Older edition books

turtlesRcool · Jul 13, 2015

I spent hundreds of dollars buying the "correct" books my first semester, and then kicked myself for doing so when classmates did well with older editions and we never even opened some of the books I'd paid top dollar for. When one classmate showed me that even the page numbers were the same in her older edition, I decided to buy older editions from then on out.

Using older editions worked really well for me. Some professors will tell you to use the newer edition (my peds professor told me that some of the information in the older edition could be outdated, but I didn't find anything wrong and got an A anyway); other professors will be upfront and tell you there's not much difference other than price. When I asked my community health professor about using the older edition, she actually provided us a second reading list with the page numbers from both the old and new editions.

Now, I wouldn't use a textbook that's 20 years old because some of the information could be really outdated, but if the older edition is pretty recent, chances are good that only some pictures and formatting were changed. Honestly, how much do you think changed in nursing fundamentals in the 5 years between editions?

NurseJesseeekuh · Jul 13, 2015

I used Elsevier and Lippincott-Williams' websites and their online tools for my med-surg, pathophys, OB, mental health book resources. They are a great way to get an overview of chapter material, quizzes, case studies, as well as content updates on newer editions. Also, in Elsevier, the main points from each book/chapter are available as audio files...I used that on hard to remember content . Hope this helps.

NurseJesseeekuh · Jul 13, 2015

Also, these are free!:)

BeachsideRN, ASN · Jul 13, 2015

I love the Davis series. I would wait though. Once you get into the class check out what your library offers and fund the right match for your learning style. For me it's the Davis content plus questions. For first semester I only needed the fundamentals. I'll be getting med surg for fall.

BeachsideRN, ASN · Jul 13, 2015

FYI the older edition of Davis fundamentals success is available in pdf online for free. Search google

smf0903 · Jul 14, 2015

I used older editions for most of my classes. The price difference was enormous, and I never had an issue using an older version. Like a PP said, I wouldn't have used an edition from 20 years ago, but the prior edition yes. I bought new critical care and new pharm but I think everything else (including the Saunders nclex review) were previous editions. I'm all about saving the Benjamins when I can LOL!