Help me find a good, quality starting stethoscope

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Hi all!

I am in the process of trying to find a good, quality stethoscope for school, patient assessments, etc.

I've narrowed it down to a Littman, but I don't know if I should fork out the money right now for a Cardiology III. Should I buy a starter model (and, if so, which one), or should I buy the Cardiology III, knowing it will be an investment. I'd hate to lose it in the rush and hub-bub of nursing school, though.

Any thoughts and/or recommendations?

Thanks,

Lisa

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Specializes in Hospice, LTC, Med/Surg.

I wanted the absolute best equipment when I started nursing school, however I discovered that the cardiology scope was so sensitive and clear, that I heard "too much" and was not able to train my ears properly for the basics! I had to use a cheap $15.00 stethescope to train my ears with first before being able to use my "super scope".

jean & houdini

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Any thoughts on this one in particular:

http://www.allheart.com/2200-16.html

or this one:

http://www.allheart.com/littmannlwt.html

Thanks!

Lisa :)

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Specializes in MSN, FNP-BC.

I have a Cardio Sprague from Prestige Medical that I really like. It's certainly better than the ones that the school provides.

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Specializes in Maternity, quality.

We have the Littmann Classic II S.E. It seemed to be a reasonable price for the quality and meets the needs of us as students. I'd probably hold off on the Cardiology III until I was working in an area that required something of that level.

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I too have a Littmann and although I know they're great quality scopes, I also hear wayyyy toooo much with mine. I prefer to use my cheapo for taking BP's. At least then I'm picking up the sound of my patients BP and not my own hand moving on the bell of the scope.

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Specializes in OR Internship starting in Jan!!.

I have a cardio III, and I just started school. I'm starting to wonder if I should have used a cheaper one because I hear WAY too much, especially of me moving around and stuff.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Geri, Ortho, Telemetry, Psych.

Always a Littman, but NEVER a black one. Doctors like to walk off with the black ones. I usually get some obnoxious color so no one else will want it.:smokin:

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Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.

I have a Ceil (light) blue Master Classic II from Littman that I love!!

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Always a Littman, but NEVER a black one. Doctors like to walk off with the black ones. I usually get some obnoxious color so no one else will want it.

Wow, I never thought about that... great idea.

I have the Littman Master Cardiology... love it, worth every penny. I guard it w/my life, though! (yeah, it's black) :D

~Laurie

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I went with the Classic SE II Littman. Can't wait to get it now!

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Specializes in ER, Med/Surg.

I agree with those who said they heard TOO much. I could hear people talking on the other side of the room.

I would like to hear a little better, just not a well as I was hearing with the Littmann II SE.

Pat

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