3M Littman Classic III

jojo489 · Jan 1, 2015

I don't have the 3 but I do have the two. My boyfriend bought me the black on black one and even had it engraved. :) I love it. It's my most favorite piece of equipment and it's great. You can hear absolutely everything. I'd definitely recommend it but to be honest, for clinicals I would buy a cheapie until you get through school, because that stethoscope will probably get pretty beat up.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jan 1, 2015

anything Littmann you can't go wrong. I have the cardiology III love it for 30 years

tbren · Jan 1, 2015

I might go with the 2 just because I have never heard of the classic 3. Thanks for the feedback!

tbren · Jan 1, 2015

That is what I have heard Littmann is a huge favorite in the healthcare field. I am going to buy myself the cardiology iii as a graduation present to myself when I am all finished. Thanks!

Mrs Future RN · Jan 2, 2015

I'm in the same boat. I decided to take the gamble and try the III. I've been trying to choose between the Classic and the Cardiology for the past month, but I think the Classic will be enough for school, especially since I heard how they like to grow legs at times.

Carpediem1012, BSN, RN · Jan 2, 2015

The cardioIII is worth it. You are there to learn. Why not use the best equipment?

tbren · Jan 2, 2015

I did the exact same thing. At the last minute I ended up buying the classic III on amazon. Good luck with everything!

tbren · Jan 2, 2015

The cardioIII is worth it. You are there to learn. Why not use the best equipment?

I really considered getting the cardio III but I decided against it because I hear they tend to disappear pretty often. I am just taking some extra precautions in nursing school and once I *crosses fingers* become an RN I will upgrade to the better stethoscope. Thank you for the feedback!

anh06005, MSN, APRN, NP · Jan 2, 2015

I went through school and several years as an RN with the classic II. It was just fine for my needs. When I was about to start clinical a for my FNP I decided to treat myself and upgrade to the cardio III. I do like the cardio. I'm not a huge fan of a tuneable diaphragm so I am taking off my pedi diaphragm to have an open bell now that I'm done with clinical.

Before you sink $150+ into a stethoscope I'd wait and see where I wound up. You may wind up loving NICU where even the pedi side of my cardio III may be too big to hear well. Then you'd sink more money into a stethoscope when you got out.

That's just something to consider and one scenario where you may wind up spending unnecessary money.

I think I spent $60-70 on my Classic II and I've still got it as a backup.

Oh and neither of my stethoscopes have been stolen. Not saying it's uncommon. Just saying if you keep it on you (like I do) chances are lessened significantly.

tbren · Jan 4, 2015

I went through school and several years as an RN with the classic II. It was just fine for my needs. When I was about to start clinical a for my FNP I decided to treat myself and upgrade to the cardio III. I do like the cardio. I'm not a huge fan of a tuneable diaphragm so I am taking off my pedi diaphragm to have an open bell now that I'm done with clinical.
Before you sink $150+ into a stethoscope I'd wait and see where I wound up. You may wind up loving NICU where even the pedi side of my cardio III may be too big to hear well. Then you'd sink more money into a stethoscope when you got out.
That's just something to consider and one scenario where you may wind up spending unnecessary money.
I think I spent $60-70 on my Classic II and I've still got it as a backup.
Oh and neither of my stethoscopes have been stolen. Not saying it's uncommon. Just saying if you keep it on you (like I do) chances are lessened significantly.

You brought up an extremely good point. I didn't even think about considering what unit I end up working in. I will definitely hold off on spending a lot of money until I know what stethoscope I would really need. Thank you!!

anh06005, MSN, APRN, NP · Jan 4, 2015

NICU is about the only situation I can think of that would occur but it's still a possibility. And comparing my cardio III and classic II there wasn't a lot of difference.