Stethoscope Recommendation?

Nursing Students General Students

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Hello everyone!

I know this topic has been asked over and over again so I apologize for the redundancy. I'd like to gather a census for the best recommended stethoscopes!

I'll be starting my traditional BSN program in the fall and I'm trying to figure out which stethoscope is most recommended for nursing school and also something that will be adequate after nursing school. The reason I've asked is because I've read sooooo many mixed reviews. I've read everything from "buy the cheapest because it will get the job done and it will most likely get lost or stolen" to "buy Littmann Cardiology III or Master Cardiology". I'm so confused. I'm leaning towards a Littmann Classic or Cardiology III.

All I know is that my program recommends Littmann brand. I'm not too concerned with price as long as the stethoscope isn't unnecessarily beyond my needs.

Thanks everyone! :)

I have a Littmann Classic II and it was great for school.

I started with a SE, but found I had a hard time hearing with it. I then purchased a Cardiology III and I love it.

Programs always recommend Littman. I've had several Adscopes that were comparable for half the price, as well as a lesser known brand cardiac scope I found on Amazon with great acoustics. Read reviews and decide for yourself, but don't feel compelled to spend the money on a Littman when you'll likely decide to upgrade after graduation anyway.

Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Go with a Littman. You'll use it way beyond school. I've had mine for 10+ years now, and it works just as well as it did when I got it. You can have the bell engraved with your name, BTW.

I have a Littman classic II. My school highly recommended it and I'm so glad I bought it. I love it and it wasn't too expensive.

My school requires a Littman. They didn't say which one, but the brand has to be Littman.

Specializes in Emergency Department.

A Littman Classic II SE is a very decent mid-price stethoscope that will work well for you long after you graduate. I use a Cardiology III but then again, I've had mine for about 14 years. If I had to choose, I'd pick a stethoscope that's priced between about $30 and $70 and go on to something else. Pretty much any stethoscope priced in that range should be adequate for school and post-grad/work experiences.

I love my littman cardio III!

I have a Littmann Master Classic II and it's great!

Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I have the Cardiology III and it is awesome. If you do go with it, get your name engraved on it so someone will be less tempted to take it.

Thanks for sharing your recommendations :) I needed help deciding too.

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