Looking for a new stethoscope

WSU_Ally_RN, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2013

Since you're still in nursing school, I'd caution against a specifically pediatric stethoscope... what if you graduate and can't find a peds job? I hear they are getting hard to come by. A pediatric scope is just too small to use with large adults. If you want a scope that you can use for both peds and adults, the Littmann Cardiology III has a peds and adult side. They peds side you can use with either a diaphragm or bell, depending on what you need it for. I have this scope, although I use it just for my adult sized patients. I have a pediatric ultrascope to use with my little guys, which I didn't purchase until I got my peds job. (And as an aside, I love my ultrascope much more than my Littmann... If I hadn't of spent over $150 on the Littmann, I'd consider getting an adult sized ultrascope... much more light weight, and more personalized... I know immediately if someone's picked my ultrascope up unlike Littmann's that all look the same)

HConway214 · Dec 16, 2013

Thank you, I hope to be able to get one with a peds job too fingers crossed

misscherie · Dec 17, 2013

Hi there! I have a similar question! I just got a job in pediatrics - I already have a Littman II Classic. Is it worth me investing in a Littman II Pediatric stethoscope? What do you nurses find, that it makes a difference? Thanks so much!

WSU_Ally_RN, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2013

Hi there! I have a similar question! I just got a job in pediatrics - I already have a Littman II Classic. Is it worth me investing in a Littman II Pediatric stethoscope? What do you nurses find, that it makes a difference? Thanks so much!

I think it depends on who your patient population mostly is. I work in a PICU and we take pt's from birth to death, any and all ages. If they have a congenital or chronic disease of childhood they will come see us forever. I use my adult sized scope for my adult sized patients, which are very few. My peds sized scope is for 20kg and under, which I would say is probably 85-90% of the patients I take care of. My adult sized scope would never work well enough for me for my 3kg babies.