3 Best Stethoscopes for the New Nursing Student
Want to auscultate like a pro? Check out my top-rated stethoscopes below.
One of the most exciting gear options you have as a new nursing student is your stethoscope. This is a specialized item that you will use everyday in clinical and can either help or hinder your learning in nursing school. If you are trying to learn what normal breath or heart sounds sound like, you need a stethoscope that will provide clear and easy to hear sounds. Yes, you can usually find a disposable yellow stethoscope to use on the unit. But ask any veteran nurse and they will tell you that it is next to impossible to hear ANYTHING through these, let alone the difference between normal heart sounds and a subtle murmur, or between clear lungs sounds and inspiratory crackles.
Littman is King
If you go into any hospital and look around at the stethoscopes being used by nurses, you will almost always find a Littman branded stethoscope around their neck or on their waist. And for good reason. Littman, a branch of the massive consumer and healthcare product corporation called “3M”, is the gold standard in stethoscopes. You would be hard pressed to find a nurse or doctor that doesn’t swear by their Littman. They have set themselves apart from the competition in a major way and that is why Littman is my top recommendation for stethoscopes.
One thing I love about Littman is the fact that they provide stethoscopes for a wide range of budgets. The fact is, not every nursing student has the disposable income to spend on a top-of-the-line, >$200 Master Cardiology. And to be frank, you really don’t need this type of stethoscope as a nursing student. No, it won’t hurt you in any way. But with Littman, even their entry level stethoscope will provide a superior listening experience during your clinical rotations.
Below, I provide 3 recommendations for stethoscopes for the new nursing student.
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Best Overall Stethoscope
Littman Master Classic II 3M amazon.com
This stethoscope checks all the boxes: high quality, good looking, and budget friendly. The Master Classic II features:
Single-sided chestpiece designed for easier grip and maneuvering.
Tunable diaphragm: Hear high or low frequency sounds by slightly adjusting pressure on the chestpiece.
Soft-sealing eartips provide an excellent acoustic seal and comfortable fit.
Headset is easily adjusted for individual fit and comfort. Angled eartubes align with ear canals.
This model is offered in black, navy blue, and burgundy color options that all look sharp and professional. It receives top marks in every area and can usually be found for just under $100.
Best Budget Stethoscope
Littman Lightweight II S.E. 3M amazon.com
The Lightweight II S.E. offers the Littman brand quality at a budget-conscious price. This model features:
Lightest weight of all Littmann adult stethoscopes at just 118 grams.
Dual-sided chestpiece provides versatility of both a tunable diaphragm and open bell.
Teardrop-shaped chestpiece for easier positioning under blood pressure cuffs and around bandages.
Tunable diaphragm: Hear high or low frequency sounds by slightly adjusting pressure on the chestpiece.
This model also comes in various color options including black, Carribean blue, burgundy, ceil blue, and pearl pink. This model can be had for just over $50 and there is nothing better in this price range.
Best High-End Stethoscope
Littman Cardiology I.V. 3M amazon.com
If you want the absolute best of the best when it comes to stethoscopes and aren’t afraid to splurge, then this is the stethoscope for you. This model features:
Ergonomic and high profile construction
Designed for use with adult and pediatric patients
Tunable, dual-sided stainless steel chestpiece with open or closed bell
Non-chill bell sleeve for greater patient comfort
Soft-sealing eartips provide optimal comfort and excellent sound occlusion
Made in the USA without natural rubber latex
This model comes in a wide array of color options and you can tell by looking at it that it is super high quality. Sounds come through clearly and it can be used for both pediatric and adult patients. It can be had for a little over $180 on Amazon. This model would make a great gift to a nursing student who otherwise might not be able to spend this amount on a stethoscope.
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