The Best Nursing Stethoscopes: How Do You Choose?

• As nurses, we use our stethoscopes every day, so we should love our’s right?
• A reliable, recognizable, and reasonably priced stethoscope can be hard to find, so we’ve done the work for you!
• Check out Nursing CE Central’s top picks for nursing stethoscopes to help you in your search!

You may be in school, at the start of your career, or maybe you’re a seasoned pro in your nursing field. But one all nurses have in common is that we need a reliable stethoscope to assist our daily practice. There are so many choices when it comes to the best nursing stethoscopes out there. I’ve done the work for you and have found the best nursing stethoscopes on the market. 

When determining the best nursing stethoscopes for you, you must consider your field of practice. The same stethoscope that works for a nurse may not be the best option for a respiratory therapist or doctor.  

Before making your final decision, ask yourself:  

‘What do I need most in a stethoscope?’  ‘How much am I willing to spend?’ ‘How much will I use it?’

Now that you’ve asked yourself those questions, keep reading to see which are the best nursing stethoscopes to consider! 

Littmann 

Littmann has a reputation in the healthcare field for creating high-quality products for all professions. Many nurses would consider Littmann to make the best nursing stethoscopes. They offer a wide variety of models to meet the needs of all fields, a broad price range, and several special customization options that are difficult to find from other brands.  

With lightweight, electronic, and digital model types, Littmann offers some of the best nursing stethoscopes you can buy!  

As many of us nurses know, our stethoscopes always seem to grow legs and walk away from us, so the option to personalize your stethoscope (colors, engraving, etc.) allows your device to be easily recognizable. On top of this, it will make it difficult for that physician, who always just wants to “borrow” your stethoscope, to walk away with it. 

Here are Littmann’s best nursing stethoscopes: 

3M™ Littmann® Classic III ™ Stethoscope is a great option for non–critical care professionals with its moderate price point and high reviews. It comes with a 5–year warranty, single–lumen tubing, and is suitable for pediatric and adult patient populations.  

3M™ Littman® Master Cardiology ™ Stethoscope is known as the highest tier in the Littman family of stethoscopes. It features a tunable diaphragm that allows you to hear different pitches and dual-lumen tubing. The body comes with a 7-year warranty. This little baby comes with a hefty price tag; however, it boasts professional approval, can be used in adult or pediatric fields, and is ranked as having the best sound quality. 

3M™ Littman® CORE Digital Stethoscope has the ability to connect to EKO software, includes active noise cancellation, and has 40x amplification capabilities. It doesn’t stop there; the CORE Digital by Littman offers in-app sound wave visualization and other features that allow you to visualize your patients’ vital sounds.  

To add to all the great options that Littman offers, their website provides user bonuses including training on how to properly use your new stethoscope, long warranty options, and repair promises! 

If you are in the market for a reliable, lightweight, and customizable instrument from a company who actively supports the hard work we do, Littmann is the way to go for one of the best nursing stethoscopes!

MDF Instruments 

Another brand that is highly recommended and produces one of the best nursing stethoscopes you can buy is MDF Instruments. Not only do they offer an 80–day guarantee on all their products, but they also provide a lifetime warranty, free replacement parts for life, and free shipping!  

Additionally, MDF Instruments offer several customization and personalization options on their stethoscopes which is a bonus and further prevents anyone else from snatching your new device! 

MDF MD One® Stethoscope is known for its durability. It has many qualities similar to Littman models but at a more affordable price point. They come with a lifetime warranty, free replacement parts, and are customizable with color and engraving options. This stethoscope is constructed from stainless steel and has received high auditory ratings. One downside to this device is that it does not offer a “one size fits all” and comes in separate adult, pediatric, and infant patient sizes. 

Wherever you are in your nursing profession and whatever field you are in, the stethoscope is a timeless tool that has helped nurses provide care to their patients. Now that you have been given some background, recommendations, and information on a couple of reputable producers, I hope that its easier for you to pick between best nursing stethoscopes!

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