Littman stethoscope

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I have just been accepted to nursing school this fall, and looking over my stethoscope choices, there are several offered through the school.

They are all Littman, but I have no clue which one I need. I see some that are more expensive, are they really better?

Any recommendations, favorites? Which Littman would you get?

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Almost everyone in my class got the Classic II S.E. My teachers have that one too and most of the nurses I see on the floor have it. It's right in the middle!

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Thanks so much! That one is on the order form, and at a great price compared to the one at the top!

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

I bought the Littmann Master Classic II when I was a sophomore because the information said it gives better sound transmission than the Classic II SE. It has the bell and diaphragm in one, rather than the opposite sides. I'm not really sure if the difference in sound is true, as I've used both and don't notice a difference. I agree with the first poster that the Classic II is the most common model that I see being used. I love my stethoscope and I've used it for five years and haven't had to replace anything.

Littmann is a great quality brand, so you can't really go wrong. As long as you don't have a hearing problem or need a stethoscope with special features (such as one designed for cardiology) I'd suggest the Classic II SE, which is a great all around stethoscope that will definitely last you through nursing school and beyond. Don't spend a ton of money because you never know where you will end up after school. For example I went into Peds and now would like to buy a Pediatric stethoscope, even though my adult one works just fine on the little kids as well.

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Thank you so very much! I am definitely going to get the Classic II SE, but I would like to find somewhere that engraves them.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

The Classic II S.E. is great for students. I had that in school and I loved it! Since then I upgraded to the Cardiology III and I couldn't be happier :)

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

I have the classic se too and i love it!!! The sound is great, but I have to agree with one of the above posts by friend at school and husband has the master classic and i personally couldn't hear any difference.

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I stumbled my way through first semester with the not-so-nice stethoscope that comes in the required nurse pack. That Christmas, Santa brought me a Littman Master Cardiology and I couldn't be happier! It turned out that for most of my med/surg clinicals I ended up on tele floors. Littman is a great brand. I had an instructor tell me she had her Classic II for 20 years! Good luck and happy shopping!

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

If you take your stethoscope to a Things Remembered or other personalization store they should be able to engrave it. Just a warning though, my first stethoscope was engraved with my initials. Then I got married so my initials changed but I couldn't change my stethoscope.

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Thanks, I was wondering where I'd be able to get it engraved. I've been married for 20 years, so my initials better not change. ;)

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Do you have to order through the school? There are plenty of online stores that have reasonable prices and offer free engraving.

I ordered my Littmann Classic II SE from Medisave (Littmann Classic II SE Stethoscope) and it came with free laser engraving. Allheart (Littmann Classic Stethoscopes | allheart.com) is a little cheaper, but charges for engraving, although you can get the head, the tube, or both personalized.

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I also have the Classic SE II and have had no problems! I got mine through medisave and had the free engraving. It says SunshineDaisy and is pink, so I hope it never wanders off! :p MDF is also a nice brand!

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