As a nurse, I always have my stethoscope and since my days in medical school, I have grown to appreciate the critical need for the best stethoscope for nurses to be effective in the job. I have seen cases where patients were brought in by ambulance and the only thing that the nurse could do was to perform CPR on them while waiting for the doctor. In such cases, having a good stethoscope can be the difference between life and death.

Let’s start with an intro.

What is a stethoscope?

A stethoscope is a medical device that is used to listen to heart, lung, and intestine sounds. It is also used to measure blood pressure. A stethoscope consists of two parts: the chest piece and the earpieces. The chest piece is made of metal or plastic and has a diaphragm or a bell. The earpieces are made of rubber or plastic and fit snugly into the ear canal.

Types of stethoscopes nurses can use;

  • Single-sided stethoscope: The single-sided stethoscope is the most common type of stethoscope. It has one earpiece and a bell or diaphragm on the chest piece. The bell is used to listen to low-frequency sounds, such as heart sounds, while the diaphragm is used to listen to high-frequency sounds, such as lung sounds.
  • Double-sided stethoscope: The double-sided stethoscope has two earpieces and a bell or diaphragm on the chest piece. It can be used to listen to both low- and high-frequency sounds.
  • Electronic stethoscope: The electronic stethoscope is the most advanced type of stethoscope. It has a microphone that amplifies sounds and a digital display that shows the sound waveforms.
  • Acoustic Stethoscopes: This type of stethoscope does not use electronics to amplify sound. Instead, it uses a hollow tube to conduct sound from the chest piece to the earpiece.

Factors to consider when choosing the Best Stethoscope For Nurses

When choosing a stethoscope, there are several factors that you need to consider, such as the type of stethoscope, the material, the length of the tubing, the weight, and the price.

  1. Type of stethoscope: The type of stethoscope you choose will depend on your preference and the type of patients you see. If you see a lot of critically ill patients, then an electronic stethoscope would be the best choice. If you see mostly healthy patients, then a single-sided stethoscope would suffice.
  2. Material: The material of the stethoscope is important because it determines the durability of the stethoscope. The two most common materials used for stethoscopes are plastic and metal. Plastic stethoscopes are less durable but are cheaper. Metal stethoscopes are more durable but are more expensive.
  3. Length of tubing: The length of the tubing is important because it determines the reach of the stethoscope. The longer the tubing, the greater the reach. However, longer tubing can be more difficult to maneuver.
  4. Weight: The weight of the stethoscope is important because it determines the comfort of the stethoscope. Lighter stethoscopes are more comfortable to wear but are more expensive. Heavier stethoscopes are less comfortable to wear but are cheaper.
  5. Price: The price of the stethoscope is important because it determines its affordability of the stethoscope. cheaper stethoscopes are more affordable but are less durable. More expensive stethoscopes are more durable but are less affordable.

Features of the best stethoscope for nurses

The best stethoscope for nurses should have the following features:

  1. A single-sided or double-sided chest piece: The chest piece is the most important part of the stethoscope. It should be made of metal or plastic and have a bell or diaphragm.
  2. A flexible tubing: The tubing should be made of rubber or plastic and should be long enough to reach around the neck.
  3. Earpieces: The earpieces should be made of rubber or plastic and should fit snugly into the ear canal.
  4. A comfortable weight: The weight of the stethoscope should be comfortable to wear.
  5. An affordable price: The price of the stethoscope should be affordable.

The best stethoscopes for nurses are those that have the features mentioned above. There are many different brands and models of stethoscopes on the market, so it is important to do your research before purchasing one. Once you have decided on the brand and model of stethoscope you want, be sure to read the reviews to see what other nurses think about it. With so many different stethoscopes on the market, choosing the best one for you can be a difficult task. However, if you consider the factors mentioned above, you should be able to find the perfect stethoscope for your needs.

Reviews of the Best Stethoscopes for Nurses in 2022:

Stethoscopes by ADC 618SF

Our overall best stethoscope for nurses in this 2022 list is the ADC 618SF. This is a great all-around stethoscope that has a single-sided chest piece with a bell and diaphragm. The tubing is made of rubber and is flexible, so it is comfortable to wear around the neck.

The ADC 618SF Stethoscope is a high-performance stethoscope with superior acoustic performance. The adjustable frequency design (AFD) technology enhances acoustic performance by allowing clinicians to use light pressure for low frequencies, and firm pressure for high frequencies. Individually acoustic tested in the USA, this stethoscope is ideal for pediatric patients. The proprietary AFD technology allows clinicians to hear heart sounds over blood flow or breath sounds easily without having to reposition the chestpiece while maintaining excellent sound quality.

A one-sided chest piece has a molded resin animal face that reduces sound interference while the non-chill bell and diaphragm retain body heat for patient comfort. The bell can be used for low-frequency sounds, while the diaphragm is used for high-frequency sounds. The earpieces are made of soft silicone that provides a comfortable fit and excellent seal in the ear canal.

3M Littmann Lightweight 

The 3M Littmann Lightweight Stethoscope is reliable for taking blood pressure readings and making limited physical assessments of adult patients. It has a tunable diaphragm that responds with a simple pressure change to capture low and high-frequency sounds. The teardrop shape makes it easy fit under the blood pressure cuff, while the anatomically designed headset is angled to meet the path of the ear canal for superior comfort. The non-chill rim and diaphragm provide welcome patient comfort.

ADC – 600MCB Adscope 600 Platinum Series Cardiology Stethoscope

For over a century, ADC has been the leading manufacturer of medical devices and equipment. From our humble beginnings as a stethoscope manufacturer in 1885 to our current status as one of the world’s largest manufacturers of diagnostic cardiology products, we have always focused on providing innovative solutions to meet the needs of healthcare professionals around the globe. We are proud to introduce you to Adscope® 600 Platinum Series™ cardiology stethoscopes—the latest addition to our renowned line of quality medical instruments.

The ADC Cardiology Stethoscope offers incredible acoustics with its proprietary adjustable frequency design (AFD) technology. It is also ergonomic, with a sculpted chestpiece precision CNC machined to exacting tolerances from surgical stainless steel. The length is 27 inches and it weighs 7.15 oz. It also has high-performance features, such as dual-channel phthalate-free tubing, large-bore stainless steel binaural, and Adsoft Plus snap-on silicone ear tips for the ultimate in wearing comfort and acoustic seal.

MDF Rosegold Stethoscope

MDF Rosegold Stethoscope is precision-crafted with hand-finished details to provide the highest quality performance. With a lifetime warranty and free-parts-for-life program, this stethoscope is built to last. The latex-free construction and patented SafetyLock Eartip Adaptors make it safe for use with patients of all ages. The PRE-ANGLED ErgonoMax Headset is anatomically angled at 15 degrees for a precise fit, while the dual-leaf spring construction offers twice the durability.

FAQs

Q: What is the best stethoscope for nurses?

A: ADC 618SF Stethoscope, 3M Littmann Lightweight Stethoscope, ADC – 600MCB Adscope 600 Platinum Series Cardiology Stethoscope, MDF Rosegold Stethoscope.

Q: What is the AFD technology?

A: AFD technology enhances acoustic performance by allowing clinicians to use light pressure for low frequencies, and firm pressure for high frequencies.

Q: What is the purpose of the bell?

A: The bell can be used for low-frequency sounds, while the diaphragm is used for high-frequency sounds.

Q: What is the length of the ADC Cardiology Stethoscope?

A: The length is 27 inches and it weighs 7.15 oz.

Q: What is the warranty for MDF Rosegold Stethoscope?

A: MDF Rosegold Stethoscope has a lifetime warranty.