Buy a decent Littman for around $50 or less at most uniform stores. You get what you pay for. Non-name brand scopes are junk and have lousy acoustics. And they quickly fall apart and end up in the parts drawer at your house.

I suggest that medical professional utilize Ebay with regard to the purchase of medical diagnostic equipment inclusive of stethoscopes. There are stethoscopes for sale which give EKG visualizations, electronic sound enhancement, and non-traditional but highly utilitarian means of auscultation. All of the aforementioned  products are, often, offered at extremely reasonable prices. Of course, EBay also offers for sale stethoscopes from the traditional manufactures and brands often at discounted prices. Why? These EBay sellers do not have the overhead that traditional stores have, often have purchased massive quantities of stethoscopes and other diagnostic equipment at steep discounts, and are in competition with other on line sellers.

Littman stethoscopes are the best quality out there however in nursing school most students know this and there may be wondering hands so keep close eye on yours when in class.....Also another suggestion is buy a color most people wouldn't want to have it distinguishes against the other stethoscopes and won't be pickup by someone else accidently....Good luck in nursing school....remember: ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE IF YOU PUT YOUR MIND, BODY & SOUL INTO IT!

Hello...Im a CNA, currently in term 4 of an LVN program...Id have to say 3m Littman is really good. Best Bday gift I've ever gotten!!!

 thanks everyone! I think i'm going to go with the littmann master cardiology. I've been hearing great things about it and my mom has been looking for a good college graduation present to get me so i think it will work out perfectly. Anyone know how well it works on neonates and kids?

I first bought a Littman Lightweigh for $55 when someone told me they were the best.  Then I discovered it was harder to hear S3 & S4 sounds because it has a plastic bell.  I then bought a Littmann Cardio III & I love it.  I can turn the bell/diaphram & I can hear heart sounds easier.  The only thing is since the tubing is not as long as the $39.99 Prestige Medical pink stethoscope, I have to get close & lean over to heart the person's heart sometimes. 

i own 2 ultrascopes and love them.  the replacement parts are free from their website.  all you have to pay for is shipping.  i've had  a littman and was not impressed.  the doctors on my unit are always borrowing mine to do rounds.  i asked them why only my scope.  they tell me they hear lots better with the ultrascope, while they have misplaced their own scope. 

I also have a Littman Cardiology. Have for years. Bought my daughter one for graduation last year.

I purchased a Cardiocare Stethoscope and it is exceptional.  The manufacturer does not advertise a lot, but if you can get one, you will love it for the sound.  I absolutely love it.  I cannot put in down any place, because I already had one taken when I was not looking.

I bought a Littman Classic II SE. I think I'll need to upgrade some time later but it's a good start. I got it for a fairly low price and some free items to boot. If you want to see where I got it, check here: http://www.stethoscopesforstudents.com. Hope that helps. :)

These are great suggestions.. I know I decided which one was best for me after using a few of them...I was fortunate in the ER that there were a few to try.. Hugs,Teresa

The best stetoscope for Nursing  is the littann SE ii . However  if you want a top of the line you can go with the Littmann cardi iii. Check out mroe info at http://www.bestethoscopefordoctors.com