Which stethoscope do you like?

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I'm really having trouble deciding on a stethoscope for nursing school. There are too many options!

To all the last year nursing students and new grads: which stethoscope did you use and how did you like it?

How much would you say is a reasonable investment in a scope for a nursing student?

Which one(s) do you think are good enough?

Any tips appreciated:)

Thank you!

My school gave us all the littmann lightweight but it sucks, so I ordered the classic II SE and love it. I wanted the cardiology III but decided to wait till I graduate!

Littmann Lightweight doesn't suck, I work ICU/PCU and it works just fine. In 99% of situations with a base level scope it is the listener not the device that matters.

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I started out with the Littmann Classic II in nursing school but decided to upgrade to the Littmann Cardiology III and the acoustics are much better.

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

Master Classic II SE for the last 6 years.

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Littmann Lightweight doesn't suck I work ICU/PCU and it works just fine. In 99% of situations with a base level scope it is the listener not the device that matters.[/quote']

It sucked for me. I could barely hear anything. The classic is a lot clearer for me and works great.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

In nursing school I used the Prestige Medical steth (got it at the uniform supply store for $14.99). Don't recommend it all. After I graduated my dad got me the Littmann Classic II and I love it! The bad part is sometimes half of my patients are on isolation, and they need dedicated equipment. It's hard for me to hear sometimes with those disposable steth's. Any advice out there??

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Specializes in Neuro.

I have a prestige medical stethoscope and matching BP cuff they are wonderful for the price , very adorable

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
In nursing school I used the Prestige Medical steth (got it at the uniform supply store for $14.99). Don't recommend it all. After I graduated my dad got me the Littmann Classic II and I love it! The bad part is sometimes half of my patients are on isolation, and they need dedicated equipment. It's hard for me to hear sometimes with those disposable steth's. Any advice out there??

If you're in ICU and only have one or two patients, you can take your stethescope into the room and leave it there for the shift, or for part of the shift. Just remember where you left it (I've seen dozens of scopes lost this way) and clean it well when you take it out of the room.

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I'm starting nursing school in May and trying to sort out which stethoscope to get too.

My school requirements say to have a stethoscope that has a bell and a diaphragm... so would the tunable diaphragm on the Littman be okay? I'm trying to figure out all of these terms. Thank you for the help!

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Specializes in GI,Telemetry, Trauma ICU, Endoscopy.

I started out with the Littmann lightweight and while it was ok for general use, I found that on the patients with CHF and that were obese I had a real difficult time hearing heart tones. I received the Cardiology III, black on black, as a present for Christmas and never looked back. I love the acoustics, especially if I have to use the bell. If you have the funds, go with the Cardiology III, you won't be disappointed.

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I still have and use my Littmann II that I got for school, that was almost 12 years ago! Still works and looks great!

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Specializes in Palliative Care.

I bought an UltraScope back in nursing and never went back. The design blocks outside background noises and sounds are crisp and clear. One of the Respiratory Therapists I work with keeps borrowing mine because she hears so much better with it. I've never lost mine since it's very colorful and looks different than anyone else's, which is also a plus. The only downside is the head is tilted at an angle so it doesn't fit in hip holsters at all. Not a big deal - I carry it in a side cargo pocket.

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I got Littmann Classic II SE as well as Littmann Cardiology III. Both are great stethoscopes and have best acoustic quality.

My favorite one is Cardiology III. It have duel sided chest piece and worth the money.

If anyone having trouble deciding which stethoscope they should buy then have a look at www.thebeststethoscope.org Read through there guide and decide yourself which steth you will require.

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