Best stethoscope??

[Jen04 nurse]

I am going into ICU & I am looking at upgrading my stethoscope. I have a Litman Select, but I don't really like it.

I am thinking about an Ultrascope or a Litman cardiology. What do you guys recommend??

Thanks!!

[Jen04 nurse]

....Or what kind do you use & do you like it??

:monkeydance:

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

This might not be the answer you are seeking, but here goes.

I have two stethoscopes that work extremely well for me. I have a NurseMates double-tubed stethoscope that cost $16 and a Prestige single-tubed stethoscope that cost $10. They're wonderful values because I can hear every bodily sound out of them. I honestly believe there's no need to spend hundreds on stethoscopes when an inexpensive one will do the job superbly.

If you have a cheap stethoscope sitting at home and you think you cannot hear anything out if it, here's a tip for picking up every little sound. A stethoscope that is too long will muffle a lot of important sounds, so cut as much of it as you can off the end (at least 6 inches) and reattach the bell/diaphragm contraption at the bottom. Once the steth has been shortened in length, you will be able to hear everything amazingly well.