Recommendations for nursing school books

RNfaster · Feb 7, 2007

I am not in nursing school yet, but I LOVE my Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. I also just picked up "The Only EKG Book You'll Ever Need."

On a side note, I have had great luck buying international edition of texts and other books (the EKG book was an Indian version) on eBay. Another text from eBay came from Singapore in three days in perfect condition and at a price that was way lower than U.S. editions. Bugs me that they price U.S. editions so much higher that editions for other countries.

Hoozdo, ADN · Feb 7, 2007

You might want to pick up a Merck's Manual, which is like a physicians bible. I didn't get one till block 3 and it was very helpful.

Another thing I wouldn't be without is nursing diagnosis cards. They help tremendously with your care plans. Wait till you see what writing a nursing care plan is like. :scrying: :trout:

jamonit · Feb 8, 2007

i say don't start studying yet. enjoy watching movies and reading what you want to read, as once school begins you will have no time to do any pleasure reading. if you DO decide to get a nursing book, get the saunders NCLEX-RN review and read through some questions to start getting a feel for what nursey-thinkin' is like.

:specs:

MsBruiser · Feb 8, 2007

hello, i will be going into the nursing school in the fall *crosses fingers* I was wondering if you guys had some recommendations of some good books i can start to buy and even start reviewing. i need my brain to start working again... I bought one of those pda and need to buy some nursing software but there is so many...and now that I have a little bit of money I want to start building my collection lol.. so.. if anyone know of some really good books that helped you through nursing school and want to share id really appreciate it thanks!

I'm in nursing school.

On my PDA there are two absolutely essential books. Tabers and Davis Drug Guide. Both are available through a company called Skyscape. I use those two books every single day - in class and clinicals. In fact, I have instructors and RN say "Stopnik...can you pull out your little computer and look-up ____"

Also, an up-to-date NCLEX review book is essential.

Otherwise - save your money. There are all sorts of cutesy little guides to different nursing topics. For the most part, your class texts will be enough. Tabers and Davis on the PDA are more for the convenience factor. Also - since they are designed for NURSES, not Docs, they integrate lots of the info you need for Care Plans.

Nemhain · Feb 8, 2007

I'm in nursing school.
On my PDA there are two absolutely essential books. Tabers and Davis Drug Guide. Both are available through a company called Skyscape. I use those two books every single day - in class and clinicals. In fact, I have instructors and RN say "Stopnik...can you pull out your little computer and look-up ____"
Also, an up-to-date NCLEX review book is essential.
Otherwise - save your money. There are all sorts of cutesy little guides to different nursing topics. For the most part, your class texts will be enough. Tabers and Davis on the PDA are more for the convenience factor. Also - since they are designed for NURSES, not Docs, they integrate lots of the info you need for Care Plans.

I have Tabers and Davis' Drug Guide too. I would also recommend RN Notes or Med/Surg Notes.

MsBruiser · Feb 8, 2007

I have RN Notes. Used it for the first 4 weeks of Block I clinicals. Now I barely touch it. But it is helpful.

WDWpixieRN, RN · Feb 11, 2007

The Incredibly Easy series of books are very helpful....they sometimes put in to English (and graphics) what my Potter/Perry or other texts don't...we just started Fluids and Electrolytes and our instructor even suggested it as one of the alternate sources we could use if we felt it necessary. I also bought the Pathophysiology version as was recommended on another thread and it helped a lot toward the end of my first semester.

The Incredibly Easy magazine is also helpful, but perhaps not so much now as later on once you start school....unless you want to just start saving them for reference!

Best wishes!!

peeesh · Feb 11, 2007

thanks everyone for your suggestions i really appreciate it... another question i have is, do most nursing school teachers allow u to use your pda in class with some of the recommended reference books*like the drug guides* I would hate to buy all this stuff and not really be able to use it.. some of my teachers in the past have a bit old fashioned towards electronic devices lol!!! =)