As a nursing student, having a reliable stethoscope is an essential tool for your clinical training. Not only does it allow you to assess a patient's vital signs, but it also serves as a symbol of your profession.
With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for you. To make your decision easier, we've compiled a list of the ten best stethoscopes for nursing students.
From traditional acoustic models to advanced electronic options, we've got you covered. Each stethoscope on our list has been carefully selected based on its durability, acoustics, and overall value.
So, whether you're just starting your nursing education or are about to graduate, you'll find the perfect stethoscope for your needs on our list.
Let's get started!
1. 3M Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope
The 3M Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope is a high-quality stethoscope that we love. It's designed for use with patients of all ages and has an ergonomic and high-profile construction, so it's easy to hold.
It also comes with a 7-year warranty, which is an excellent indicator of how much confidence the manufacturer has in their product.
The best part about this stethoscope is the fact that it has a 40% larger chest piece and 60% deeper bell than the 3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope, which means you'll be able to hear even more sounds with less effort. You can use this device on both adults and pediatric patients, which makes it versatile for any situation.
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This stethoscope also has a tunable dual-sided stainless steel chest piece with an open or closed bell, so you can choose between hearing low-frequency sounds or high-frequency sounds depending on what you need to listen for at any given moment.
The best part about this stethoscope is how well it works for listening for hard-to-hear sounds like aortic stenosis (a heart murmur caused by narrowed arteries), S3 gallop murmurs (a low-intensity sound heard in the lower left side of the chest), or faint pulmonary anomalies.
Pros
Great quality and hear breath sounds and the heart clear.
It is worth the investment for those who are using this diagnostically.
Cons
The new tubing that Littman introduced has a sticky quality that catches in one's hair.
3M Littmann Classic III Monitoring Stethoscope
The 3M Littmann Classic III Monitoring Stethoscope is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, durable, and affordable stethoscope.
It's great for students, nurses, and doctors alike who need a dependable tool that won't let you down when you're in the middle of an emergency situation.
This stethoscope has a tunable diaphragm which enables you to hear different sounds according to the pressure applied. It also features a non-chill bell sleeve; with the help of this, patients will praise not having a cold stethoscope applied to their skin.
The 5-year warranty means that if anything happens to your stethoscope within five years of purchase, including damage from misuse or accidental damage (like dropping it on the floor), you can get a replacement at no charge.
In addition, it also comes with different-sized ear tips so you can find the one that fits best into your ear canal and blocks out ambient noise.
This product is useful in non-critical care environments such as general practice offices and clinics where there isn't much critical care work going on—but it's still important to make sure patients are stable before they leave their examination rooms!
Pros
Great stethoscope for nurses working with adults and peds.
Lightweight and has a nice selection of colors for both the tube and metal components.
Cons
Sometimes tubing may become hard and crack apart.
MDF Acoustica Deluxe Lightweight Dual Head Stethoscope
MDF Acoustica Deluxe Lightweight Dual Head Stethoscope is my all-time favorite stethoscope, and I've tried many of them. I've used it for almost 20 years, and I've never been disappointed.
It is made of a dense, sturdy material that won't warp or break easily. It's also latex-free and lightweight, so it doesn't weigh down my neck when I'm using it for long periods of time.
The tubing is longer than most other stethoscopes, so you can reach farther away from your patient without having to reposition yourself or your equipment.
The sound quality on this is amazing—you can hear everything from heartbeats to bowel sounds with perfect acoustic integrity.
The dual head allows you to hear both lung sounds and gastric sounds at once (or separately). That way, you don't have to worry about missing anything when diagnosing someone's condition.
The chest piece turns easily so that you can listen to different parts of your patient's body with ease.
The fully rotating stem means you can move it into place easily without having to worry about breaking off any parts or losing them somewhere—and it has a true bell and diaphragm, so you can accurately listen to both high-frequency sounds as well as low-frequency sounds without having to switch out parts
There are several color options available in case you want something other than black; there are also different sizes of ear tips so you can choose what fits best for your ears.
The ID tag makes it easy for others who have access to your equipment when you're not around (like nurses), so they know whose stuff this is!
And if you ever need replacement parts for life, all you have to do is call customer service!
Pros
They are lightweight and work well.
Equivalent to an expensive stethoscope.
Cons
The earpieces are much too painful for me to use.
ADC Adscope 600 Platinum Series Cardiology
I love the ADC Adscope 600 Platinum Series Cardiology Stethoscope. This is a great stethoscope for nursing students because it offers high-quality sound amplification, making it easy to hear both low and high-frequency sounds.
The extra-deep bell and ultra-sensitive diaphragm on this model make it an excellent choice for listening to heart, lung, and other body sounds. The combination of these two features also helps to reduce ambient noise so you can concentrate on what you are hearing.
The ADC Adscope 600 Platinum Series Cardiology Stethoscope also comes with a lifetime warranty, which means that if your stethoscope is damaged, you can send it back to ADC, and they will replace it free of charge!
Pros
Secure and portable.
Exceptional durability.
Cons
The earpieces and diaphragm wear out within 3-6 months.
Prestige Medical Clinical Lite Stethoscope
The Prestige Medical Clinical Lite Stethoscope is an excellent choice for students because it's budget-friendly and still provides excellent quality.
I love that this stethoscope comes in six different colors, so I can find one to match my personality and style. It has a classic dual-head design that makes it easy to differentiate between heart sounds, so I always know what I'm listening for when I use it.
The Prestige Medical Clinical Lite Stethoscope is made from soft vinyl tubing, which makes it comfortable to wear for long periods.
It also has a diaphragm with a non-chill rim and dual-sided chest piece adjustment screw, so you get excellent sound quality regardless of how long you wear it or how often you use it.
Pros
Excellent stethoscope for the price.
It transmits sound well.
Cons
When taking blood pressure, it might be hard to hear the heartbeat.
3M Littmann Lightweight II S.E.
In my opinion, the 3M Littmann Lightweight II S.E. is one of the best stethoscopes for nursing students because it is made by a reputable company, offers high-quality sound, and is relatively affordable considering its quality and performance.
The 3M Littmann Lightweight II S.E. consists of a dual-sided chest piece, which provides the versatility of both a tunable diaphragm and an open bell. It also has the lightest weight of all Littman adult stethoscopes.
I have used this stethoscope for over the years and have been very impressed with its performance.
The dual-sided chest piece allows me to hear different sounds depending on which side I use at any given time; this feature makes it easy for me to hear both normal and abnormal heart sounds more clearly than other models that only provide one side with an open bell or diaphragm option.
The lightweight design makes this stethoscope comfortable to wear for long periods without causing fatigue in my neck or shoulders, as some other models do after extended periods of use (such as when taking blood pressure during clinical). The tubing does not get tangled easily, either.
Pros
Soft-sealing ear tips provide an excellent acoustic seal and comfortable fit.
It has amazing sound quality and is very lightweight.
Cons
The pipe is too short.
Littmann Master Cardiology 27 Inch Stethoscope
The Littmann Master Cardiology 27 Inch Stethoscope is a high-quality product, and it's an excellent choice for students who are looking for a stethoscope that can help them hear both high and low frequencies.
This stethoscope features tunable diaphragm technology, which makes it easier for nursing students to listen to different sound frequencies. The diaphragm also makes it easier for students to focus on their work while still being able to listen to what is going on around them.
The Littmann Master Cardiology, 27 Inch Stethoscope, has dual-lumen tubing, which means that you will get an even more accurate reading of what's going on with your patient.
Pros
Great for nursing students.
High sound quality performance.
Cons
Obsolete manufacturing
MDF Monet Kaleidoscope MD One Epoch Lightweight Titanium Stethoscope
If you are looking for a stethoscope that is lightweight and easy to carry, the MDF Monet Kaleidoscope MD One Epoch Lightweight Titanium Stethoscope is the right one.
It is made with titanium which is stronger and lighter as compared to stainless steel. This stethoscope looks attractive because of its uniquely designed tubing and chest piece.
It has a dual-head design, which makes it easier to use. It has an adjustable diaphragm that allows you to hear both low and high-frequency sounds easily. The earpieces are soft rubber, which means that they will not hurt your ears when used for long periods.
Pros
- It is durable
- It is very lightweight
Cons
- Pipe is not long enough.
BJÖRN HALL Scandinavian Design Stethoscope
If you're looking for a stethoscope that will not only help you do your job better but keep you comfortable while you're doing it, then the Björn Hall Scandinavian Design Stethoscope is a great choice.
This stethoscope is 29 inches in length, which means it will be easier on your back and shoulders than longer models. It also has three different sizes of earpieces: small, medium, and large. This makes it easy to find a comfortable fit for everyone, from children to adults.
The diaphragm isn't just a plain old disc—it also has a non-chill rim and double-head jointed tubes. These features make this stethoscope even more comfortable for nurses who have to use them all day long!
Pros
- Acoustically sealed
- High sound quality and durable
Welch Allyn Harvey DLX Stethoscope
I have been a nurse for many years, and I have worn many different stethoscopes over the years. The Welch Allyn Harvey DLX Stethoscope is by far my favorite.
It is a full-range cardiology stethoscope that is 28 inches in length. It has rotatable binaural and interchangeable comfort sealing ear tubes, so you can customize your listening experience to suit your needs.
This stethoscope also comes with an anodized aluminum chest piece that has a latex-free diaphragm for greater patient comfort. It also comes with an adjustable bell and large soft-sealing ear tips, which ensure a comfortable fit for all users.
The sound quality of this product is great! It sounds like there is no barrier between me and my patient's heart or lungs when I use this product—it feels like I am right there next to them!
The sound quality really helps me make sure my patients are getting the best care possible while they are under my watchful eye.
Pros
- High-quality piece.
- Great deal.
- Color is becoming popular with doctors.
Cons
- Distant sound
What to Look for Before Buying a Best Stethoscope for Nursing Students?
1) Tubing thickness
Tubing thickness is an essential factor to consider when buying a stethoscope. A thicker tubing makes it easier to hear sounds and distinguish them from background noise, but it can make it harder to get the stethoscope in your ears. It's a good idea to try out a few different thicknesses before deciding on one.
2) Length of the tube
The length of the tube on a stethoscope is also an important factor in its ability to amplify sound. While a longer tube generally helps to amplify low-frequency sounds, it can also make high-frequency sounds difficult to hear.
You should consider how you'll be using your stethoscope before deciding on which length of the tube to buy. If you're working in a noisy environment, for instance, you may want to go with a shorter tube for better high-frequency sound amplification.
3) Durability
The durability of a stethoscope is crucial to its performance. If the instrument is too fragile, it will break easily.
This will make it difficult for you to use them on patients who are constantly moving and shaking.
A stethoscope that is durable can withstand the rough handling of patients without breaking. It should also be able to withstand any damage that may occur during storage or transportation.
4) Budget
Perhaps the most important thing to consider when buying a stethoscope is your budget. While you may want to get the nicest model on the market, this isn't always possible, especially if you're a student or just starting out in your career.
There are many different options available at different price points, so it's important to know what you can afford and how much quality you need before you start shopping around.
5) Earpieces
The earpieces, or the parts that go in your ears, are very important for a good fit. They can be made of metal or plastic, and they come in different sizes.
When you are trying out a stethoscope, it is important to make sure that the earpieces fit your ears well. If they don’t fit properly, you will have a hard time hearing what is going on with your patient.
6) Specialization
When buying a stethoscope, it's essential to think about the specialty you'll be using it for. If you're doing cardiology work, for example, you may want to look for a stethoscope with a bell that is as large as possible.
If you're going to be working on children, you might want a pediatric stethoscope or one that has been designed specifically for children.
7) Sound Quality
The sound quality is a vital factor in determining the quality of a stethoscope. A good stethoscope has three characteristics: high frequency, low frequency, and high sensitivity.
The higher the frequency, the better it can hear high-frequency sounds such as blood flow and heart rate. The lower the frequency, the better it can hear low-frequency sounds such as lung sounds and bowel sounds.
The higher the sensitivity, the more sensitive it is too small changes in pressure and volume changes caused by patients' breathing.
Why Should You Invest In Good Stethoscopes?
As a nurse, you have to make sure that your patients are in the best condition possible. You will use a stethoscope to listen to their heart and lungs to determine whether or not they suffer from any cardiac diseases or pulmonary infections.
If you do not have the best stethoscopes, you will be unable to hear them properly, which could lead to misdiagnosis.
Cheap vs. Expensive Stethoscope: Is there a Difference?
Stethoscopes are an essential part of any medical professional's kit. They allow doctors to hear internal organs and blood flowing through vessels, which helps them diagnose patients and treat them accordingly. But there are two types of stethoscopes: Cheap and expensive stethoscopes.
The biggest difference between cheap and expensive stethoscopes is quality: according to experts, higher-quality models tend to have better sound quality than lower-quality models—meaning they're able to pick up sounds that cheaper models can't hear.
Additionally, some experts say that higher-end models are easier to clean because they don't have as many nooks and crannies where bacteria can hide.
How to Care for Your New Stethoscope?
The best way to keep your stethoscope in good shape is to ensure it's not exposed to extreme heat, cold, solvents, and oils. These can all cause damage that will shorten the life of the product.
Make sure you store it in a safe place away from these elements. If you're going to be working in a very warm environment, consider buying a case for your stethoscope or storing it in an air-conditioned area.
Conclusion on The Best Stethoscopes for Nursing Students
We've reached the end of our journey. We hope you've enjoyed learning about all the best stethoscopes for nursing students.
As a nursing student, you must ensure you're equipped with the right tools for the job. You'll be using your stethoscope daily, and it's vital that you get one that is comfortable and easy to use.
FAQs About The Best Stethoscopes for Nursing Students
Why is Littmann so special?
Littman stethoscopes are unique because they're compact, sensitive, and lightweight. This makes them perfect for general physical assessments and diagnoses, as well as specialized cardiac diagnostics.
Do Nursing Students Need Their Own Stethoscope?
Nursing students should have their own stethoscope because it is an essential tool for learning about anatomy and physiology and assessing a patient's condition. The student can also use the stethoscope to check for lung sounds and listen to heartbeats.
Are Expensive Stethoscopes Worth It?
Expensive stethoscopes are worth it if you have the money to spend on them. The more costly stethoscopes can have a better sound quality and frequency response so they can pick up more sounds than the cheaper ones.
What kind of stethoscope do you need for nursing school?
The best stethoscope for nursing students is the 3M Littmann Classic II (Performance Level 7-8).
The Classic II is our top pick for nursing students because it has a better sound quality than other stethoscopes in its price range. It also has an impressive depth of field, which allows you to hear what you need to hear and not be distracted by extraneous noise.
