Which is the best Stethoscope for nursing school?

Students General Students

Published

I'd like to get a Littman. What do you think about the 3M Littman Classic II S.E.?

What's a cardiac stethoscope? what's the difference among the different models?

Which type would you recommend for a beginner, Your input is greatly appreciated!

stpauligirl

2,327 Posts

Sorry, this ended up in the wrong place

stpauligirl

2,327 Posts

Bump.....;)

al7139, ASN, RN

618 Posts

Specializes in Emergency.

Hi,

I am by no means an expert, but I can tell you that I have a Littman Cardio III stethoscope. I have had it since my first semester of school. I love this because of how versatile it is (you don't have to be a cardio nurse to use this). Also the acoustics are great, so you can really hear what is going on in your patient. Someone else may have another recommendation, but to me this one was worth the investment (cost: $165.00). The best advice I can give you is to do your research, and NEVER buy a cheap $15.00 stethoscope. Littman guarantees all their models, and they are so much better. Do a trial if you have friends that have Littman models and the "cheaper" brands...and then get the one that you have the best results with.

Hope this helps.

Amy

Megsd, BSN, RN

723 Posts

Specializes in Neuro.

I have the Classic II SE and I like it. My BF is a paramedic and uses it at work as well. He bought me mine as a birthday present. I have heard good things about the cardiology stethoscope but at this point I don't think I need one. They come in very handy if you need to be able to ID murmurs and the like, but if you're just doing basic assessment you don't really NEED a cardiology one, in my own limited experience.

The most important thing is to find one you can hear out of. Some people have better luck with some brands than others, but I do like Littman a lot.

stpauligirl

2,327 Posts

al7139and Megsd, thank you so much for your responses. I'll check into those stethoscopes ;)

bsugaRN2b

130 Posts

Specializes in Endocrine (Diabetes), Pediatric Psych.

My vote is in for the Littmann Classic II SE - I have one, and I have yet NOT to hear something, haha - great stethoscope - people borrowed mine all the time in skills lab - and it comes in different colors! :)

Definitely agree w/the person who said don't get a cheap stethoscope - definite no-no - especially when you're learning...

My one word of advice: whatever you get (especially if it's a Littmann) - PUT YOUR NAME ON IT!!! Haha - it'll grow a pair of legs if you don't...

Good luck!

stpauligirl

2,327 Posts

My vote is in for the Littmann Classic II SE - I have one, and I have yet NOT to hear something, haha - great stethoscope - people borrowed mine all the time in skills lab - and it comes in different colors! :)

Definitely agree w/the person who said don't get a cheap stethoscope - definite no-no - especially when you're learning...

My one word of advice: whatever you get (especially if it's a Littmann) - PUT YOUR NAME ON IT!!! Haha - it'll grow a pair of legs if you don't...

Good luck!

Thanks for your response, I will definitely have mine engraved ;)

NYNPMAN

51 Posts

Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Check out the website http://www.kila.com/ they have both clones of the Cardiology III and the Master Cardiology. I bought the latter a few eeks ago for $35 and it is fantastic. Two RNs from ICU had me order them the same as well...really good acoustics for a fraction of the price.

rnmomtobe2010

1,051 Posts

I use my Littman with great pride...:)

+ Add a Comment