Ridiculous book vent

Published

Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

I was so happy to find a previous nursing student from my program from whom I could purchase the majority of my books used. When I attended orientation, I found out there are two book packages that we have to buy because they include on-line access and specific assignments that we need for the four semesters. The cost for those two packages- $599 plus tax! I'm so incredibly annoyed, here I thought I could be thrifty and save some money, but there's no way around buying these packages. Why are schools doing this to students?

(I suppose there is a chance that they will be available in the library, but because of my work schedule and distance to school it's not an option for me to not have a personal copy.) Just had to vent.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That really sucks. It has happened to me before but not with nursing books. When it happened to me I called the manufacturer and just asked if I could purchase the CD as I already had the books. I have found that most companies will do this is you are adamant that this is all you need and already have the books. Its kinda a hassle but if you really want to just buy the CD's its worth a shot and saves a lot of money.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Operating Room.

I hate the book packages schools force on us! You can go around this buy getting the books cheap online and then buying the online access code. I did this once, and it worked great. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg/MICU/Pediatrics/PCICU.

One of my books this semester had an access code I needed, instead of buying it from the bookstore I looked on amazon and Barnes and Noble (they had a sale going on) and I found the book with the access code for much cheaper. I suggest doing that but make sure the access code comes with it before buying it if you choose to go that way.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro ICU.

Yeah, check the company's website - almost all of them allow you to buy the online access separately. It's not cheap (often $70-100 per class) but definitely better than paying for some ridiculous, unnecessary brand new textbook bundle.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I was so happy to find a previous nursing student from my program from whom I could purchase the majority of my books used. When I attended orientation, I found out there are two book packages that we have to buy because they include on-line access and specific assignments that we need for the four semesters. The cost for those two packages- $599 plus tax! I'm so incredibly annoyed, here I thought I could be thrifty and save some money, but there's no way around buying these packages. Why are schools doing this to students?

(I suppose there is a chance that they will be available in the library, but because of my work schedule and distance to school it's not an option for me to not have a personal copy.) Just had to vent.

One word: MONEY

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED.
One word: MONEY

aGREED!!! :cool:

I have never once bought the bundle package from the campus bookstore. That is such a racket! I have always bought used books then bought the on-line access if, and only if, it is necessary. I had a teacher tell me that the on-line access was mandatory but when we got our syllabus we didn't get any credit at all for any of the case studies or practice tests that we were supposed to do on line. I was pretty ticked that I spend $75 for something we didn't use one single time. I'm sure the info was helpful, but I would have gone in halfsies with another student if all we needed the crap for was an extra study tool.

m

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I had to buy a $150 acess code for skills lab. What a waste. I've used it 3 times total. I looked at it again a few weeks ago b/c we did a skills lab on IV's, and it was useless

What makes me angrier- is the fact that added into our tuition are 2 websites. One of them is a math site. I used it 1st semester. Haven't used it since but I'm still charged for it. And then there's this ATI test site that we had to pay for- that we can't even USE anymore! And it had NCLEX questions on it :mad: So of course there goes another $30 for a med-surge NCLEX book so I have SOMETHING to practice on for tests :mad:

Just one more thing that just frustrates me about nursing school

Cheryl

Up Vote Up Vote ×

For my A & P class last semester, there were 4 supplemental books and a CD set, to the tune of around $400. I specifically asked both professors if we needed all the books and whether we would use the CDs. Both said yes. I did get the books online so it didn't cost me nearly as much as the bookstore. On the first day of class, the instructor mentioned the supplemental books and said we would be using them later in the semester. Guess what? We never used 3 of the 4 supplementals and never the CD's.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

One of my teachers said "I can't tell you that you won't need a book this quarter because I'm not allowed to say that, but all of the information you need to know for tests are provided in my lecture notes which are available for free"

The schools like the money. I always buy the access card separately. My school makes certain books specific editions designed for the school. Can't buy them on Amazon, but I sure find a way to buy them from current students!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

happy2learn that sounds like one of my professors who said, "The textbook is a 10 lb sleeping pill. Never bring it to class. Everything you need for exams will be in the lecture notes I provide online. If you don't understand something, stay after class and ask me. The next step is to go to my office hours. And if you still don't get it, THEN try the textbook." LOL

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion