How useful are the recommended text books?

caliotter3 · Mar 3, 2009

Some people report that they pass the EC tests by studying only one or two of the available study guides, for example mystudygroup101 or Lisa Arends. They are quite satisfied with passing the test. However, if your goal is to have an in depth knowledge of the material, you should also do the text readings. Also, do not discount the value of the texts as references. A professional library, usually acquired when one attends a school, can come in handy at times. I've often used my textbooks when I wanted to look something up. Basically up to you how useful the book is. Unopened, not useful. Well studied, useful.

Kay_lpn2rn · Mar 3, 2009

I have only taken Health Safety test so far... When I took it, I didn't even read the EC textbooks. I got a B on the test. However, I started buying the previous edition of the textbooks at half.com so I can be really prepared for Chronicity and Reproductive Health. I'd say it's not gonna hurt to buy them (previous ed.) I wanna make sure I have invested enough time studying from the textbook and studyguide 101 notes. After all, I can't afford to waste my $235.00.

When I was in LPN school, all I wanna do is pass the test. I'm happy with that. But with all the money and time I will be spending with EC to get my RN... I'm at this point where I want to pass the test as well as to fully master the nursing contents.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Mar 3, 2009

I don't want to be a nurse that just "gets by." I want to know, to understand, to comprehend. But hey, that's just me.

As far as I'm concerned, you cannot go wrong investing in textbooks.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Mar 3, 2009

I can't imagine not doing the reading as recommended.

NC Girl BSN · Mar 3, 2009

Hi,
I am thinking of buying the Pharmacology text by Kee and the Nutrition book by Schlenker. For those of you that have purchased this books did you find them useful. Or is there an alternative?
Thank you,
Traci:)

You don't need the nutrition book. I used a pharmocology book that I already had.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Mar 3, 2009

Oh, nutrition? I didn't even open it - there was no reading in it!

You MUST HAVE the recommended med/.surg, peds, pharm, maternal/child.

Luv5Cats · Mar 3, 2009

I don't want to be a nurse that just "gets by." I want to know, to understand, to comprehend. But hey, that's just me.
As far as I'm concerned, you cannot go wrong investing in textbooks.

Ditto.

bjbabs24 · Mar 4, 2009

I only used text books and didn't use any study guides. I felt the info. from the books was enough to study from. The foundations, and peds. books I felt were the two I used the majority of the time for my studies. I also used the pharm. book but think I could have just used the pharm. book from what I had used in LPN school. Good Luck!!

Editorial Team / Moderator · Mar 4, 2009

Basically up to you how useful the book is. Unopened, not useful. Well studied, useful.

I keep coming back to read this and giggling every time -- IT IS SO TRUE!

vashtee, RN · Mar 4, 2009

I never opened any of the "recommended books" I purchased... I never had time. Neither did any of my nursing school buddies. No, we were not slackers. It was just hard enough keeping up with the material we covered for exams.

lindzspang · Mar 4, 2009

I was also going to ask this question. I do need to take some general education courses also. Does anyone have any good resources to cheaper textbooks? I have looked on Ebay, Amazon, half.com, any other websites would be helpful!!!

Thanks