What is the best stethoscope for nurses, nurse practitioners, nursing students? Throughout my 18 years as a nurse, nurse practitioner, and nursing professor the questions continuously arises, what is the best stethoscope nurses, nurse practitioners, nursing students? You should put some thought into buying a stethoscope before making the purchase. Remember your stethoscope is vital to your role as a nurse. Your stethoscope will become your best friend it will never leave your side.
Things to consider before buying a stethoscope
School requirements
If you are still in nursing school, it is imperative to find out if your school has specific requirements regarding stethoscopes. Below …show more content…
As a student of nursing, a nurse, or advanced practice nurse it is imperative you hear sounds appropriately. Alterations in heart, lung, and abdominal sounds must be handle promptly however, you have to hear them to be able to take action. There really is a difference in the sound quality of an inexpensive verses more expensive stethoscope.
Ease of Use and Comfort
Is there such a thing as a stethoscope that is uncomfortable? The answer is yes. My first inexpensive stethoscope had hard plastic ear tips. The ear tips would pinch my ears and it was awful. I would cringe every time I had to put it in my hears, it hurt! Your stethoscope will be in and out of your ears million times. It is crucial to get a stethoscope with comfortable ear tips. Ear tips don’t only play a role in comfort they also play a vital role in sound quality and sound isolation. Don’t forget the comfort of patients. Nothing is worse than having a cold stethoscope placed on your chest, back, or abdomen. Make sure to get a stethoscope with a non-chill rim and diaphragm, your patients will be extremely …show more content…
Stethoscope, Black Tube, 28 inch, 2201
The 3M Littmann Classic II S.E. is a great choice it has a reasonable price tag and allows for customization. You get your choice of tubing color which is always fun. Some tubing color options include: Orange, Hunter Green, and Pearl Pink and many more. You also get to choose the finish of your chest piece black, brass, stainless, rainbow, or smoke. however, chest piece color choices may depend on your tubing color.
This moderately priced stethoscope boasts high acoustic sensitivity, non-chill rim and diaphragm, and latex free parts. The regular price for this stethoscope is around $105.32 but you can find it cheaper at www.amazon.com for 35% off price it costs about $69 dollars. The Littmann Classic II S.E. also comes with a 3 year warranty.
3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope, Black Edition Chestpiece, Black Tube, 27 inch, 5803
The 3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope is designed for adult and pediatric patients. This Pediatric side converts to a traditional open bell by replacing the single-piece diaphragm; it also works great for small thin patients, around bandages, and for carotid artery assessment. This stethoscope good for nurses who care for both adult and pediatric patients in the same shift. This stethoscope also has high acoustic sensitivity, non-chill rim and diaphragm, and latex free