Required textbooks vs. simplified topic specific texbooks

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I'm a busy 43 year old student working a full time job and about to start a two year RN program in January. I've read on this site that many more advanced nursing students are recommending the use of books other than what the nursing school itself lists. The type of books I'm speaking of are like, "The Incredibly Easy Nursing Series" and other more simply written and easy to read and understand nursing books. Apparently, and I can relate to this, many nursing students are of the opinion than the textbooks the nursing schools are suggesting are far too difficult to read, and are filled with way too much information making understanding the basic concept of the topic being studied way too difficult. I know from personal experience while completing my prerequisites that reading simplified text that clearly illustrates the basic and fundamental aspects of a topic is for me tremendously more valuable than getting lost in the writings of some author than was clearly trying to write a very thick book! I just wanted to hear for some others that have experienced this for themselves. Is finding what works for yourself the best way to go, or do we absolutely need to struggle thru and learn the concepts

with what the teacher and school is using?

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In my opinion there are a few topics the teachers focused on that are only in the textbook like myelomeningocele. I am just guessing that isn't in the incredibly easy textbook. I was a little late purchasing it, but my favorite book so far is the Lippinocott's manual of nursing practice. I believe it literally tells you everything a nurse does. I would equate it to a shop manual for a car(the patient). Costs $60.

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there's going to be a lot of information that you'll likely need your text book for, the other books are just a supplement to what you are learning, sometimes. I found that the teachers will put questions on tests that only come from your textbooks, too. I found that by reading the text book then going to lecture I was able to understand better and if I was still having trouble (ie fluids and electrolytes are a bugger) then I got extra help from the incredibly easy series. They are not meant to be a substitute for text books

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I use nursing reviews and rationals by mary ann hogan, they have a book for each main topic and on itunes it has audiobooks that go along with each book.

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Specializes in Oncology/hematology.

I don't have any extra books and don't feel the need for them. My program chose some really fabulous textbooks. If you are looking at books to get INSTEAD of your textbooks, don't do it. The class will use those textbooks.

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I would buy the required textbooks. The supplemental ones are more condensed and are good study tools, but usually they lack the more detailed info that will help you understand the pathophysiology of different diseases. They may not contain all of the materials you will be tested on. I have found that you don't have to buy all of the required texts. See if you can find a copy of the syllabus to know the main books you will need. You can always buy used on amazon and ebay.

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I would do the opposite. Buy the required textbooks and forget about the "extras." I have found Dosage Calculations Made Incredibly Easy! helpful, but really the textbooks are good enough for me.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

If a student finds a standard, undergraduate textbook "far too difficult to read" and "filled with way too much information" making the "topic being studied way too difficult" - I would suggest that student reconsider their career choice- because trust me, discerning meaning from words on a page is the EASIEST thing that will ever happen in that person's nursing career.

Some of the 'Made Easy' type books are good refreshers for practicing nurses, but they are not designed to provide anything resembling an undergraduate education for a non-nurse.

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Definitely buy the textbooks and read them. Most of my professors would select test questions based on that particular book, and often ask about specific details that the study guides do not address. Be careful not to load up on too many study guides. I did that at first and was overwhelmed. I recommend getting the supplemental study guide to your particular textbook, if it is offered, as something to look at on the go. I also recommend getting an NCLEX book for practice questions. Otherwise stick to the textbook and read it carefully.

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I think I'm beginning to see the consensus here says, "don't forgo the school required textbook for a shorter supplemental book of questions and answers with rationals. I was actually thinking about doing this but wasn't sure how I felt about it. You people have convinced me to go ahead and get the required textbooks and read them in their entirety. I may still use some supplemental learning books for certain topics like electrolyte and fluids, and dosage calculations. However, these books will be used as supplemental reading and not as substitute for the real textbook! I think a NCLEX question practice book will also be helpful but since I'm my 1st semester of nursing school that book now seems a bit premature.

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I think I'm beginning to see the consensus here says "don't forgo the school required textbook for a shorter supplemental book of questions and answers with rationals. I was actually thinking about doing this but wasn't sure how I felt about it. You people have convinced me to go ahead and get the required textbooks and read them in their entirety. I may still use some supplemental learning books for certain topics like electrolyte and fluids, and dosage calculations. However, these books will be used as supplemental reading and not as substitute for the real textbook! I think a NCLEX question practice book will also be helpful but since I'm my 1st semester of nursing school that book now seems a bit premature.[/quote']

More than likely, your test questions will be in NCLEX format. I'm in my first semester and I have one already. It has a ton of questions, rationales, and mini explanations of each topic. I use it to study and practice before every exam.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.
If a student finds a standard, undergraduate textbook "far too difficult to read" and "filled with way too much information" making the "topic being studied way too difficult" - I would suggest that student reconsider their career choice- because trust me, discerning meaning from words on a page is the EASIEST thing that will ever happen in that person's nursing career.

Some of the 'Made Easy' type books are good refreshers for practicing nurses, but they are not designed to provide anything resembling an undergraduate education for a non-nurse.

This. Definitely. It's one thing to use some supplemental materials to help you clarify some things ... or help you simplify complex material so that you can organize it more easily. But it's a totally different matter if a student can't understand the textbook. If the textbooks are beyond your ability to comprehend, you should consider switching majors.

While there may well be a "Nursing for Dummies" book somewhere ... the profession of nursing is really not a good fit for actual "dummies."

(I'm putting on my flame-retardant suit now.)

:ninja:

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