Do I really need my books on the first day?

[my3suns]

Ok, so the day is almost here (Aug 23) to start nursing school. I know the books are really important, but are they even used on the 1st day or is it more of a get to know type of class. I go to a CC and we get financial aid on debit cards and on the first day of school it is a mad house!! Everyone is at the bookstore and the ATM getting the money off their cards. I was wondering would I be ok in just waiting to get my books later that evening or the next morning when the lines have died down.

I would rather get them before hand but since I dont work and my kids start school the week before I just dont see having an extra $400 laying around.

[tokyoROSE, BSN, RN]

Getting them later will be fine. My school doesn't post the book list til 2 weeks prior to the start of classes and since I order all my books, some take longer than 2 weeks to get here (international ones mostly). Last semester I was without a couple of books 1 week in and was fine, I just studied from notes.

[Hospice Nurse LPN, BSN, RN]

You should be fine. I'm lucky, we are able to rent 75% of our books ($35/class).

[healthstar, BSN, RN]

I don't need my books the first day of class. First day they usually give out the syllabus and pass out notes and also talk about policies and requirements.

[sophie<3]

You will definately have some time to get your books..usually first day is an orientation & syllabus. just try to get in there within the first few days (sooner, rather than later) because you don't want them to be sold out! good luck =)

[my3suns]

Thanks guys! I'm glad I don't need them the first day. I will get them as soon as possible though. I my even go later that evening but it is crazy on the first day.

[kayty2339]

I think it depends on your school. For my school, we had to read before the first class and the first day we jumped straight into the subject matter. Depends on your bookstore too, our bookstore is always running low on books. The students who wait till the last minute (meaning even a week before class starts) usually end up without a book for weeks unless they get it from somewhere else.

[Despareux]

You should call your schools nursing department or speak with the DON to confirm whether or not you need your books on the first day of class.

[my3suns]

Fortunately, I talked to my mom and she said she will buy the books for me early and I can pay her back. So I will still be able to beat the lines. Thank goodness for moms!!

[survrgrl08]

I got my books early and have been going through them so I can get used to the style of info in them and try and feel a little bit more prepared when I start the 23 of this month!! I'm scared and excited!! :)

[JBudd, MSN]

First day in my classes are actual lectures and work, we don't have time for a day just for syllabi and "how to". Check your syllabus and see if there is any assigned reading for the class. Welcome to NS!

[Cherish]

The only book I bought so far is my Med Surg book. All the other books I checked out of the school or my city library. They actually have the textbooks that I need. I compared some books since they had new and old editions and 2 books have EXACTLY the same material and the older edition actually provides MORE information:lol2:. So I have these books until middle of September and some early October so that gives me a lot of time to order books online and I think used book prices are raised during the summer since students' need to buy them. Most people don't buy textbooks mid way through the semester like end of September beginning of November since they have already started class which means lower priced used books for me. I also can see if I REALLY will use that textbook before I buy it I hate buying textbooks and we NEVER use it because all info is provided on the Powerpoint.