Stethoscope

Published

Hi all! I begin my accelerated nursing program in roughly 3 weeks and I am on the hunt for a stethoscope. Should I splurge and buy the Littman Cardio since I'm hoping to work in a hospital after the program? Or stick with a much cheapter Littman until I actually am a working RN? What are your opinions?

Thanks so much!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Department.

While I have, use, and love my Littmann Cardiology III, I very much suggest buying pretty much any stethoscope in the $30-$70 price range. If you're looking for a Littmann, the Classic II SE is a very good general-purpose stethoscope and will likely serve you very well through nursing school and into your clinical practice. Truly almost anything in that price range will serve you well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It's not necessary to have a Littman cardio when you work in a hospital. It's important to have something that you can hear with.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Department.
It's not necessary to have a Littman cardio when you work in a hospital. It's important to have something that you can hear with.

'Tis true enough! Once you know what you're listening for, you can use pretty much any stethoscope. About 15 years ago I treated myself to a Cardiology III and the sound quality is just amazing. I still have it and I've used it throughout nursing school. However, if you don't know (yet) what you're listening for, having a very expensive and high-quality stethoscope isn't going to help.

One other big reason I suggest getting a mid-range (or even an entry-level) stethoscope is that once you do know what you're listening for, you can then search for a stethoscope that meets your needs and your current more budget-friendly stethoscope can be kept and used as a backup.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I ended up buying the Classic SE! Thank you guys :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion