Question about using earlier edition books

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Jun 3, 2014

If it's not the same author, then I would recommend buying the required book. If you're trying to save money, you can try buying a previous edition of the textbook from Amazon, or renting it out for the semester if it won't be required for other classes.

smf0903 · Jun 3, 2014

I was in the same boat. My med surg book is by a different author, and I used it just fine. I did eventually get a med surg book by our author but an earlier edition. I think my OB and psych texts were all an older edition as well.

edited to add; if you're worried about using an older edition, ask other students ahead of you or ask faculty. They'll let you know if it's ok :)

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2014

That was very kind of her...however...I would be very careful as you will be tested on the material from the required authors and the supplemental material is usually very helpful.

rob4546, ADN, BSN, MSN · Jun 3, 2014

This would be a great question for the instructor. My patho book was an older edition but worked just fine (instructor said no real change). My nutrition book was nearly completely different (different number of pages, chapters, and content). The instructor should be aware of the change but if in doubt get the correct book.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2014

It's really a "use at your own risk." I strongly recommend getting at least the author. I rented most of my books and I am glad that I rented them. It's a fraction of the price. Since I am now in an RN to BSN program with 5 week classes, most of the books are around 10-20 bucks to rent for a short period of time. I think the most I rented was at 30-40 bucks. I use Bigwords.com to compare books.

Usually teachers will say you use the books at your own risk and if something is different between the editions and you get the answer wrong on the test, it's your own fault. Usually there isn't much different but just be careful. If the book is a different author, I would strongly consider finding or renting another book.

Just_Kidney, ADN, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2014

I would say it depends. If you're primarily going to be using it as a reference to explain pathophysiology etc. with the details coming from your instructor, then it would probably be fine. But if your instructor is going to test on things that she doesn't cover in class and you're going to need to learn it from the book, then buy the actual book, especially if the one you have is a really old edition or not the same author. Things vary from book to book and you don't want to study it and then get it wrong anyway just because your book says differently. But as a reference you could probably use it.

Roo123,RN · Jun 6, 2014

Thank You for your responses. I think I will buy the required text books. I don't want to risk my grade on a book that may or may not be accurate with the course. After working so hard to be accepted gambling now seems silly. Again, Thanks for your responses I really appreciate the advice! :)