New Nursing Student Books- Help?!

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Hi everyone. I don't post much on here so I thought I'd start. I have recently been accepted into a BSN program for the fall of 2012 (wooho :D )

So, my problem is, I'm poor. And I'm taking a class called "Fundamental Concepts and Skills for Nursing Class" In which I need a book that was published this YEAR. So my college bookstore is charging $270 for it. Thing is, the SAME book with the SAME edition is out there for much cheaper, the only difference is the ISBN Number. (It was published 2011, I'm pretty sure.)

Do you think this matters? It literally has the same cover, it's the same edition, and it's the same title it's just the ISBN that they've changed. So I'm wondering If i can get away with buying the cheaper book?

Here's the book, in case it helps:

Expensive version : http://www.pearsonhighered.com/educator/product/KOZIER-ERBS-FUNDMTL-NURSGCLINNU-MNL-PKG/9780133136111.page

Cheaper Version: http://www.pearsonhighered.com/educator/product/Kozier-Erbs-Fundamentals-of-Nursing-9E/9780138024611.page

Notice how they're the same book, and the cheaper one even has a copyright for 2012. But the expensive one was published in 2012 and the isbn # is different.

I realize that the expensive one also contains the mynursinglab, but i could still get that and the cheaper book for under $270.

So, what do you think? Thanks to anyone who helps! :)

I looked at the two links you provided and noticed that one ISBN number is for one book while the other ISBN number is for a package with 3 components (two books and an access card.) I would check and see if you need the access card and the other book listed in the package along with the fundamentals book. It could be cheaper to buy the package if you do need all three components or it could be cheaper to buy the components separately using amazon, half.com, etc.

Package deals have different ISBN numbers than standalone books, even though they could contain the same book. It appears to me that the fundamentals book is the same, it's just that the other ISBN number is for a package as opposed to the fundamentals book alone.

If you scroll down on the page it has a link to each of the package components. When you click the link of the fundamentals book, it takes you to the same page as the other link you provided, same publication date and ISBN number which makes me believe that the book is the same one. The publication date on the package link is for the date in which the package was put together. The links on the package page take you to the individual components where you can find their individual ISBN numbers and dates of publication.

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When I was taking my prerequisites I learned the hard way that buying brand new books is a waste of money. When I was taking microbiology I purchased a book that was two editions behind....everything in that book was EXACTLY the same as the new book. Same chapters, everything! I only paid $5 for that book.

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I graduated with my bachelors in 1984 and it was the same way back then with the bookstore overpricing everything. Then there was no recourse, unless you in some big college town that could support an independent college bookstore. With today's internet options abound for finding a more modestly priced book. One thing that drives up textbook prices in the USA is that there are relatively few big publishers and they operate the market like a cartel.

Most sell international versions of their texts for up to 75% off the USA list. These have different covers, but are word for word the same inside. I saved some big $$$ for some of my pre-reqs texts going this route.

About the OP's query as to whether or not an older version is fine, I bet it is if it is within one version of the current. The schools always list the most current version and I have found that the teachers are usually working out of a text that is one or two versions backs. I have actually been BURNT at times buying the most current version because of this fact. Tables, etc that the teacher may reference out of the older text are on different pages from my text.

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Specializes in CNA-Dementias, home health, ICU, IMCU.

I just had that book this past semester. I got the book new and with mynursinglab (which we didn't use) for $150. The copyright date doesn't matter. Just get the correct edition.

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I always see this book on Craigslist. It's very popular book. Check your local craigslist :)

Hi everyone. I don't post much on here so I thought I'd start. I have recently been accepted into a BSN program for the fall of 2012 (wooho :D )

So, my problem is, I'm poor. And I'm taking a class called "Fundamental Concepts and Skills for Nursing Class" In which I need a book that was published this YEAR. So my college bookstore is charging $270 for it. Thing is, the SAME book with the SAME edition is out there for much cheaper, the only difference is the ISBN Number. (It was published 2011, I'm pretty sure.)

Do you think this matters? It literally has the same cover, it's the same edition, and it's the same title it's just the ISBN that they've changed. So I'm wondering If i can get away with buying the cheaper book?

Here's the book, in case it helps:

Expensive version : http://www.pearsonhighered.com/educator/product/KOZIER-ERBS-FUNDMTL-NURSGCLINNU-MNL-PKG/9780133136111.page

Cheaper Version: http://www.pearsonhighered.com/educator/product/Kozier-Erbs-Fundamentals-of-Nursing-9E/9780138024611.page

Notice how they're the same book, and the cheaper one even has a copyright for 2012. But the expensive one was published in 2012 and the isbn # is different.

I realize that the expensive one also contains the mynursinglab, but i could still get that and the cheaper book for under $270.

So, what do you think? Thanks to anyone who helps! :)

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My school offered a package deal. All my nursing books for a total of $750. This said I NEVER opened a book. They tested from lecture. I would ask some other students who have taken the class if you will use your book. Different editions (minus pharm books) usually have the same info but on different pages so if your syllabus says page numbers they may not correspond. Amazon usually has books cheaper and I know students sell to each other because you can sell a book for more than the bookstore will buy back for and it will be cheaper for the student buying than the bookstore cost.

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I am surprised to read your post. how come you don't know about renting and buy online cheap textbooks. Its quite simple now. Even you can sell your books at good rates.

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I just had that book this past semester. I got the book new and with mynursinglab (which we didn't use) for $150. The copyright date doesn't matter. Just get the correct edition.

This is exactly what I was hoping to see. Thanks so much, and thank you to everyone else. You have no idea how much of a help this is! I'm just going for the older one because I've realized that it just isn't worth the money. My college also made me buy a "nursing bag" with catheters and a sphgmomanometer and a bunch other stuff. Came to $109! Just for that bag.

I am now convinced that my college bookstore is just out to take all of my money :p

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Specializes in ER & ICU.

And the teachers and faculty support the bookstore keep that in mind. I get all my books from amazon with there student prime i get free shipping two day delivery and a cheaper price :) good luck

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I am a firm believer in using the international editions and older editions of books. I did this for my Gerentology class this semester and got it for $3 as opposed to the $150 the bookstore wanted. Obviously for drug books I'd go with newest (and international if possible) but for others you can get by just fine with the older text. Also, befriend your classmates. I had a girl sit next to me with an old ed. of A&P and I helped her match up with the new one.

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