it! Incidentally, almost all of my cardiologist colleagues use the Master Cardiology stethoscope, but mine is better because it's purple. :lol2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac.

I use the Littman Cardiology III. I wanted a traditional bell and diaphram. It came in handy during peds rotation. However, a lot of the nurses on my floor use really craptastic scopes.

Earlier this week, we had a patient return from surgery with a NG tube. My preceptor couldn't hear the air when checking placement. She couldn't hear bowel sounds either. I used mine and heard the air and hypoactive bowel sounds. Gave my scope to her to make sure I was correct, and she confirmed it.

Get a good scope, because you need to be able to hear what's going on clearly and without worrying about missing something important.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CVICU, CCU, Heart Transplant.

Master Cardiology here.. when the docs round they always ask to use my stethoscope. In fact, I am so used to the acoustics that it's hard to hear out of other nurses stethoscopes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion