Gift for nurse - Littmann Cardiology III or Master Cardiology?

[Hmac]

Hmac,

Re:

"I've been a surgeon for a long, long time. I don't think I even own a stethoscope. (I might actually own one, but I'm not clear on where it is at the moment)."


May I have permission to use this quote?

Thanks,

kiwi57

Sure.

This thread prompted me to ask my buddy, an anesthesiologist, about it this morning as I noticed the fancy amplified Littmann he had around his neck. It served to remind me that different medical professionals in different areas had different needs. His ability to make sense of the various different heart sounds, like my cardiology colleagues, relieves me of that need. My requirements are completely served by the simple $30 devices that are hanging on every cart and coat rack in the hospital or outside of every patient room. I can't get through my day without needing an ultrasound machine or doppler probe, but a stethoscope...just not a part of my daily toolkit anymore.

[QuietShootr]

Ok.... it sounds like this might be a waste. After doing a little searching on nursing forums, I guess theft is a big problem for something that nice.

[Ipsilateral_7]

not only that but littmanns aren't that great of scopes. 90% of physician sues them but I'd guess fewer than 1/4 actually know how to use the tunable diaphragm.

and as above, these do tend to walk away, so of you do get it, buy online from a place like allheart or steeles which will engrave their name on it.

[QuietShootr]

Yes, I was definitely going to do the engraving.

So what's better than a Littmann?

[bova41@mac.com]

Not necessarily better but I really like ADC scopes. Much less expensive than the littmans but I and many of the medics I work with have had great experience with them.

[airwayguru]

I work in a medical clinic as part of my required by me medical director and on mission trips I use the Master Cardiology III. Alot of the CMA's, nurses, and docs I work with carry Master Cardiology and III. So I wuld give her the III. It is a very dependable stethoscope. As for the theft, depending where you are at they do walk. As long you keep a good eye on your stethoscope you will have no problems.

[Deputy91]

The cardiology III is nice but you can purchase 2 Classic 2 SE for the same price. I have been workign as a Paramedic for about 20 years and the Classic II's have served me well. I generally buy then in the less popular colors (ie Purple or others) and have them engraved so that if it grows legs, it is earier to pick out around someone else's neck.

-Mike.

[Deputy91]

Oh and I ordered my last set of parts from steeles they engrave too.

[brit]

I bet she would appreciate a $50 scope and some of those nice $50 dr. scholl's custom inserts instead of a master cardiology.

Is she really going to be differentiating between a split S2 and an S3?

[Hmac]

I bet she would appreciate a $50 scope and some of those nice $50 dr. scholl's custom inserts instead of a master cardiology.

Is she really going to be differentiating between a split S2 and an S3?

Exactly. Is she ever even going to be listening to heart sounds at all? Or looking for a carotid bruit? No. Bowel sounds and breath sounds. That's it.