Stethoscope for a nursing student

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Oct 28, 2013

I use a Littmann Cardiology III for approximately a dozen years. I've also been using other stethoscopes over that same period of time. I can honestly say that once you know what you need to listen to, you can pretty much use any stethoscope for almost anything. Personally, I would advocate using pretty much any middle quality stethoscope that you can get your hands on. In your case, I would suspect that either of the two lower cost stethoscopes will do just fine. Once you get a decent job, you can splurge a bit and get a really good stethoscope that will be more appropriate for the unit you'll be on. My Littmann Light II SE (no longer made) would probably serve me about as well as my CIII does, but I can certainly hear a difference between the two.

Just my two bits...

mwlude · Oct 28, 2013

I own the procardial C3 and am graduating nursing school in december. Ive used it throughout most of my clinicals and the reason i purchased it wasnt because of the 6 attachments (although i did use it during my NICU rotations). I spent awhile comparing various brands and models of stethoscopes and for whatever reason MDF was the clearest for me even over littmann. The C3 is a really nice stethoscope but the head carries a huge profile and its heavy (if that matters to you). This isnt a problem in hospital but on the ambulance it does get in the way quite a bit when the environment isnt as controlled. My opinion has always been to buy the stethoscope that works best for you irregardless of price. one of the best nurses i know with over 30 yrs experience uses one of the cheapest stethoscopes. Id try them all out first because without a test drive you're shooting in the dark.

zeus&lincoln · Oct 28, 2013

In my opinion you do not need a fancy stethoscope just yet. The lower end Lippmann will work perfectly during your clinical rotations. I would not splurge until you know what speciality you will be in. I am a new grad starting in the NICU and we aren't allowed to use our own stethoscopes (each kiddo has their own)... I would have been pretty upset if I spent nearly $200 on a stethoscope that I couldn't use! Also, as you know some stethoscopes are better for certain things, peds, neonates, cardiac, etc. so once you are in your speciality then buy a good one... And take care of it! Those things are expensive but last a long time if you take care of them.

INN_777, BSN, RN · Oct 28, 2013

This is very helpful, thank you all!

mcdebb · Oct 28, 2013

I prefer the Littmann myself! I also have a lower end Littmann which is great!! Good Luck!

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Oct 28, 2013

Littmann, hands down. The Lightweight II SE is good enough for students and nurses!

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Oct 29, 2013

I personally bought a Littmann Cardiology III and I use it for peds and adults. The OB clinical sites have their own stethoscopes for the newborns but that may be different at your sites.

I would clarify if you have to buy one of those or if those are the ones they recommend. A Select II is normally good enough for everyone and I liked it, but I wanted one that had the peds diaphragm for when I work in triage. Black Friday is the best time to find them online for cheaper and Nurses' Week which is in the Spring.

Whatever you do, get it inscribed and make sure never to leave it or lend it out. People will steal it whether it is other nurses, doctors, paramedics, or even patients. Everyone knows a cousin in "some form of healthcare."

sunshyne17 · Oct 29, 2013

Get the cheaper one for now. You will have tons of other things to buy too.