Are recommended texts necessary?

[notthereyet0]

I am starting ns in the fall and the fundamentals class has about 4 required books and about 6 recommended ones. I will get the Tabor's but there are ones that include nursing math, other topics. Were these really handy or could you get them as you see fit during the semester? Thanks.

[ThatPoshGirl]

I am starting ns in the fall and the fundamentals class has about 4 required books and about 6 recommended ones. I will get the Tabor's but there are ones that include nursing math, other topics. Were these really handy or could you get them as you see fit during the semester? Thanks.

My advice is to wait and see if you have areas of weakness. If you feel you need extra help in a particular area then consider the recommended materials. If you are not having problems in an area I don't see a reason to spend the money.

[awhisler]

When I started my Fundamentals course I had the same amount of required and recommended books (maybe we're at the same school?) Every class since then (almost 2 years now) had had recommended books and I haven't had them mentioned once in class. Pass on these ones. If you have to use them (maybe once in all your nursing career) the teachers usually have one on loan in their office or on reserve at the library. My required books alone my first quarter were upwards up $600.. and only needed 3 of them in all actuality.

My advice:

(1) Only buy the main textbook ahead of time and only when you know for sure that they are not going to change it out on you.

(2) Buy used online as much as possible. All the ones I've gotten online a in like new condition and loads cheaper!

(3) ask people (and not just one!) in the class above yours if they used the books.. and how much/often.

(4) Get a good NCLEX-RN review book early on because it will help you understand concepts without so much work, searching, and heartache!