Will I need a nursing manual when I'm an RN?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi, I am just curious, I am thinking of purchasing the Lippincot Nursing manual just as a general reference guide. I am wondering though will I need this when I start working as an RN? Like do nurses have a nursing manual with them for nursing diagnosis, and for quick reference while on the job? I am nervous about how it works when I'm working and I am not sure of something? will I google it on my phone? what does everyone do? just trying to justify this purchase I guess. Thank you for your help.

xx

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Employers provide policy/procedure manuals which spell out how they want you to do various procedures, and most nursing units have some reference books on the unit. I would not spend a lot of money on a general manual like Lippincott's above and beyond what you have to spend on textbooks.

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Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.
Employers provide policy/procedure manuals which spell out how they want you to do various procedures, and most nursing units have some reference books on the unit. I would not spend a lot of money on a general manual like Lippincott's above and beyond what you have to spend on textbooks.

I agree. You don't need to spend anymore money. Keep your textbooks to reference at home & your employer should have references at work. Mine even provides online access to Lippencott's.

When you start, you might consider starting a binder for yourself that you can place copies of policy/procedure info/notes as you experience things. Keep it in your locker or somewhere at work you can easily get to if needed.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

I've worked as an RN for 17 years. Not once have I had to write a nursing diagnosis.

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Specializes in ICU.

Save your money. Everything, including your policies and procedures, pharmacy resouces and Mosbys Nursing are on the hospital intranet and have been for years. Most units have a shelf for the Nursing 2016 drug guide or an eqivalent and Tabers and Lipincotts.

The EMR has a nursing careplan function with standardized but customizable care plans that you can click initiate, reviewed or resolved in a matter of seconds and you're done.

Subscribing to a journal to keep current would be a better investment.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

I have not written a NANDA nursing dx once since school. I mean I plan care based on my assessments, but don't write "Alteration in comfort r/t facial degloving and LeFort I, II, and III fractures.... oh, CRUD fx's are a medical dx!! I can't put that!!!" :p

Some things wll depend on policy, and EBP recommendations can change the moment after Lippincott publishes its newest edition.

I'd save your $$$

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PSYCH, PP, CEN.

What they said. LOL

A couple of times I have watched youtube videos on how to do something, like use a wound vac. Of course you have to make sure it is a reputable source, but there are a lot of them. I also look things up on internet and my iphone.

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Specializes in Critical care.

As others have said we have policy and procedures, nurse educators we can call, and we also have a cabinet filled with reference books. We have access to micromedex and lexicomp, plus pharmacists are always available to call with questions. I started off my last shift calling pharmacy to check about a potential allergy interaction and contraindication since I didn't have the time to look it up myself.

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