Best stethoscopes according to redditors
We found 147 Reddit comments discussing the best stethoscopes. We ranked the 71 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 147 Reddit comments discussing the best stethoscopes. We ranked the 71 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Amazon currently has Littmann's on sale.
There are $5 off coupons for that one too, to make it even less expensive.
+1 to this... literally the top of the line for sheers!
The alternative is the $.99 throw away sheers.
And any emt could use a nice stethoscope. I'd recommend this one... and you can Gucci the crap out of it if shes into the flashy stuff. . . I roll with the black on black but I'm a simple dude.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QESFO80/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_XSmwCb8QHJA7E
Littmann is the standard. Anything from a II to IV (Cardiology) level. I liked the Classic II SE that I had through med school, they now seem to have replaced it with the "Classic III" which is very reasonably priced.
I have the ADC ADSCOPE 615 Platinum Professional Clinician Stethoscope with AFD Technology, 30.5 inch, Tactical. Forty bucks, handled and shipped. Best stethoscope I've ever used. Length is perfect for wrapping around neck and putting head in front scrub chest pocket to keep warm for use.
This one looks promising for a student, though.
I'll give you a tip on how to keep a stethoscope from being stolen, while I'm here (it happens to everyone). There are two places I keep my stethoscope - around my neck and on my dresser. It's always one of those two places.
Amazon.
Do not get cheap ones.At the minimum get the Littman classic, or spend the extra money and go all out for a Cardiology, also made by Littman. While its "overkill" for nursing, the difference is noticeable.
200 bucks on amazon, and if you take care of them, they will last a very long time.
https://www.amazon.ca/Littmann-Cardiology-Stethoscope-27-Inch-Black-Silver/dp/B000F4UOXY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1481271400&sr=8-2&keywords=littman+cardiology+iv
I'm very happy with my ADC adscope for about 30 bucks. Better than my Lightweight II, and ADCs don't have the same tendency to walk off. Just don't get the light version. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NIB6J8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1376584628&sr=8-1&pi=SL75
This is the one I use day to day. I had the Cardiology III throughout my EMT class and in my job (at the time, I got it for a steep discount because a friend of mine works a medical supply store). I prefer the ADC because it's inexpensive, is durable, and just works. My Cardiology III became harder and harder to hear out of after a year and I just never had the time to figure out the problem until I lost it at work.
Oddly nobody said stethoscope, but at least in my school, we need a stethoscope starting from the first year. For my first year, i used an Omron Stethoscope. I'm not sure what country you are in so dunno if that Amazon link is useful, but it was insanely cheap ($11 USD) and worked just fine for preclinicals. I'm upgrading for third year to a Littmann (still not terribly expensive, around $70 US) mostly because the Omron is a big weight on your neck after being there for 8 hours.
cardiology fellow here, this is the stethoscope I use, mostly because I can't pull out an isolation stethoscope anymore. I literally used one of those yellow ones for 1.5 years and didn't make a lick of difference in my management.
https://www.amazon.com/Stethoscope-Medical-FriCARE-Lightweight-Students/dp/B07G16GLTX/ref=sxin_2_ac_d_pm?ac_md=3-0-VW5kZXIgJDI1&keywords=stethoscope&pd_rd_i=B07G16GLTX&pd_rd_r=a70c77b8-3253-4c82-9e24-04aed5a91a76&pd_rd_w=xokwQ&pd_rd_wg=yZMI2&pf_rd_p=64aaff2e-3b89-4fee-a107-2469ecbc5733&pf_rd_r=ASF0S5NJAWDSCFG92XK9&qid=1564658343&s=gateway
20 bucks and sounds just as good as any other stethoscope.
What the majority of other's have said, but with a link! Here is my stethoscope, it blew my shitty nursing school one out of the water: http://www.amazon.com/3M-Littmann-Lightweight-Stethoscope-2450/dp/B00AZAMQ2U/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1368302530&sr=1-2&keywords=littman
I recommend getting one that is NOT black, just get her favorite color, unless it happens to be black, then get her, like, blue. People beat stethoscopes, unfortunate, but true. The lightweight is boss and serves any and all of my Med-Surg needs.
Space Pen
Littman Stetho
MagLite
Glove pouch
Shears
Tool Holster
That's what I carried with a volly service.
Amazon has Littman stethoscopes for $48. Is it the wrong style?
3M Littmann Lightweight II S.E Stethoscope (Multiple Colors)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CCINO0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7NjnDbK93Q314
I swear by my BATCLIP. I clip it to my left pocket on my scrub pants and I don't even notice it's there anymore.
I used to wear mine on my neck. My preceptor and I had a patient turn crazy on us and he went after my steth. I got this clip shortly after and have been using it for over four years. The clip is super secure and the velcro still grips like the first time!
I have never used a knockoff littmann, or seen one that I know of. I would be weary of a $10-15 stethoscope. You want something decent for school because you are just learning things like how to take a manual B/P, how to auscultate heart and lung sounds, etc and you want to be able to hear what you are listening for. I have used a cheap stethoscope (something like one of these) and it sucks. I had trouble getting a b/p because it was hard to hear.
You don't have to go all out and get a Cardiology III or anything, or even a littmann. There are other decent stethoscopes out there, but get one you can hear with. I used a littmann lightweight in school and it was decent and it only costs about 40 bucks on amazon. If you buy the right stethoscope now, you shouldn't have to buy a new one when you graduate, think of it as an investment. Just put your name on it so it doesn't walk away.
Here's the classic II in (what most nursing students use) in navy blue for $68.
Here's The lightweight for $39.99 in burgundy, the other colors are $44.
Here's an AdScope for $15-$18. I've never used one, but it has good reviews and I have heard of the brand before, so it might be worth a shot if you are truly that strapped for cash.
This is what I got when I entered nursing school and still use it. After my class, my nursing school starting requiring this stethoscope. You can not go wrong with a Littman classic.
You are now a doctor.
haha I second the ultra fine tip sharpies!! They are essential! Some of the stuff I've gotten along the way were cute/funny badge holders (retractable), scrub hats, nice stethoscope (if she doesn't have one already)/steth holder - after using and hating many of the plastic ones I finally sprung for the leather batclip and I love it (as a student you always have to have your steth on you while walking around and you have to have your hands free)
This book was like gold to me doing peds cases.
For classroom, a lot of people in my class, including me, used these. They write really smooth and fine and all the colors are useful in notes - especially with things like anatomy. She'll need an endless supply of computer paper. I used a good many index cards (ruled).
Good luck to you! It's a very difficulty journey. Try your best to not take things too personally and prepare yourself for a lot less quality time together. It's very difficult to explain it to someone on the outside, but this program actually fundamentally changed me as a person. It hardens you. It's not a bad thing necessarily, but I often think that I'm not the same person that my husband fell in love with!! We stuck it out together and are as happy as ever, but there are definitely plenty of relationships and marriages that don't survive this - so be ready to fight for it!
Stethoscope = Cardiology III
Shears = Sexy Black
Penlight = Reusable
Rescue Knife = Epic Knife
o2 Key = Cheap Plastic Crap
Flashlight = Maglite Mini
Holster for all of the crap above
Radio Holster
I have had the same equipment for 7 years + so far. Epic, works well.
A good steth will run you upwards of 50 probably, the classic 3 is 80 on Amazon, May be cheaper elsewhere.
3M Littmann Classic III Monitoring Stethoscope, Black Edition Chestpiece, Black Tube, 27 inch, 5803 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QESFO80/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_4Ug.Bb7XDNK95
Check this out it's a little better than a bag that you'll have to tie into your belt every day. Either that or wear it around your neck like us barbarians in the US.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-Littmann-Classic-Stethoscope-2201/dp/B001NMT6N6/ref=gbps_tit_s-3_bb19_7fe555ef?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=41fd713f-6bfe-4299-a021-d2b94872bb19&pf_rd_s=slot-3&pf_rd_t=701&pf_rd_i=gb_main&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=NJ5TVF7D3CZ3MF05AT0T
It's on sale for $60
Adscope 609ST is what I use.
No it's not as good as the more expensive ones but it comes pretty close. And after losing a $300 electronic one, then a $200 cardiology master, well I have to say I am more emotionally attached to this $20 gem than I ever have been to any other I have owned.
I'm not saying the expensive ones aren't better, they certainly are. But after many years of experience and being able to tell the difference between artifact and the sounds I'm looking for. The expensive ones were never needed.
Honestly IMO the most important part of a stethoscope is the ear pieces. Buy some replacement littmann ear pieces and put them on a disposable isolation scope and you'll start wondering why you ever forked out so much for a scope.
Edit:
I would just like to add that technique is more important than your stethoscope. Make sure the diaphragm is completely against the skin or at most over the gown without any leads, wires, or anything else obstructing a complete seal. Then have your patient take a deep breath, then cough.
The bell of a simple stethoscope is important too, which is why I prefer this $20 scope over something even cheaper like the isolation crap. Just get that seal on the diaphragm and those soft ear buds sealed in your ear. That's all you need.
ADC Adscope Adimals 618 Pediatric Stethoscope With Tunable Afd Technology, Pink, 30 Inch, 8.8 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001IDZLB6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_tuqXDbS4WVEJK
Enjoy!!
http://www.amazon.com/American-Diagnostic-Platinum-Edition-Adscope/dp/B000X7TKLK
Really like this one, real sensitive.
Just get a blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope. Taking your own blood pressure is super easy to do, and both of those are quality instruments for much less than $150. I’m an EMT - we have monitors on our ambulance that read blood pressure, heart rate, can do EKGs, work as an AED... and the BPs are notoriously inaccurate. The most accurate reading will come from doing it yourself.
Booze.
Jk. I would go with a good pair of sunglasses, a stethoscope, or pens. All the pens. People are really particular about scopes (especially around here), but I'd recommend a Littmann Lightweight. They come in girl colors too and work amazingly. Also not super expensive. Do NOT get her an expensive scope right away. This is a high quality scope at under $50. There's no point in getting a cardiology III for someone right out of school. Let her develop her skills and tastes first.
Yeah, for sports or peds, a steth isn't very helpful. But here is a link anyway:
https://www.amazon.com/3M-Littmann-Stethoscope-Chestpiece-5803/dp/B06XDHNZ3K/ref=sr_1_3?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1492484666&sr=1-3&keywords=stethoscope
Tho I hear the MDF brand is almost as good for much less.
I'm not sure what a peds/sports person would want, sorry.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-Littmann-Classic-III-Stethoscope/dp/B06XDHNZ3K
So people get an idea of how much one costs.
Several nurses I work with have one of these and like them pretty well. I have one of these and love it, but I work in oncology.
ADC ADSCOPE-Lite 609 Clinician Stethoscope, 31 inch, Tactical https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002TMPO0I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_zFfsyb995S6SS
I bought this when I first got into class and it does everything I need a basic scope of practice. (Lung, bowel, BP ect) Like everyone is saying don't go overboard for the first if he later wants to hear the minutia of heart tones during a rocket launch he can upgrade later. I recommend this one or that Littman lightweight.
I have this stethoscope and love it.
3M Littmann Lightweight II S.E. Stethoscope, Black Tube, 28 inch, 2450 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CCINO0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6qbzyb937J7ZF
i dont know what makes one "good", and how to make sure it is one for her.
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/3M-Littmann-Lightweight-Stethoscope-Light-Blue-28-Inch-2197-Made-in-USA/202833287566?hash=item2f39ce598e:g:WbYAAOSwEFhd37q1
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Littmann-Master-Cardiology-Stethoscope-Black-tube-Chrome-head-VG/174108612694?hash=item2889ae9856:g:fTQAAOSwx6pd3pTu
??
https://www.amazon.ca/Littmann-Classic-Stethoscope-Chestpiece-27-Inch/dp/B00QESFO80/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1F3UK5U7U0JV1&keywords=littmann+stethoscope&qid=1575047526&smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&sprefix=littman%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-1
like this last one, how do i know it wasnt marked up then reduced? i dont know anything about them.
my most geeky item on my list:
http://www.amazon.com/3M-Littmann-Lightweight-Stethoscope-2453/dp/B000F4SP6W/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=DX12TD6VNJ6R&coliid=I10LH2DI94X1Y&psc=1
bring to a desert island:
http://www.amazon.com/Cards-Against-Humanity-LLC-CAHUS/dp/B004S8F7QM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=DX12TD6VNJ6R&coliid=I2II3VRSLVT1ZG
ps: on a side note can someone please teach me how to hyperlink text on reddit? i am so embarrassed that everyone else can do it! :(
It's a little more on the expensive side but the Littmann Cardiology III stethoscope is fantastic. It's very durable and sensitive to sounds that lesser stethoscopes would miss.
Non-mobile: this model
^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?
I bought my girlfriend a stethoscope days before she started school on amazon. If you have Prime, you have two day shipping free, if you don't, then consider it a "dumbass tax."
Good luck!
45bux ain't crazy
Littman lightweight stethoscope sells for $50. Definently the way to go. I had this one and others in my class had cheaper versions and they could not hear accurately. This is a very good stethoscope and will definently make your life easier in nursing school.
Here's one on amazon..... www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001CCINO0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500524171&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=littman+lightweight+ii+s.e.+stethoscope&dpPl=1&dpID=31aD9SXXwrL&ref=plSrch
The Littman 2 classic is a classic for a reason - solid build quality at a modest price. If you want to save a couple bucks, the Kila standard model is virtually indistinguishable from the Littman 2. Also: don't get anything with double tube style ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FERLKI/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1450285512&sr=8-3&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=Stethoscope&dpPl=1&dpID=4101GCET4GL&ref=plSrch#immersive-view_1450285550063 ). They usually have trash sound quality due to the two tubes rubbing against each other.
Are ADC's avalible in Australia? I was having trouble going between littmans after freak accidents broke them so I bought some cheap ADC's from Amazon. And in my opinion it works almost as well as a littman does and it's a better value from a cost/benefit standpoint.
Yeah I got it as a gift but I really like it. Simple black watchface, good tick to it, nice for taking pulses or glancing to check the time and it doesn't obscure your auscultation as long as it's high up enough on the tubing. Similar to this model and clips right onto the tubing. I've never seen anyone else with one, but I also haven't gotten made fun of for it yet, and it's been quite a while, so I'm calling it a win.
http://www.amazon.com/3M-Littmann-Cardiology-Stethoscope-3128/product-reviews/B000F4UOXY
I like this one. Plus, it is not too heavy. Make sure you label it well.
The Best Stethescope Holder
http://amzn.com/B0038S8E9U
This is the best. I've used this every shift through all three years of my residency and it held up through all the abuse.
The Best Trauma Shear
http://www.leatherman.com/raptor-51.html
You will lose a handful of trauma shears during your residency, so get a box of cheap ones, make a habit of keeping track of them, then get this really nice (but expensive) one.
A box of industrial strength sharpies
http://amzn.com/B00006IFEO
These are the best markers for skin marking. They don't mark off with Betadine.
Must have mobile apps
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/emra-pressordex/id620452629?mt=8
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/2015-emra-antibiotic-guide/id564957228?mt=8
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pedi-stat/id327963391?mt=8
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/eyechart/id293163439?mt=8
Tomorrow at some point, tell him that you need to talk to him as soon as he has time. I don't know if you guys live together, live close by or what your situation is. But tell him that you need to talk at his earliest conveniance. Don't take no for an answer, unless he has a really good reason, like work or something. Don't let him smoke beforehand, that might not let him comprehend the seriousness of the conversation. As far as what to say to him during the conversation, that's up to you. But really stress the fact that you're there for him and that for the relationship to work, if something is going on then he needs to be open with you about it. Quite frankly if he is pulling away from you and isn't willing to be open with you about his health/personal life then maybe the relationship isn't as serious as you might think it is. And maybe you need to rethink things. And by things, i mean your relationship with him.
But have the talk first, maybe all it takes is a little reassurance that you are there to help him.
Also in regards to the blood pressure thing, if the doctor prescribed blood pressure medication, then it's serious enough that he needs to take it. As an EMT(and paramedic intern) I can safely say that taking a blood pressure is easy enough to do. If you care enough about him, and have a few bucks saved up, go spend 50 bucks on buying a cheap blood pressure cuff and a cheap stehoscope and learn to take his blood pressure yourself. It takes about 45-60 seconds and is super easy. if I can do it you can, as a matter of fact, if you go that route, msg me and I'll teach you. Or you can spend a bit more and get an in-home automatic blood pressure machine. But seriously, high blood pressure is not something you want to ignore.
Something like this is pretty cheap and doesn't look tacky if you care lol. I'd put it in pink though. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SKD7UW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_5FxBybNJ8BQFY
Thats a stethoscope i just got. It is comfortable and you can hear very well with it! I was told to get a stethoscope with a bell on the back because apparently you can hear heart murmurs better with the bell. This one i have been using, its cute it has animals on it. It doesnt have a bell butdogs like it. stethoscope with animals
I personally love my littmann light weight. Comfy on my ears and you can hear everything just fine. Plus 40$ on amazon and comes in a bunch of colors is nice. Had it since 2015 at this point. I got a little clock attachment with the seconds hand on it and people love to steal it since our ICU room does not have a clock so if you don't have a watch your SOL. Plus its LIGHT WEIGHT who needs neck problems, not me.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-Littmann-Lightweight-Stethoscope-2450/dp/B000F4SP6W/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=littman%2Blightweight&qid=1566523409&s=gateway&sr=8-3&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/Prestige-Medical-Analog-Stethoscope-Watch/dp/B001ULDADW/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=stethoscope+clock&qid=1566523491&s=gateway&sr=8-3
Best one out there for the money:
http://www.amazon.com/Littmann-Lightweight-Stethoscope-Black-L2450/dp/B001CCINO0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1324239432&sr=8-5
Have you used the batclip?
https://www.amazon.com/BATCLIP-BLACK-clip-stethoscope-misplacement/dp/B0038S8E9U
ADC Adscope. Just as good as the Littmann II while half the price.
Also I got mine in a weird color. Name tags can be removed. Engraving cost money. Only person in the hospital with an easily identifiable royal blue tubing.
I used to use a Littman II Classic SE, and it was good. After losing/misplacing it on a flight last year, I decided to go with the ADC Adscope 615st (Tactical). This has become my favorite stethoscope by far. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/American-Diagnostic-Platinum-Edition-Adscope/dp/B000X7TKLK/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hpc_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0Q9YNDFZV6C6BPJ1R8QR
These:
https://www.amazon.com/3M-Littmann-Lightweight-Stethoscope-Multiple/dp/B00AZAMQ2U
I take a backpack with me everyday to work with daily essentials I need to survive 12+ hours, including water jug, snacks, laptop, headphones, easy homework/books to study, and ibuprofen for after bariatric calls -_-. As far as a gear goes, do NOT go all out. You don't want to be that brand new IFT EMT that shows up with a tactical bat belt with fanny packs, stethoscope holsters, raptors/shears, flashlights, penlights, and a pocket knife.
​
Your company will provide you with: pen lights, generic stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, and disposable trauma shears. If you're working at a BLS IFT company, they should provide you with a pulse ox as well. If they do not, then you are not required to purchase one of your own.
​
You should bring: blue/back-ink pens (have a couple spares in your backpack), clipboard that you can store confidential documents in, a sharpie, and small pocket notepad. If you already own your own stethoscope, you can bring that, however, you do not need to go purchase a fancy stethoscope. At most, all you will use your stethoscope for as a BLS IFT EMT is for blood pressures and the occasional lung sounds, and the generic stethoscope your company provides will be able to do that. If you do decide to purchase your own stethoscope, I recommend not spending more than $50 on one. I personally recommend ADC Adscopes over Littman's (better bang for your buck in my opinion). I have the ADC 615 stethoscope in black tactical and greatly enjoy it.
​
You do not need to bring: a pocket knife (I've been in the field for almost four years and have never once needed a pocket knife for anything that trauma shears couldn't handle, though if you want to keep one in your backpack, all the power to you), fancy trauma shears (such as Raptors), any sort of pouches or first aid kits that attach to your belt (yes, I have seen new EMTs wearing these. It is completely unnecessary unless you are doing Special Events/Standbys), and weapons of any kind (tasers, pepperspray, etc). I had a new EMT trainee show up with pepper spray hanging off his belt once. Not a good look.
​
Good luck!
Littman cardiology 4. Get it engraved with her name. Yeah it's expensive, like $200 but she'll use that thing every shift and she'll have it for years. I also have a "batclip" for mine because I have a horrible habit of leaving it on bedside tables, and I hate wearing it around my neck because it's so heavy. Link to the batclip and stethoscope below. It's $30 bucks for the clip but its totally worth it.
Batclip: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0038S8E9U/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1542450076&sr=8-2&keywords=batclip&dpPl=1&dpID=41TlqSDjB9L&ref=plSrch
Littmann cardiology 4: https://www.amazon.com/3M-Cardiology-Stethoscope-Standard-Finish-6152/dp/B01LYVI3Y8/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1542450232&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=littmann%2Bcardiology%2Biv&dpPl=1&dpID=41Blr0m54dL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1
Got the bell engraved by the shop I bought it from, also has a tag attached (Like these).
this
They really do sound good enough to do everything except differentiate murmurs, especially if you get some soft earpieces. Plus then if it walks away or gets poop on it or something you didn't just lose a hundred bucks on a medical assistant's salary. A bit heavy though.
Have you heard of ADC stethoscope? I bought this off Amazon read the reviews. You can save a lot of money. www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006BV5MPA/ref=pd_aw_sim_sbs_328_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=41CHPzOGjcL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL100SR100,100&refRID=06VEVKN5BKZRS0F3BMRY&th=0
Best stethoscope I've ever bought was a ADC Stethoscope on Amazon for like $19. I've had the expensive stethoscopes before, Littman, all that jazz, but this one does just as good as any of them. Plus it was only $19 so I have no issue bending it and sticking it in my pocket to go. If it gets damage I can just buy another. Here's a link if you want to look it over.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002TMPO0I/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001CCINO0/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_s_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1467958928&sr=1-3&keywords=stethoscope+amazon&pi=SX200_QL40
I bought this one when it was on sale for about $20. If you find one like this I'd recommend it. The school has some cheap ones we use but I can never hear anything to well. With this stethoscope I can hear perfectly. Our school requires us to take BP every appointment and some people have been diagnosed/run to the emergency room because of high blood pressure. We work on a lot of poor people. I had one guy who had a BP of 220/130. He needed to go to the ER. I personally think they are good investments but everyone has a different opinion.
They're only $70 on Amazon if you decide to get one.
I cut my tubing down to about 24" as well.
"I'm just going to 'listen to your heart for a minute' ahem Just breathe normal."
(Actually counting respirations...)
I find this usually works. Also, I have one of these attached to my stethoscope so I'm not craning my neck in search of a wall clock: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ULDADW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_HNcxDbJH4KASE
Here is the one I bought for school
This is one of the three stethoscopes that my nursing program suggested. People may say," You get what you pay for," but really do your research first before spending money on something.
I think the cheaper option will be better. You will not waste too much money to test it.
The $25 fricare stethoscope on amazon can be an option. I bought it for my learning and work well.
You're welcome.
This is what I use(d) until I lost it. I loved it, works great, good price. Will buy again soon
http://www.amazon.com/3M-Littmann-Classic-Stethoscope-2201/dp/B00NT6LIU8/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1465003667&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=3M+Littmann+Classic+II+S.E.+Stethoscope%2C+Orange+Tube%2C+28+inch%2C+2812
This is what I had through nursing school. under $100 and does a great job!
This one. It's light, cheap, reliable, and works well. Also: pretty colors, if you care about that kind of thing.
Sorry fellas, I've been caught up with school/homework. But not to worry, OP delivers..
If you guys have any more questions, I'll get to them when I can. Sorry again for the wait :)
I'm not one for filling huge pockets with stuff and we're required to have enough of the standard bits and pieces but there's two extra things I've found that I love:
Snapit ampoule opener - not necessary but personal deficiencies mean I've never managed 100% ampoule opening success by hand and this thing does it perfectly every time, is small and durable, ideal for EMS use. Obvciously no point if not using glass amps but I no longer hate metoclopramide now because of this thing.
Batclp - leather steth clip that feels like something you'd hold a gun with or something, very durable and simple but the only product I can find that works so well and is so simple. Handmade and a bit pricey much like the snapit but the best way to keep a steth neat and attached to something I can find.
A quality steth is the standard gift and there's a lot of Littmann Classic IIs in daily use that have rattled around ambulances for decades since someone left training school.
HERE!
Or get essentially the same product for $80. I've compared that (and other Littmann clones) to the real deal and can only barely tell the difference. For 99% of nursing jobs you'd be fine with the 5 dollar disposable stethoscopes, so the slight difference between the brand and the clone is, in my opinion, totally not worth it. That's why I carry a $30 stethoscope, because when it gets lost, stolen, broken or dropped in a pool of unknown human goo I don't get upset, I just get a new one. After all, my stethoscope is cheaper than when I buy food for the unit.
vanishing point is a fountain pen, a premium pen. It costs about $150 on the dot. Unlike other fountain pens this one has a click mechanism, so it doesn't dry out, and is great for charting.
https://www.google.com/search?q=pilot+vanishing+point&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
A litmann classic 2 is going to be less than $100 and engraving shouldn't be much more. Litmann are pretty much the gold standard. These are heads above their competition, will last a lifetime surely through his entire medical school career, and more than likely residency. I suggest engraving because they are stolen often, if its engraved its his. The only better option i can think of is a cardiology one, which do cost more, but are overkill and only the cardiologist carry them.
Your choices are between Classic 2 and classic 3. If he doesn't have a stethoscope, this is it. This is what you get him, period. Engraving would be a HUGE plus.
Classic 2 Mine:
https://www.amazon.com/3M-Littmann-Classic-Stethoscope-2201/dp/B00NT6LIU8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473020623&sr=8-1&keywords=littmann+classic+2
Classic 3, just a little bit different than the 2, either one is PERFECT:
https://www.amazon.com/3M-Littmann-Stethoscope-Copper-Finish-5809/dp/B00QGHDJN6/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1473020623&sr=8-11&keywords=littmann+classic+2