Drexel ACE Program March 2009

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Just trying to communicate and hopefully get in touch with a few of you. This is a very intense program sure you all know and I'm looking for people who would like to form a study group or at least get to know one another before the start of school.

Is anyone planning on working?

Hope to hear from you!

Some of the books you buy will depend on your study style and who your professors are, but I think we all agree that there were a few that were totally useless. You can always buy a book later if you feel like you'll need it, and the library has copies of just about everything.

Informatics - I never actually sat down and read the book for informatics, but I did look up things I didn't know based on the blueprints for exams, and it definitely made the difference between an A and a B. Maybe share with a friend.

Health Promotions - Get the med term book...even if you don't read the chapters (which I didn't), if you do the quizzes, you will get an A on her exams. I never opened the other book, and you're not tested on it. Absolutely do not waste your money on the flashcards.

Ethics - Depending on your prof, you can probably get away without the books, but I did use them a couple of times in class.

Principles - The P&P book is kind of horrible, and I only read a few pages in it, but I feel like I should tell you to get it anyway haha. Unless you really want to confuse yourself, don't do the NCLEX review questions in the text or on the CD...the answers are often wrong and inconsistent. Don't buy the study guide or the clinical skills book either, total waste of money. I studied primarily from the ppts and the Reviews & Rationales book (love the whole series, the questions in the books & CDs are great test prep if you actually think through the answers and figure out where you go wrong), and I got an A in the class.

Assessment - Yeah, get both books and the separate code. You need them all.

Genetics - No books, and depending on your prof, can be a really fun class.

As far as the APA manual goes, I say get it. This is what the university goes by, and you can show your professors actual page numbers if you're having trouble. I use it a lot, and it's nice if you're trying to work on a paper without internet.

For recommended books, wait and see what works for you. Like I said, I've had success with Reviews & Rationales so I stick with those.

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Specializes in ortho.

only get required books; borrow these or get old versions: informatics, APA manual, nursing code of ethics

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.
AugustRain, could you give me a breakdown of the R&R books you got and liked? Amazon has a lot listed. Which one did you get for Principles, fundamentals? I'm currently going through Amazon to see what I can pick up.. May not be terribly expensive.
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I actually have a bunch of them. I got the Fundamentals one for Priniciples 1st quarter and that was it. Anything more is too much at that point. 2nd quarter, I got Maternity, Mental Health, Pathophys, and Fluid, Electrolytes & Acid-Base. I also got the Saunders NCLEX Review. Didn't get any of the other recommended books on the list. If you have to narrow it down, Pathophys and Fluid, Electrolytes, & Acid-Base were really really helpful, and Saunders is great because it's comprehesive. Hope that helps a little, enjoy your last week or so of freedom!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

Heh, I just put the order into Amazon.. $285. But, one of the books (Health Assessment in Nursing) isn't in stock. It is $117 on Amazon, so if it isn't shipped by first day of classes, I guess I'll pick it up. I sorted through what you guys seemed to mostly suggest. then got the others, too. Not really sure why. Probably shouldn't have. I like books, though (despite rarely reading them). Hmm, seems I missed the Fundamentals one. Don't know if I'll get it.

I already have the Saunder's book. I'll probably get the R&R ones as needed. Maybe should have ordered the Fundamentals one. I can still pick it up later. How many books do you guys pick up for the rest of the year? I'm afraid you're going to vanish now that you're almost done!! Congrats, though!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

That's the one I got. I think make sure you get the 4th edition one (pictured). Each year they come out with new books based on the nclex test changes.. So, next year, we may need another one.

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Cool! Just ordered it off half.com I also bought the HESI review book too.

I'll have to look into all the R&R books too but it doesn't seem like i'll have any time to read all these review books plus all the text books I bought already!

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Loner, I wouldn't worry too much about getting your Assessment book by the 1st day, there were quite a few of us who didn't have it by then. If you're buying it used, be aware that you'll probably be missing the code in the CD case, so double check on that one, you need it to do the lab prep.

Also, don't get discouraged if you don't find comprehensive NCLEX review books helpful this quarter - there's a lot of info that you won't cover until a little later on. You can always flip through the Fundamentals R&R at Borders or Barnes & Noble before you decide whether to buy it or not.

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Oh, and to answer your question about books for the rest of the year, I think I've lost track. They're in almost every room of my house and in my car, and I swear they multiply when I'm not looking. Get a good bookshelf.

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I tried to find the assessment book on half.com too and they're also out of stock. I think that'll be the only book i'll have to buy at the bookstore on campus.

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Hey BK, how does the lease work? Do you have to move in right away after you sign it or are you moving in September when school starts?

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