Stethoscopes for Clinicals

DaniLPN2RN · Apr 8, 2009

I have a Littmann Cardiac steth. I LOVE it. Used it all through Nursing school. I always kept it with me because I was afraid that it would "walk away" but I never had any problem with that.

BTW - this isn't a silly question ... I had the EXACT question before starting nursing school too!

Good Luck to you!!

mrsraisinkain · Apr 8, 2009

I used a Littman SE II Lightweight and loved it. I could hear everything I need to. It was a birthday present but I think my parents paid about $50 for it - and that was with my name engraved on it.

animal1993 · Apr 8, 2009

My husband gave me the Littman Master Cardio for our anniversary, and I cannot believe the difference it has made. I am able to hear with perfect clarity even if there is a conversation going on around me. A lot of students that I have had clinicals with also use the Littman SE II and have had good things to say about it.

BeverlynBama · Apr 8, 2009

I found out that stethoscopes really do make a difference. At first I bought one at the college bookstore and couldn't hear anything. I thought it was my hearing until one day at clinicals our instructor asked me if I was able to auscultate bowel and lung sounds. She asked because she realized the difference a good stethoscope makes.

I went that next day and bought a Littman Light and I LOVE it!

ZanatuBelmont · Apr 9, 2009

This may be a silly question but...
What type of stethoscopes are best for clinicals? Should I invest in a really expensive one or should I just get an affordable one that can get me through clinicals? I'm afraid of the whole "you get what you pay for" thing, but I don't want to spend too much if it isn't necessary either.
What stethoscopes did any of you use during clinicals?

I wanted to buy one that I could use for years to come, sort of as a reminder of my "before I...." life. But, hey, eight months into my program and I couldn't care less. As long as it gets you through clinicals!

Dani3176 · Apr 26, 2009

If youre trying to save money buy a cheap one for clinicals but you will eventually want to get a Littman of some kind. I have a cheap college bookstore one and I can't hear a lung sound to save my life!! You can always do like I'm going to do and go cheap for now then ask for a Littman for a graduation present!!!

Sarah Hay · Apr 26, 2009

I would suggest any Littmann stethoscope. I believe they are the best quality and are good priced. I am in my second year of nursing school and my stethoscope has been useful and I have never had a problem with it. I have the Littmann Lightweight II SE and it cost about fifty dollars. As a student, I do not feel you would need the more expensive Littmann Cardiology iii, unless you plan on using it once you're finished with school. It has a five year warranty. I hope this helps!

:redpinkhe Sarah Hay, SN

nolimitam · Apr 26, 2009

I am about to start nursing school too and I just ordered a Littman 3000. I saw that it was recommended on another post here. A gentleman who was hearing impaired said that he has the Littman 4000 and once his classmates heard the difference his made they got the Littman 3000 and are very happy with it. The Littman 3000 cost $259 whereas his Littman 4000 runs about a little over $500 I think. I just know with the cheap ones that I have used in school I can't make out whatever I am supposed to be hearing. I am excited about trying the Littman. I am sure it will be great.

picurn10 · Apr 26, 2009

when I was at the store the girl had me try the difference between the littman lightweight (the one I thought I wanted) and the classic SE II. There was a HUGE difference. Apparently so many students were returning the lightweight in favor of the SE II that she thought she should let me know. I thought the extra $30 was well worth it.

Another thing is that the ear pieces make a HUGE difference. I put my good littman ones on a cheapo walmart steth and could hear really well. You want the soft ones that seal in your ears. I think all the littmans use those, but you can always buy them separate for less than $10 if you need to.

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Apr 26, 2009

Littman Lightweight is the most affordable and you will get the most use of it. Our college gave us some cheap ones to use, but when I forgot mine I ended up borrowing one of my friends (she would use the cardiac one) and I loved the Littman Lightweight. I ended up ordering it online at allheart.com and got a very good price for it. I love my lightweight. Although the Cardiac one I'm sure is better, but for price wise and since most nursing students are struggling financially, get the littman lightweight, it really is the best. Good Luck

VM85 · Apr 26, 2009

For me, i wasnt spending $300 on a steth when i just dropped about 1500 on books. My school recommended just buyina beginners steth, and thats what I got(i got the prestige steth for like $30)Now that I am almost through the program, Ive recently invested in a litman. But if you were like me and dont want to spend that much at the beginning, a few of my class mates have a double headed(? it has tubing off of each ear piece all the way down to the bell) from prestige and they feel it is a great steth- they can hear alot clearer than the regular steth from prestige...and i think i just saw that one on clearance for like 15 bucks online- heres the link http://www.allheart.com/pms1132.html