Which Stethoscope?

Published Apr 3, 2018

5 Posts

Hello all!

I need help finding a new stethoscope.

I started my career as an RN in a PEDS ICU years ago, and then worked in informatics for a while. I recently accepted a position in an adult ICU to get back into patient care, and I will be starting in a few weeks. I also do some prehospital work.

In Nursing school I used a Littman Classic II SE, and then upgraded to a Littman Master Cardiology while in PICU. I got the Master Cardiology for half price at the time, so it was a no brainer. After moving to informatics, I sold my Master Cardiology, but I kept my original Classic II SE for sentimental reasons and for EMS work.

Now that I am getting back into critical care, I am going to get myself a better stethoscope. I can't decide between the Littman Cardiology IV and the Master Cardiology. I've read that the new IV comes reeeeaaaally close to the sound and quality of the Master. Does anyone have any thoughts or opinions that would justify one over the other? Is the Master worth the extra cost? I don't have any way to try them firsthand, but I've narrowed it down to only these two.

Thanks in advance!