Littmann Stethoscopes~Need advice

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Hello everyone! I am starting nursing school in August and I am trying to gather my supplies. I am interested in a Littmann scope. My question is: Does anyone have any opinions on the Littmann Lightweight II scope? How does it compare with the Littmann Classic II scope?

Thanks in advance! :o;):lol2::uhoh3::D

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Specializes in NeuroICU/SICU/MICU.

I used the Littman Classic II SE throughout my nursing program. I never had any problems with it. I've never used a Littman Lightweight, though, so I can't really compare them :)

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Specializes in LTC.

I have one. It doesn't get heavy around my neck over the coorifice of the day. I can hear ok through it. I was happy with it until I made the mistake of borrowing a classmate's stethoscope (Littmann cardiology III). Hers put mine to shame and now I want that one, LOL! Would make a nice graduation present :)

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Specializes in Acute rehab, LTC, Community Health.

I have personally had both and I would recommend just springing for the classic II off the bat. The lightweight is okay to begin with, but it is very difficult to hear when you begin doing lung/heart sounds. Good luck to you!:yeah:

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Moved to our Nursing Gear, Stethoscope section...see the many posts here.

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Specializes in Women's health & post-partum.

Just remember to guard it carefully and don't lend it to anyone--especially interns.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

Get the Classic II, that's what I have and it's great for nursing students. I'm in the market for a new stethoscope (just because I feel like I need an upgrade for my senior practicum because I am trying to precept in critical care and I also graduate in December, so it's kind of like a Christmas/graduation gift :)). When I was talking to the nurses I work with about stethoscopes, a few of them said DO NOT get the Lightweight. Her words? "IT SUCKS!!! DON'T BUY IT!!" lol

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Specializes in Neuro, Med-surg..

The proprietor of a local uniform shop that carries Littmann scopes won't even stock the Lightweight b/c she says it's only good for BP's. A few gals at school use the Lightweight, and I've been able to try it. I found it difficult to use because the head is so light weight that I kept hearing my fingers on the thing. They would drown out the heart/lung/bowel sounds. Frankly I would go with the Classic II S.E. Generally, the heavier the materials used (Stainless steel, Zinc) the better the sound conduction.

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