WOW!!! I just saw how much first semester books cost!!!

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hello all....

okay, can you tell me if this is normal.... i only have two classes this semester, intro to nursing and a sociology class. i browsed the schools bookstore website and books alone for my nursing course will run $700.:crying2::crying2::crying2: i noticed there are alot of study guides, a medical dictionary and other course supplementals. besides the textbook, how much of this stuff should i purchase.:confused:..so, much reads required.. . how much did you all spend on first semester books???

below is the dreadful list... thank you for your help!!!

brunner and suddarth's textbook of medical-surgical nursing. 2 volume set. text with internet access code and dvdthis product is [color=crimson]required for this course your price: $118.80 savings: $13.20 (10%) list price: $132.00

blank.gifcalculate with confidencethis product is [color=crimson]required for this course your price: $61.16 savings: $6.79 (10%) list price: $67.95

blank.gifexploring medical language. text with flash cardsthis product is [color=crimson]required for this course your price: $62.95 savings: $7.00 (10%) list price: $69.95

blank.giffundamentals of nursing. text with cd-rom for windows and macintoshthis product is [color=crimson]required for this course your price: $99.00 savings: $11.00 (10%) list price: $110.00

blank.gifmosby's manual of diagnostic and laboratory teststhis product is [color=crimson]required for this course your price: $46.76 savings: $5.19 (10%) list price: $51.95

blank.gifmosby's pocket guide for health assessmentthis product is [color=crimson]required for this course your price: $35.96 savings: $3.99 (10%) list price: $39.95

blank.gifnursing diagnosis handbook: an evidence-based guide to planning carethis product is [color=crimson]required for this course your price: $49.45 savings: $5.50 (10%) list price: $54.95

blank.gifpearson nurse's drug guide. text with internet access code 2011this product is [color=crimson]required for this course your price: $37.76 savings: $4.19 (10%) list price: $41.95

blank.gifpharmacology and the nursing processthis product is [color=crimson]required for this course your price: $79.16 savings: $8.79 (10%) list price: $87.95

blank.gifpocket guide to apa style. updated editionthis product is [color=crimson]required for this course your price: $26.95 savings: $3.00 (10%) list price: $29.95

blank.gifstudy guide and skills performance checklists for potter/perry fundamentals of nursingthis product is [color=crimson]required for this course your price: $25.16 savings: $2.79 (10%) list price: $27.95

blank.gifstudy guide for brunner and suddarth's textbook of medical-surgical nursingthis product is recommended for this course your price: $26.05 savings: $2.90 (10%) list price: $28.95

blank.giftaber's cyclopedic medical dictionary. thumb-indexed version with taber's plus dvdthis product is recommended for this course your price: $37.76 savings: $4.19 (10%) list price: $41.95

Morgan0429

181 Posts

I spent $1500 but we use the books for the next 2 years

CBsMommy

825 Posts

Have you looked at Amazon.com? Do a search by title and make sure that you get the same edition that your school is requiring. I know a lot of people suggest that you buy a later edition to save money but I have been burned by that in the past. Good luck and you don't have to buy from the bookstore!!!

Specializes in ER, progressive care.

I spent around $1100 for my first semester/year. I would highly suggest going to Amazon to find them at cheaper prices!

braithiar

44 Posts

Shop around. I purchased all of my books online at amazon, walmart, and b&n. I only spent $465. College bookstores are notorious for marking up prices.

-B

Edit: Brunner's Med-Surg

$100.52 for both volumes of Brunner's.

kbm318

262 Posts

Specializes in Med Surg/MICU/Pediatrics/PCICU.
Have you looked at Amazon.com? Do a search by title and make sure that you get the same edition that your school is requiring. I know a lot of people suggest that you buy a later edition to save money but I have been burned by that in the past. Good luck and you don't have to buy from the bookstore!!!

Do this but I have found it makes it easier if you just search for the ISBN number then you know you have the right book. If you click on your books it brings up the description and the ISBN number can be found there.

MInurse.st

181 Posts

If you shop online for books, this will cut your costs a lot. I never use the college bookstore! As a general rule, if the textbook is listed as required, I buy it. But, some things, like an APA guide.. well, I would leave that out and just use the internet.

I spent a little over $800 for 1st semester....but that included a supply bag which was $295. Our books are all bundled together so unfortunately I can't look on amazon because I don't know what's in the bundle. But I definitely agree with everyone else, if you can, try somewhere else. Good luck!

flyingchange

291 Posts

Specializes in MPH Student Fall/14, Emergency, Research.

Ah, books. SO overpriced. After spending $1200 for my first year and cracking some of the books only once or twice, I learned my lesson.

Now I utilize the school library, which often has copies of class required books on reserve, during the semester to actually evaluate how useful the text actually IS. If I don't use it more than once or twice, then what's the point of owning it?

However, like many have stated, for those books I actually DO utilize and find very useful, I will buy them online. Last fall I crunched some numbers and found that I could save at least $150 buying the exact same books, brand new, on Amazon with free shipping. College bookstore robbery.

In short - don't buy everything they tell you to. There are free/cheap options available....like the library, or sharing with a close classmate, or even digital copies. I bet you'll barely crack the spine on half that lot.

Check out alibris.com! I got my books there last semester and only paid $3.00 for the textbook and workbook I needed. They were the previous edition...but a lot of instructors don't mind. Definately check it out!! You can also go to couponcabin.com and there are tons of coupons you can use when you order online. If you decide to get your books at the campus bookstore or from amazon.com go through your book list again. It looks like there is a couple of hundred dollars worth of books you wont need this semester. Narrow down what you need right now...and get the others as you need them.

Katiebaby4848

19 Posts

Half.ebay.com I get all of my books on there you just have to make sure you do it pretty well in advance unless you choose expidited shipping!

Intern67

357 Posts

How much did you all spend on first semester books???

I spent about $1300. That included the online and HESI bullcrap.

That sucks the Perry and Potter Study Guide is required. I've got that guide and it's pretty bad. (Speaking of my much hated Perry and Potter book, I don't see the main text book listed?).

You should be able to find an APA style guide cheaper than that.

My Med-Surg study guide is invaluable. (We use Lewis).

You should be able to find a used Tabers for way less.

No Fluid and Electrolytes Made Easy? Bummer

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