New or Used Care Plan Book?

[Staragate, ADN, ASN, RN]

I'm shopping around for care plan books and they are pretty expensive. Is it important that I get recent editions or can I get one from 2003 and still be okay? I don't know how much they get revised between editions and I don't want to waste my money. Also, I'm open for suggestions. I already have online access to Ackley through the Elsevier site, but it's not that helpful to me.

Thanks!

[DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN]

You can get an older one as long as you remember that they discontinue and add diagnoses every year. You can probably get your school library to get you the current NANDA list and just keep it in the book.

If the book is that old, 2003, make sure it is SUPER cheap -- a 2007/8 Ackley can be found on half.com for less than $10.00.

[Jonathank]

2003 might be pushing it. A newer one would be probably be preferable. But if you did use a book that old, you could check online to make sure that the NDX's, defining characteristics, interventions, etc. you choose are still current.

Short answer: Not the best choice, but you could make it work if you're internet savvy and resourceful.

Note: If you have to write care plans while at your clinical site this book might cause you problems.