Nursing School books - To Buy or Not To Buy?

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Aug 9, 2014

IMHO as it is your first semester your nursing books for the most part will be used all semesters.

The MOST important ones would be. ...but I haven't been in school in a long time.

Fundamentals of Nursing textbook

Taber's Medical Dictionary

Pocket Guide for Nursing Health Assessment

Pharmacology

Nursing Health Assessment video series

RN403, BSN, RN · Aug 9, 2014

I agree with the PP, except, I will say that I did not use my Fundamentals textbook after I finished the course. The medical dictionary I initially rented and then I decided to buy it but I didn't touch it after the first semester. You start to learn the words you need to know and the ones you come across that you don't know--you simply Google it. They also have online medical dictionaries that you can use for free. Just make sure it is a reputable site.

All of the other books that you mentioned, I would buy, as Esme said you will more than likely use those all throughout school.

nursecallie · Aug 10, 2014

Thank you, both of you, very much!! I am ordering textbooks today, so I greatly appreciate your input. :)

3peas · Aug 10, 2014

I think it depends on your program. Some med-surg classes might refer back to the fundamentals text, but you could borrow a friends if it was minimal. At first I bought everything, I eventually rented because I realized I did not need my books anymore just the notes. You do need a good drug reference and a care plan book. I kept patho and still refer to it.