Question for people who have gone through clinicals...

[Chelly1430]

Hello everyone, this is my first time posting here. I start a LPN program August 26th. I have kind of a weird question, but has anyone who has gone through clinicals had to use their books while at clinicals? I'm just asking, because I have to order books today, but my book credit only covers the bundle that is ebooks only and the regular text books will require me to pay almost $400 out of pocket, which I cannot afford at this moment.The only problem I see with using the ebooks is if I will need to use my books for looking something up at clinicals and can't use my phone at clinicals. So, that's where my question comes in.... I'm really excited and a little nervous about starting the program. Nursing is something I have wanted to do for a long time, but I don't have any prior experience in the health field, so other than the research I've done about nursing, I know nothing, lol. Anyways, thanks in advance for the help!

[Chelly1430]

OP you can save by getting the required texts on ebooks, and get your "recommended" books, ie drug guide, NANDA book, suggested guides that transcend and are use during your career. Saves a TON of money! [/quote']

The drug guide, Tabers cyclopedic medical dictionary and Journey Across the Lifespan: Human Growth and Development will be plain text and they are extra. The rest are bundled.

[HM-8404, BSN, RN]

I would purchase the book version of drug guide. Get the previous edition. Nothing really has changed except the color of the cover. This is true with many of your needed books. I purchased Taber's Med. Dictionary at the start of nursing school (RN) and here I am wrapping up my third semester and I've never opened that book. I have purchased about 3-4 books so far I have never used.

I am starting to wonder if the Nursing Program and the Campus Bookstore are in cahoots.

Buy all books you can online and get them used. This will save hundreds during your program.

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

I only used a drug guide and Taber's. We didn't have time to use anything else and I cannot imagine dragging those huge med-surg or careplan books around. Of course, I finished 16 years ago and we didn't have electronic choices. Back in the dark ages.

I still have all those big big books. Can't bear to toss them as they cost so much but I rarely look at them.

[Chelly1430]

Thanks every one for the replies and the great advice! I was able to get a scholarship that will cover the regular text bundle. I'm happy I didn't take the ebooks route. My gut just told me not to from the get go, but I appreciate having this website to come to for reassurance.

[Ez4me]

Our school loves this program that my wallet hates and so do i. Its called "skyscape". you can purchase all the books you need and use the app on your ipod. The only one i have used at clinical is the lab tests one for value references. It all has drug books, pathophysiology book and other sciences that i do not remember the name of. Basically useless imo.

I bought into the whole "go green and get Ebooks" however i found out i did better on tests and appreciated reading and studying more when i had the actually book to review in my hands so that i could highlight and go back to and write notes etc.

Thats why this fall for my RN im going to buy all my books separate from their "package" so i dont get screwed into something im never going to use and it will be cheaper.

Do what you think is best; but at least when im at clinical there is no time for books. You should know your patient and your stuff i.e drugs, labs, diseases, and how do procedures the day before if you get assigned a patient a day before. Even with walk on clinicals you should have an idea at least.

[Nathifalr26, LPN]

You can look for books at half.com or other textbook sites for huge discounts. Ebay and Amazon also offer used cheap books. Another option if you want a reference type book but don't want to pay for new is go to a local thrift store - Goodwill etc. They always have nursing/medical books - you could bring these so you have something for reference & if you happen to leave it/lose it not a big deal because it was cheap. Also, if you have a laptop/cell phone w/internet access that would also give you the means to look things up & usually each unit has a drug book & other reference materials plus most hospitals have their own computer based reference guide so someone could help you there too. Good luck![/quote']

This is awesome information. I am starting to look for books now and been checking alibris and Amazon, didn't think of the thrift store though. Thanks again!