Guide to the Best Stethoscope for Nurses

Stethoscopes are one of the most iconic pieces of a nurse’s toolkit, and there’s a good reason for that. They play a crucial role in monitoring a patient’s health status. Because maintaining the airway, breathing, and circulation are such a high priority, information gleaned by stethoscopes have a major impact on a patient’s care plan.

What is the best stethoscope for nurses? That depends on your unique needs and preferences for nursing supplies. Some specialties, such as cardiology and veterinary medicine, require the ability to discern a variety of specific sounds. Others don’t require the same level of precision, but still merit investing in a quality stethoscope.

Below, we list the best stethoscopes for nurses based on sound quality, durability, versatility, and comfort. (Prices were accurate at the time of publication.)

What Makes a Great Nursing Stethoscope?

1. Sound Quality

The whole point of a stethoscope is to clearly hear the body’s internal sounds. It’s of the utmost importance for the instrument to provide high-quality sound. This makes all the difference between hearing the heart’s normal “lub-dub” and a heart murmur or healthy lung sounds and the beginning crackles of a respiratory illness. Of all of the criteria, great sound quality is the most important factor to find the best stethoscope for RN and LPN professionals.

2. Durability

No one wants to keep replacing past purchases, whether it’s worn nursing shoes, stained scrubs, holey bags, or old stethoscopes. Frequent replacements can be costly and inconvenient. For a stethoscope to be durable, the ear pieces must fit comfortably and the bell must remain intact for the stethoscope to accurately reveal the sound. A durable stethoscope is necessary for you to provide the safe and excellent care you strive for.

3. Versatility

Some stethoscopes have two bells to accommodate various patient sizes. Other stethoscopes can count how many heart and lung sounds per minute, or allow nurses to adjust the length. If the situation calls for it, buying a versatile stethoscope could be a wise decision.

4. Comfort

The best stethoscope for RN and LPN pros must feel good when you wear it. This is important to consider because you’ll be using it multiple times a day, every day. Avoid ear irritation, a loose fit, and more by being mindful of comfort. This is necessary for your sake and your patients’. An uncomfortable stethoscope could interfere with your ability to listen to and interpret what you hear.

The Best Stethoscope for Nurses: Littmann Stethoscopes

We’ve decided to make this easy for you by narrowing the many brand options down to one: Littmman. These stethoscopes are popular because of their high-quality acoustics. It’s likely you’ve seen other healthcare professionals using Littmann stethoscopes, and if not, it’s only a matter of time before you do.

This brand meets all of our criteria. They’re long-lasting, provide superb sound quality, are comfortable, and come in a variety of models and colors. Littmann’s products have it all in your search for the best stethoscope for nurses. Here are the three models we recommend.

3M Littmann Classic III

If you’re not picky or unsure of where to start, the Littmann Classic III is a great purchase. You’ll get a long-lasting and comfortable stethoscope that provides crystal-clear sound. The dual-sided bell can be adjusted based on patient size, and its no-chill surface makes the exam more comfortable for patients.

This stethoscope will get the job done well. If you want an all-around classic, it’s a solid starting point, and great for comparing to other models that meet more specific requirements.

• Amazon star rating: 4.8
• Starting price: $118

3M Littmann Cardiology IV

If you want even better sound, the Littmann Cardiology IV stethoscopes will satisfy your needs. They’re built to help nurses discern the tiniest abnormalities. They have a dual-sided stainless steel chest piece that can be adjusted to different patient sizes and sound amplifications. The no-chill bell surface is more comfortable for patients, and the soft ear tips successfully block excess sounds. It’s ideal for critical care specialties.

This is also why it’s arguably the best stethoscope for nursing students. It can be used with all age groups, and the superior sound quality is perfect for aspiring nurses who are learning many of these sounds for the first time. Early confidence in discerning between normal and abnormal sounds builds a strong foundation for the remainder of your nursing career.

• Amazon star rating: 4.8
• Starting price: $199

3M Littmann CORE Digital

Welcome to the superhero of stethoscopes. Like the versions described above, the Littmann CORE Digital can be adjusted according to patient size, its bells have no-chill surfaces, and the ear pieces provide both comfort and quiet. It also has multiple listening modes in which you can adjust to focus on either low or high frequency sounds.

Even more, you can download the accompanying EKO app to record sounds to share with colleagues, visualize the sound wave forms on your phone screen, and use its murmur analysis software. It’s also the best stethoscope for nurses who are hard of hearing because you can amplify the sound up to 40x to ensure you’re hearing correctly.

• Amazon star rating: 4.7
• Starting price: $329

What’s Your Opinion on the Best Stethoscope for Nurses?

Picking the best stethoscope for RN and LPN needs is a personal choice, and so is picking the best job. Need help with that? Find out how IntelyCare can match you with nurse jobs in your preferred facility type and specialty area. Get started today.