Stethoscope Question.

OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2012

I had a Classic II in school and it was great. Great for student nurses. A lot of my classmates also had it. It's nice because it comes in a wide range of colors :)
After I graduated, I opted for a Cardiology III which I LOVE. I honestly wouldn't go back to the Classic II. For learning purposes, you don't need to spend a FORTUNE on a stethoscope, but enough for a quality one, and the Classic II is great quality.

Hi, I have the classic II and was looking at the cardiology III and was curious if you feel theres a significant difference because I was considering gettign one as a graduation present to myself in the near future. I will add part of my thought is also I don't have a problem with my hearing but its probably not the absolute best so I was wondering if this stethoscope might help.

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · May 1, 2012

Hi, I have the classic II and was looking at the cardiology III and was curious if you feel theres a significant difference because I was considering gettign one as a graduation present to myself in the near future. I will add part of my thought is also I don't have a problem with my hearing but its probably not the absolute best so I was wondering if this stethoscope might help.

The acoustics on the Cardiology III are definitely better than the Classic II...I can tell the difference. I also like the longer tubing that comes with the Cardiology III. The only downside is that it is heavier than the Classic II. Do you have a medical supply store in your area? I would check out the Cardiology III in person, if you can, and decide if that is what you want. I don't think there is a single "best" stethoscope out there - it just really depends on you. I work with a cardiologist who uses a $20 Sprague. One of our hospitalists uses a Littmann Lightweight and I remember a nurse telling me "DON'T get that one, I have it and it sucks!" haha. On my unit, the nurses either have a Classic II, a Cardiology III or Master Classic.

Twinmom06, ASN, APN · May 3, 2012

I have a Classic II SE and it works ok for me...I, too am hard of hearing and will probably treat myself to a Cardiology III or an electronic scope when I graduate...

OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN · May 3, 2012

Thanks! Unofrtunately, no I don't know of any store around that has them. I ordered my steth online. I like it alot but if the cardiology is better I think it would be a good grad. present for myself and that way I have two :) In the meantine I may see if there is anywhere around me where I could check them out in person that I've missed.

Thujone · May 3, 2012

I thought the Littmann Cardiology Stethoscope (http://www.amazon.com/Littmann-3128-Cardiology-Stethoscope-Black/dp/B000F4UOXY) to be much better than the classic II, granted it is more expensive too.

0402 · May 3, 2012

The Classic II is a perfect one for school. It's good quality but not too expensive. I bought a cardiology III in my last semester of ns and it's what I always use on the floor. My first one was stolen, and I used an Ultrascope for a while, but ended up buying another III and it's my preferred one, for sure. The Ultrascope is fine, but just not the same; it's my back-up and definitely wouldn't be, if it wasn't a decent stethoscope. For school, I would look at Ultrascope (longer tubing and lighter) or the Classic II (separate bell and diaphragm and a good "intro" stethoscope), but both around the same price. Ultrascope is quite tempting with some of their cute designs, though........ (I have the smiley face).