Use Classic II SE on Peds? Or Cardiology III?

[daisy87]

I posted on the stethoscope discussion board and didn't get any replies, so I thought you ped nurses might be able to offer advice....I am a new grad RN and will be starting an internship in a few weeks for a Post-Surg Unit that also has a few peds on it. The peds they put in this unit are typically in with stomach flu, dehydration, RSV, etc.--definately not the tramua cases or higher acuity. I want to pick out a stethoscope that is good on peds as well as adults; the scope I used in college is a $20 no-name, I feel like it is time to upgrade. I am looking at the Littman Classic II SE and Cardiology III. Do you think the Classic II SE is suitable for use on peds? I don't want to get a special peds scope if I don't have to because my hope is to get into the Post-Partum Unit after 1-2 yrs of Med/Surg experience. (I want to get what I NEED, but not more than that.)

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

I've worked in Peds for 13+ years and I use a Littman Classic II SE. I used to have a pediatric 'scope but when the tubing stiffened and cracked a few years ago I replaced it with what I use now. The only real hazard with using the larger diaphragm and bell is that it's harder to identify where the sounds are coming from in the small chest until you get a lot of practice.