I'm starting nursing school soon and need a stethoscope. what's a good brand?

Don't buy too cheap.: But don't overpurchase either. Pick one that is comfortable on your ears. Needs soft ear pieces and a flexible tube that does not cause your head to move when the tube moves. Most of the diaphragms are pretty standard and transmit sounds well. Consider getting a color that no one else has or at least marking your scope in some obvious way since they disappear when left unattended.