Stethoscope for new nursing student?

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I just got accepted into nursing school to start in the spring 2010 :yeah:and I'm required to have a stethoscope. I'm wondering if anyone has any advice...I am very drawn to the Littmann Classic II SE. Is this a good, high-quality stethoscope or should astudent have a Littman Cardiology stethoscope (very expensive!) to give the best quality sounds? I want to make sure I am able to hear heart/lung/etc sounds clearly but also dont want to waste money on a really expensive 'scope if a Classic II SE is good. Thanks for any advice!

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

The II SE is a very good scope, so you'll definitely be fine with that for clinicals.

Get that for now and save your money until you graduate. Then if you still want one, you can treat yourself to the Cardiology III or whatever high-end scope you like, and get it engraved with your name plus "RN" or "LPN" :) Though you'll find that the II SE will still be more than enough for your nursing practice.

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Everyone I've talked to already in the program has recommended the littman II lightweight. I just bought mine and it was about $50...so far it seems really good. But I haven't had to use it yet. I start in January too!

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Thanks guys for yoru speedy responses! And kayty2339 congrats on getting in! I'm so excited/nervous/worried/happy/________(insert emotion here)!

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I am starting nursing school in Jan also and have agonized of the issue of buying a reasonable stethoscope. I too considered purchasing the S.E Classic littman, but after viewing several post from other students I am leaning towards the Cardio III littman. Many other posters stated that the Cardio is of better quality and can be used for peds and adults whereas its counterpart lack specific valuable functions. So, I do not mind spending the extra cash to ensure that I will not be at a disadvantage during clinicals.

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Thanks guys for yoru speedy responses! And kayty2339 congrats on getting in! I'm so excited/nervous/worried/happy/________(insert emotion here)!

Congrats to you too!! I feel exactly the same way you do! I'm so excited...but as time gets closer to the first day, I'm getting more and more nervous and having more and more doubts...but I have to keep my focus. I've been working for this for too long and I'm going to make this work!! I think it's just finally hitting me that this is really happening!

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
I am starting nursing school in Jan also and have agonized of the issue of buying a reasonable stethoscope. I too considered purchasing the S.E Classic littman, but after viewing several post from other students I am leaning towards the Cardio III littman. Many other posters stated that the Cardio is of better quality and can be used for peds and adults whereas its counterpart lack specific valuable functions. So, I do not mind spending the extra cash to ensure that I will not be at a disadvantage during clinicals.

As someone who has been through nursing school once already (I'm back for the BSN now), I can assure you that you will not be at a disadvantage at clinicals if you don't go with the Cardio III and choose one of the lesser Littmans instead. As long as it's not a drugstore steth, you will be just fine--so don't feel like you're doomed to failure because you can't get a Cardio III.

That being said, if you can afford it and your heart is set on the Cardio III, go for it. I will warn you to get it engraved and/or pick it a loud color, and guard it with your life because steths have a habit of "walking off" during clinicals...and expensive steths like the Cardio III more so.

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Specializes in Neuro/Trauma.

Food for thought....In Nursing School, you learn the basics and simply need a basic stethoscope. Go shopping at a store, try out a few, some nurses feel the need the expensive one and others claim they can hear with the $10 one. Your choice, but my advise is to get the $10 one and IF you choose to specialize in tele or ICU, then get the expensive one.

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Thanks guys! I can proudly say I just purchased my first stethoscope! I got the Littmann II Classic SE. and then if I feel taht I need a more powerful one or specialize in cardiac when I graduate THEN I'll get the Cadilac of stethoscopes! I feel like I'm a real nursing student now! :) Thanks again to everyone who helped! -Amy

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Specializes in ICU/UM.

You have the same one as me:yeah:. I like it, it's very comfortable, and I can hear fine.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the Nursing stethoscope forum

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