anyone NOT buy their textbooks?

[ashleyisawesome]

I start my 3rd semester of NS in September, Pediatrics. I was about to buy my book on amazon and thought about possibly not buying it. the first semester i did not crack my book open once, and second semester maybe once or twice for some clarification. I study by taking notes in class, reading over my notes, sometimes making flash cards. There are also copies of all the textbooks (i think) in the library so if by chance the teacher was like "read over page blah blah im not going over it in class but you need to know it, then i could go read it there..

is it a bad idea to just not even buy the book when i am 99% sure it will just sit on y book shelf at home? has anyone here opted out of buying their textbooks and done fine? let me know your thoughts! :)

[symphie]

If I was an audio learner, I would totally be in the same boat you are, wondering whether it was worth the money to buy the textbooks. Unfortunately, I'm a strictly visual learner and I need the pictures and figures to understand things.

Only you know your way of learning and whether it's worth the money to buy books. All of these "high and mighty" posts might convince you to buy the books, but they won't convince you to use them. If you know that you aren't ever going to use them, then definitely don't spend the money!

One point to consider though. Remember that many nurses reference their books for work during their first few years in the real work force, and even far after that. My best friend never used her books in school but she came home and looked at least one thing up in them after every single shift once she got a job. Just something to keep in mind.

[Band]

I think the required books... it's just so many:uhoh3:. I really hope we'd be using these for all of our semesters, no way I think it's all for 1 semester... but my list says, "For Semester 1". I had to split the list, buy half now and half later, I even opted out dosage/calculations textbooks (for now). There's Fundamentals, Clinicals, the DVD set, Med/Surgical, and the little drug guide and RN note books and more that I've already bought. :uhoh21: At least 3 textbooks are HUGE. It was all under required textbooks. Plus there are other few more 'Recommended Books"..

[ashleyisawesome, BSN, RN]

i had to buy 800 dollars worth of books for first semester, we used them for first and second semester... now were entering specialties so we are supposed to get at least one new book each 7 week semester (peds, ob, psych, gerontology)... im not doing it... at least im going to try it out without the books.. if for some reason i realize within the first week or so i cant make it without the book ill break down and buy it..

[Summers_Off]

I agree with a PP's suggestion of previous editions. I got one for seven dollars! This is my third degree and with the exception of required assignments, I have never used a textbook in college! Just not my deal. I think old editions is a good compromise. Plus it's recycling. Go green and save green! LOL