Holy cow! My book total is how much?!

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I am starting my first semester Aug. 20th and I've been trying to work on my textbooks here and there but I feel like I'm not getting anywhere! Our bookstore has duplicate items on our list and almost everything says "with access" so I decided I would email the instructors. 13 books & required items btw. Lo and behold! Instead of needing 8 access codes, I only need 3 which was, notice I say was, a huge relief because I was told we could get the ebook package edition (2 of the 3) or just the hard copies. I was all for the hard copy books because they were at least $100 cheaper. Well, that isn't the case anymore. Apparently, our required materials are the package editions because the hard copies don't come with the access and homework codes. One package is $160. The other is $222. The "other" access code we need is for a virtual lab homework $110.65. These can only be purchased at our college. Go figure. After exchanging emails with one professor, she realized the bookstore had forgotten 3 more items off her syllabus. Totaling 7 texts and 1 misc. for just her class. I am so frustrated with all of these costs! Right now, the cost is sitting around $1500-$1600. I've exhausted search engines, book comparison sites, etc. I've already spent around $200 on just supplies, scrubs, stethoscope, etc. on top of school shopping for my 2nd grader. Not to mention the doctor visit for all the shots, drug screen, physical, etc. I know the first semester is always the most expensive but I just really need to vent. I'm sorry for complaining and I am grateful for being accepted but I had to get it off my chest! 😓

Specializes in PCT, RN.

Ah I really hate e-books for stuff like this. I understand there are some positives to it, but I like being able to physically hold it (I learn better that way).

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I'm required to purchase a $190 Skyscape App for my digital device, 2 new edition books with access for close to $300 and a....wait for it...$750 Software package from ATI (that apparently includes books we'll use for all 4 blocks).

I'm having a panic attack.

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I'm required to purchase a $190 Skyscape App for my digital device, 2 new edition books with access for close to $300 and a....wait for it...$750 Software package from ATI (that apparently includes books we'll use for all 4 blocks).

I'm having a panic attack.

OMG I would die. I am so sorry. $750 is OUTRAGEOUS!

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My total was $1235 for the semester, and that included used books when I could use them. It hurts!

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OMG I would die. I am so sorry. $750 is OUTRAGEOUS!

It is! When I read it in the welcome packet, it took my breath away.

I'm not so hot on ebooks either, so I am not really excited about it

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Specializes in PACU.
I'm required to purchase a $190 Skyscape App for my digital device, 2 new edition books with access for close to $300 and a....wait for it...$750 Software package from ATI (that apparently includes books we'll use for all 4 blocks).

I'm having a panic attack.

That is so ridiculous! It really makes me feel even more thankful that my books, brand new, cosy only a fraction of that and that my instructor make a conscious attempt to keep our book costs low. :eek:

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Specializes in ICU.

I paid $1100 dollars first semester. Then, we had to buy access to a charting system my school just uses for us and it was $100 a year. Going to have to renew it soon. Not to mention the ATI box bundle of books.

We we were required to have the updated versions. We were told that when a company writes a book the info is already 3 years old. If you buy the previous edition, the info would be six years old and may not be relevant or accurate anymore. It's the nature of the nursing school beast. We did not have to buy them from the book store but had to make sure it had access codes that work.

Fortunatley, the first semester is the most expensive. And many of our "required" books we have not used.

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Specializes in Psychiatric and emergency nursing.

Have you tried renting your books from other sources and only buying what requires an access code? I'm starting school this fall and the books required for two classes were almost $800, but I found all the same versions for rent on another website and knocked my total down to $130. Also, some companies that host these programs allow you to buy just an access code, so you could find somewhere to get the book for much cheaper, then just buy an access code solo. Hope everything works out for you!

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

I am hoping to buy my books used from a previous student who just graduated. I'm waiting to get my book list and make sure they haven't started to use any different books from when she started two years ago. But if I'm able to do that it will save me hundreds of dollars!

Check Craigslist or your school Facebook page to see if others are selling theirs.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

I just wanted to say that I feel your pain! The books for my for profit Lvn program were $1500, but at least it was included as a line item in the tuition statement.

When I was accepted to the bridge RN program, the books cost about $1500. I was shocked raft community college books cost so much!

Thankfully, they told us that after the initial investment, we would only have to pay for an additional book or 2 per semester.

I did manage to save ~500 by buying online at Amazon. BUT! If you buy thorough the bookstore you get some additional access codes that would have been useful! Oh well! It is what it is!!

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Have you tried renting your books from other sources and only buying what requires an access code? I'm starting school this fall and the books required for two classes were almost $800, but I found all the same versions for rent on another website and knocked my total down to $130. Also, some companies that host these programs allow you to buy just an access code, so you could find somewhere to get the book for much cheaper, then just buy an access code solo. Hope everything works out for you!

I am renting what I can. Funds are a bit tight right now, especially since it's around back to school and my son needed a new wardrobe because he's a bean-pole. I was told I could get some older editions but I am very apprehensive about that. I don't want to miss anything. When it comes down to it, I'm doing what saves the most money.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

What school? Ours "required" the Ebooks ($750). Which was a load of garbage. I ended up getting used copies (or renting) of everything I needed for less than $300.

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