Best stethoscope?

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Hi Everyone! I'm in the process of purchasing scrubs, shoes, and a stethoscope for my clinical starting in January. Excuse me while I scream because I finally made it to this point! 

I need to purchase a stethoscope that does NOT have a floating diaphragm. I tried looking up what that means but I don't know what that means. So if someone could explain that would be appreciated. 

But my main question is do you prefer the Classic III or Cardiology IV by Littman? Which one can you hear better with?

Thank you in advance! I appreciate it!

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Specializes in Dialysis.

I love my III. I have hearing deficits, and really a IV doesn't help much. Go for the III, you won't be sorry

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1 hour ago, Hoosier_RN said:

I love my III. I have hearing deficits, and really a IV doesn't help much. Go for the III, you won't be sorry

Thank you!!

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Specializes in Peds ED.

Don’t the Littman cardiology stethoscopes all have floating/tunable diaphragms though? I love mine but it’s a dual peds and adult head one and you get bell and diaphragm sounds based on the pressure you apply when placing them on the patient. It sounds like your school actually wants you to have a separate bell and diaphragm.

I wouldn’t spend a lot of money on a stethoscope especially in school. The basic Littman with a bell and diaphragm is great and stethoscopes can disappear.

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Specializes in Dialysis.

Go on a uniform company website and get a cheapie. They do tend to walk off, even if engraved

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1 minute ago, Hoosier_RN said:

Go on a uniform company website and get a cheapie. They do tend to walk off, even if engraved

Good idea! Thank you again!

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Check out the Prestige Medical Clear Sound Scope. Not high priced and is durable. 

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17 minutes ago, Red Shirt 6 said:

Check out the Prestige Medical Clear Sound Scope. Not high priced and is durable. 

Thank you! I’ll definitely check it out! 

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Given that you’re a student, there’s no need for a cardiology stethoscope, granted I don’t know your financial status. I’ll guarantee that you will most likely lose your first stethoscope. I think a doctor took my Littman 3. Downgraded to the one that’s about half the price and I haven’t noticed any changes in quality with peds and/or adults. Learn the basics with a cheap but reliable stethoscope. Upgrade after you graduate and start practicing. 

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I bought a fancy cardiology stethoscope and I am actually glad I did. As a student trying to listen to different lung and heart sounds, I'm glad that I have a more sensitive scope because it can be hard to discern what I am listening for at times. If you can afford it and you want one, go for it. 

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It looks like Littman has moved on to the III as the basic model, but I'm still happy with my Littman classic II from a few years ago.  It was one of the suggested ones for nursing school.  A quick Google search shows it for $59 at walmart.  

When I was a new grad, I asked for a fancy stethoscope for Christmas.  I got the Littman IV cardiology and found it to be heavier to carry and not necessary for my needs as a bedside nurse, so I'm back to my II.  It gets the job done, and I don't worry about the cost of replacing it if it walks away.

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Specializes in Wiping tears.

I have a few of them. Littman III was a gift from my best friend when I was accepted into the program. I leave my Littman III behind because I don't want to lose it. ?. I love my III better than the others. Still, I don't want to carry it around. 

My ADC  Adscope stethoscope works perfectly fine. I'm not an expert, but I get the job done. 

I hope these help you.

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