Out of these 4 drug handbooks, which one should I get?

Published

I was given a list of four drug handbooks to choose from for my school's nursing program, so I took the list and went to my local B&N thinking that seeing them in person would help. Unfortunately, at this point, I'm not really sure what I'm looking for, as far as "good" information goes (especially as it pertains to drug reference books :).

I think I have it narrowed down to two (Lippincott or Davis), but any input would be greatly appreciated. The handbooks listed are:

- Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2013

-> ISBN# 9780132964890

- Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook 2013

-> ISBN# 9781455707232

- Nursing 2013 Drug Handbook (Lippincott)

-> ISBN# 9781451150230

- Davis' Drug Guide for Nurses (13th ed.)

-> ISBN# 9780803628335

Since these are all new editions, they don't seem to have enough reviews for me to surmise how much people like/dislike the texts. This is usually my go-to method for figuring out which Nursing texts to go with, especially when I have absolutely no prior knowledge about the subject matter.

I did try looking at the reviews for each book's prior edition to get a general feeling for the brands, which is how I got it down to Lippincott and Davis.

So, for any of you awesome people that happen to have any of these books (or even better - the exact edition!), any input would be GREATLY appreciated! :D

THANK YOU!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey I say Pearson with out a doubt!! When I was in school everyone would want to borrow my drug book when they had lippincott and davis! I still use it all the time! Carry it on me :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nothing but Davis's Drug Guide for me! It's by far the best organized with the most useful info, which you can find quickly. I keep the newest edition at home and took an older one to work (as I can't deal with the ones we have there).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, progressive care.

Davis. I have used Lippincott but I still prefer Davis.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology.

I used Lippincott in school and loved it. I found it very easy to use and informative. Now in the real world I use Epocrates on my iPhone or Micromedex on my work computer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

I like Davis, but it has some errors in it, at least in the psych nursing medications. It's incorrect about side effects in several places. What I think happened is someone who isn't a specialist in the psych area did some research on psych meds, but didn't fully understand them, and wasn't clear on what's what. I've wondered what other areas of meds have errors too.

I think it's well-organized.

Epocrates is great. You can download a free version onto your Blackberry or IPhone. There's a version that costs $, but the free version has always been enough for me. Plus, a phone is smaller and lighter than a book to carry around. Go to www.epocrates.com to check it out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I love Davis. My school suggested Pearson, ended up ditching that for Davis.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've had Mosby's, Davis, and Pearson's. Pearson's was the clear winner.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you to everyone that answered! I really appreciate the feedback.

From what I've seen, it always seems that Davis leads the pack, but after reading all of your comments, I'm going to head back to B&N and take a closer look at all of them. Well, not ALL of them. I guess Saunders is the outcast, huh? :) lol

Epocrates sounds great, but I think I am one of the last people on the planet that doesn't have a smartphone. :D I still appreciate the information, though.

If I ever cross over into this century, technologically speaking, I will definitely remember it. :)

THANK YOU, AGAIN!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Davis Drug Guide all the way :)

I was given a list of four drug handbooks to choose from for my school's nursing program, so I took the list and went to my local B&N thinking that seeing them in person would help. Unfortunately, at this point, I'm not really sure what I'm looking for, as far as "good" information goes (especially as it pertains to drug reference books :).

I think I have it narrowed down to two (Lippincott or Davis), but any input would be greatly appreciated. The handbooks listed are:

- Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2013

-> ISBN# 9780132964890

- Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook 2013

-> ISBN# 9781455707232

- Nursing 2013 Drug Handbook (Lippincott)

-> ISBN# 9781451150230

- Davis' Drug Guide for Nurses (13th ed.)

-> ISBN# 9780803628335

Since these are all new editions, they don't seem to have enough reviews for me to surmise how much people like/dislike the texts. This is usually my go-to method for figuring out which Nursing texts to go with, especially when I have absolutely no prior knowledge about the subject matter.

I did try looking at the reviews for each book's prior edition to get a general feeling for the brands, which is how I got it down to Lippincott and Davis.

So, for any of you awesome people that happen to have any of these books (or even better - the exact edition!), any input would be GREATLY appreciated! :D

THANK YOU!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in HIV, Psych, GI, Hepatology, Research.

I used Davis'. It's pretty user friendly.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

My school requires Davis'!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion