which stethoscope is the best and for what uses?

[meghan91]

hey everyone! i am currently in the market to buy a stethoscope for my clinicals that start this fall for the BSN program i am in. littmann seem to make nice durable well made stethoscopes and since i am just starting out i figured i should probably go with the simple classic ii se stethoscope.

How well does the class ii se littmann work?

Also, i work in the MSICU as a N/A and i notice a lot of the nurses have either a littmann classic ii se, a littmann cardiology III, and some have a littmann master....which in your opinion is the best? And which would you suggest for starting out and then everntually upgrading to?

which colors do you have your stethoscope in? and do you wish you had gotten a different color for any reason (ex. picks up dirt to easy, stains, etc)?

thanks everyone!

[Asystole RN]

As in all things in life, "knowledge before tools."

There is no reason to buy an expensive stethoscope if you do not have the skills yet to fully appreciate the advantages. Most likely you are going to lose or damage your first stethoscope by the time you make it out of orientation of your first job anyways.

The Littmann Classic II is a solid entry level all around performer. Personally I use a Littmann Master Cardiology, that has been engraved. The tubing is in black, which I regret due to the popularity of this color. When I have to replace the tubing I am going to buy the ugliest, brightest, most disgusting baby poop green or neon orange.

The uglier your scope the easier it is to find.