what stethoscope to buy

megamoo1979 · Dec 16, 2003

I ordered a Littman Select (on sale for $36). Haven't received it yet, but my sis, who is an RN, says Littmans are the best way to go.

Nurse2bSandy · Dec 16, 2003

After trying to hear things on the cheapies used in our A&P class I bought a Littman Classic II for clinicals. I thought I was unable to distinguish sounds... it was the stethoscope. Now, I do fine. I love my Littman... but it seems like everyone has their own opinions on what is important. Do you have a friend in nursing school that has a steth that you can try out and see what works best for you? I actually went to a medical supplier to try some before buying my Littman. I spent about $75.

Larry77, RN · Dec 17, 2003

I use an expensive Soft Touch Littman, I just love a good steth.

I would look out for the weight of your steth because I had the Littman Cardiology III and it weighed a ton, I hated to have it around my neck.

I hate the double sided kind because it seems like you get extra noises and I always had to make sure the diaphram was turned correctly.

I've had great luck ordering from http://www.allheart.com very fast service and you can even get your steth personalized. (I checked looks like they have 3 different Littman's for under $40.00)

We have the $30 Littman's on this page at work and they work great http://www.allheart.com/littmannscopes.html

LilgirlRN, ADN, RN · Dec 17, 2003

I have the same Littman Cardiology II model that I've had for 15 years. It does weigh a lot but I hate the way my lightweight Littman slips around my neck and my old one just hears so much better than the other one. They are expensive, but worth the money if you need to listen to heart sounds etc, not just take BP's. :)

LilRedRN1973 · Dec 17, 2003

What's everyone's opinion on this model of Littmann? I'm getting this one from the big guy in red (ok, ok..it's really my hubbie, but don't tell the kids!!!). I have a Prestige that I hear BP and lung sounds with, but I have a hard time listening for S3, S4, murmurs, and other sounds. So I asked for this one because it seems to be a nice, middle of the road quality steth. If I end up going into a cardiac unit or a peds unit, that will be the time I buy a specialty steth, but not before.

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

Gompers, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2003

For nursing school, I'd definitely go with the sprague or Littman scopes. I had both and they worked very well when I was just starting out. CLASSICS.

But later on in your nursing career, you can always get adventurous and order something new. I am a big fan of Ultrascopes - http://www.ultrascopes.com - for many reasons. They work very well in my experience, and are just about the coolest looking scopes around. You'd have to go to the site to understand what they look like. I get so many compliments on mine! I have two peds-sized scopes - one with multi-color glitter on the head, and one with a purple smiley face. Some people don't like them because they are single-sided, but they're pressure sensitive so you can adjust to hear high and low pitched sounds. The acoustics are great - paramedics talk about finally being able to listen to their patients in ambulences, and you can hear through clothing - even winter coats!

They just came out with a ton of new head designs that aren't up on the website yet - anyone interested in ordering one might want to contact them first for a catalogue, as the newer designs are so unique!!! (Beach scenes, butterflies, awareness ribbons, flags, smileys, etc.)

LilRedRN1973 · Dec 17, 2003

One of the ultrasounds will be my first purchase as a new RN! I love the breast cancer awareness head with the pink ribbon. I have looked at those and drooled. And best part? Someone "borrows" it for good and you will be able to pick it out of the crowd easily since they are kind of unique.

Gompers, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2003

Just be prepared to pay $100 per Ultrascope!

But hey, I have to wear hospital-supplied surgical scrubs, so the money I save on uniforms I spend on scopes and shoes!