Did you keep your nursing books?

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in OB (with a history of cardiac).

We're in the process of minimizing our life at the house of PeepnBiscuits. In the basement, in a couple of boxes are all the books I used for LPN school, in another box are all the learning modules, in big three ring binders. In another box are a few big three ring binders with all my RN stuff, and upstairs in our computer room, a whole shelf and a half is devoted to my RN textbooks.

I don't know if it was recalling the exorbitant prices I paid for these books that has kept me from tossing them, or all the wasted paper or what. Admittedly there are a few books I still use- my small Davis' guide for drugs comes in handy now and then...my Med Surg book sits in my locker at work- it was quite helpful back when I first started on this floor. I still have my peds book because I have kids and like to look stuff up now and then, and my OB text...well, I'll be an OB nurse in a matter of days...

But really? What good are these books to me REALLY? I'm getting rid of all my notes and LPN books- seriously they're no good, they're over 6 years old. The RN textbooks though...I mean why do I need my fundamentals book? Our facility has it's own guidelines on how to put in NG tubes and how to flush IV's and how to ambulate people. Psych? No need. Peds...well, I still have kids...OB...is it really going to help me?

So do any of you out there still have your books? Or was it like 1) go to pinning 2) pass NCLEX 3) sell textbooks for 25% of what I paid for them.:twocents::bugeyes:

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Specializes in ICU, Research, Corrections.

I kept mine for about a year until I ran into a unit clerk who was very short on money going to nursing school. I gave her all the books that I had with exception of my ICU text, (I was working in ICU), and my psych book, (which I have an interest in.)

Having an older revision text book is better than no text book.

Ironically, I still have every care plan I have ever written. They are souvenirs of all the time, blood, sweat, and tears that it took to meticulously hand write them.

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I am in an ADN program now and I pick up nursing books all the time at Goodwill. I keep thinking the extra books will help but in reality, there is never enough time for much additional reading. I know I'll keep my books for a while, but after 6 years, you ought to know if you want to keep them or not. If you haven't used them for a year - get rid of them is my vote.

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Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

whoa! it's been so looooong however, i gave mine away to another student that was starting her nursing program, at first she thought i was kidding then she almost cried because her financial situation was on the blink, i was thrilled to help :D

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Specializes in OB (with a history of cardiac).

I've been thinking on putting them on Craigslist for freebees. If nothing else but the NCLEX study books I purchased and the flash cards- hey, they worked...

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Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

I enjoyed throwing them out. I enjoyed the thought of burning them in a backyard fire and sacrificing a goat... I was so glad to be rid of them. Never used them again and most hospitals have advanced references that you will need.

In fairness, any recent medicine reference books are always handy for a unit donation.

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Specializes in ICU, Research, Corrections.

BURN BABY BURN Zookeeper! That was my secret ambition for book disposable. My municipality doesn't look kindly on bon fires though.

So instead I hung my 2 pairs of white clinical pants and hung them on my towel rack for about 2 years. Bathroom visitors were encouraged to use them for hand drying. It's not likely I would ever wear them again!

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Specializes in med-tele/ER.

I kept mine. I graduated from nursing school before the internet too. I still have some of my nursing text books which date back to the 1960's.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Rehab.

I sold most of my text books before they became outdated. I sold my ATI review books and any NCLEX review books at a yard sale a few weeks ago. I did keep my med-surg/fundamentals book and my A&P book, but I haven't referred to them since school.

I say sell them if you can and donate them if they're dated.

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Mine are 30 years old, I still have a couple of the larger volumes, they make great doorstops.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

I still have 3 or 4 of my first set, which was from the '70s! The information in it is really outdated but the really groovy op-art lime-green and turquoise swirl cover art is just too retro to throw away now! :)

I also have my two volume set of "nursing skills for allied health care" which is nothing but nuts and bolts procedures that I do review. They all start with . . .1. Gather all your supplies. 2. Approach the patient and explain the procedure . . .all that stuff is on youtube now I guess, but I'm sentimental.

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Specializes in Cardiac surgery ICU.

Find someone who can use the books you don't want to keep. They could be helpful to someone who is short on money. I left mine on the ward library when I retired. i used them at work because I also taught what I learned from them

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