RPN Program Books Question...Ontario

vintage_RN, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2014

Probably fundamentals of nursing and med surg nursing are the only ones I used...and maybe a drug handbook.

xokw, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2014

I have a few questions and concerns.
I am a graduate from UW, and Ive noticed that I bought thousands of dollars worth of books, only to crack one or two open MAYBE once or twice.
So my question for those of you who are in the RPN program or have graduated....Which books are an ABSOLUTE must and which ones have you barely touched?
Im paying for everything out of pocket, and I am trying to cut as many corners as I can with books, largely because Ive been through so many instances where I bought expensive books and the professor wouldnt even look at it...Just collected dust. = /
Thanks so much to whoever takes the time to respond to this. Its much appreciated! : )

I made it through Conestoga's program without buying many books.

You will be able to get a book list at the bookstore, and initially I would just buy the Fundamentals of Canadian Nursing (about $200, you will use this in almost every class). Also, you will need to grab a handbook on nursing diagnoses ($50, I still use this religiously).

There are classes that most people bought the books for like Anatomy/Physiology, Pharmacotherapeutics, but I never did. Everything is covered in the slides and I, like you, was paying out of pocket so trying to save as much as I could. I don't feel I was hindered by not having them. Also, the library has copies of almost all of the textbooks, so if I did want to use one briefly (mostly for math practice questions for pharmacotherapeutics tests) I would go there and take a peek.

You'll also need a drug book, but won't need that until second semester. And the same one from the bookstore is substantially cheaper on Amazon!

I also bought the Introduction to medical-surgical Nursing textbook, which is not required. I did find it extremely useful in a number of classes like Pathophysiology and Nursing Concepts, though.

You will need a stethoscope first semester. You will also have to buy a lab kit from the bookstore. It includes everything you will need for clinical such as BP cuff, syringes, needles, catheter trays, etc.

Sorry for how long it is! Feel free to ask me any questions :)

Good luck!

ZomgItsMe · Jul 13, 2014

Thank you so very much!

TheSkyIsPurple · Jul 14, 2014

Thanks so much for all the details!

Please dont apologize for making your post long - I honestly appreciate any detail you can give me regarding whats needed.

Im a bit afraid of this program after seeing some of the books my friend has lent me.

She graduated from it 5 years ago, so the books are a bit out dated but I dont believe the information must have changed so drastically that I cannot use those particular books.

Im so grateful to her for that. @_@

Anatomy is scaring me at the moment =x

Also a quick question.... Are the tests largely multiple choice? Our Uni program was just about all Multiple choice and essays.

xokw, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2014

The books can be quite intimidating! You really want to stay on top of your anatomy and physiology because each semester builds upon your knowledge from the last, especially in pathophysiology and pharmacotherapeutics where you have to directly apply the knowledge.

The tests are all multiple choice. However, the tests are usually one of the hardest things for people to grasp when they first begin the program. Basically, all tests are focused on critical thinking and application of knowledge. It is assumed (to an extent) that the writers already have an in depth knowledge of the material itself (from classes and studying) and aims to see the writers actually apply the knowledge to scenarios and make connections using critical thinking. Hope that makes sense. You can also (almost always) have more than 1 correct answer in front of you and you are choosing the most correct based on your ability to prioritize. I have included the links to a couple of former threads with good examples of what I am talking about. I obviously know that you don't know the content, it's more the general idea I'm trying to show you :)

This is a great thread with some questions posted that show how you would have to apply the knowledge you have already learned:

https://allnurses.com/nursing-student-assistance/fluid-electrolyte-questions-349405.html

And here is one where there is more than one correct answer:

https://allnurses.com/nursing-student-assistance/not-sure-245326.html

Aside from tests, yes there are a lot of essays and also a large focus on group work and performing in front of others. Each semester you will take a clinical class where you learn new skills (bed baths, taking vital signs, abdominal & respiratory assessment, wound care, catheter care, to name a few) and you will be tested on each of these skills one on one in front of a professor. You will also do quite a few mock scenarios where you are presented with a case study and some basic information and then you actually get to interview a patient (hired actor).

Such a great program with excellent facilities. Have you taken a tour of the health science wing? It is pretty new, my entering year (2011) was the year it opened and it is beautiful. There is also an open access lab where you can go at anytime to practice your skills and there are nurse technicians (those who are hired to work in the labs) in there to assist you.

voodoojaguar · Jul 14, 2014

Anyone from the GBC program know what books are not necessary for the first semester? P.S. how is it possible that a BOOK is worth 180 dollars? The course is $4444 and textbooks close to $2000 for the year alone.

xokw, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2014

Anyone from the GBC program know what books are not necessary for the first semester? P.S. how is it possible that a BOOK is worth 180 dollars? The course is $4444 and textbooks close to $2000 for the year alone.

A lot of books cost that much and more, have you seen the size of some nursing textbooks? Some of them are HUGE! I can't speak for GBC, but a lot of the textbooks that schools ask you to buy really are unnecessary.

TheSkyIsPurple · Jul 14, 2014

Every post secondary school does that, and it makes me fume so much... We seriously had courses where we paid over 200 dollars for a book, and never even OPENED It.

@____@ Makes me wonder if some of these schools think money grows on trees for us.

Xokw thank you soooo much! You're so helpful

I do hate those "Pick the most correct" answer choices. Ive had a lot of questions like that within the program but due to subjectivity it was a bit rough. It ended up being "Pick the answer your prof most agrees with".

May I ask how are you doing now? Are you in a position you enjoy and has the program truly prepared you for what is out there? : ) Thanks again for being so kind to us and answering so many questions. Truly appreciate it.

xokw, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2014

No problem! I know how it feels to start something new, I literally remember my first day like it was yesterday! How I felt, where I sat, what I wore, oh nostalgia

I do believe the program prepared me very well, and I will be back at Conestoga in September beginning the RPN-BScN program through McMaster. Nursing is addicting and I tried but just couldn't stay away haha.

I was hired really quickly after graduation and am very lucky to work for a company that is extremely supportive of new graduates. I have learned so much since graduating that sometimes I look back and I wonder what I spent two extremely crazy years in school learning! I guess that is how most professions are though, they lay a foundation with what you need and the rest comes with time!

TheSkyIsPurple · Jul 15, 2014

Thats really good to hear. Im looking forward to working in a psych hospital, but many of my friends who do said they have a hard time moving to clinics or hospitals because of the difference in duties...

What typo of facility are you working in atm, if you dont mind me asking?

And are there any difficulties you face with your decisions?

: D Sorry Im so curious. XD Excited, mortified, and happy all at once makes for a strange mixture. ^^;;

xokw, BSN, RN · Jul 15, 2014

No problem!

I work in community. It was NOT the area I thought I would work in while I was in school! To be honest, I had no idea what community nursing entailed when I was a student! It is an area that is a mystery to many and does not get nearly enough support even though there are initiatives aiming to keep people out of hospitals/facilities and in their homes longer.

I do A LOT of woundcare and in under a year have gained a really vast knowledge of wounds and woundcare products. I get to work with and heal a lot of really fascinating things. It is an incredible thing to see a wound at its worst and watch the healing process each step of the way. These are some of the more common things I see:

- a lot of amputations, both surgical and traumatic, recently assisted a young person involved in a table saw accident resulting in a few lost fingers and another one split down the middle

- diabetic wounds. Since diabetics have a harder time healing we see a lot of them. Lots of black toes/feet which often end up as amputations

- wound dehiscence. This is a post-surgical complication where the wound splits back open along the suture or staple line (usually after the staples or stitches have been removed). Surgeons won't generally close it back up, they will keep it open and send us in to pack the wound and heal it from the inside out

- negative pressure wound therapy. Quite literally a vacuum we apply to open wounds (usually amputations or dehiscence) overtop of a dressing that creates negative pressure inside the wound to remove fluid, exudate and can really speed up the healing in some harder to heal wounds

- many kinds of traumas. Car accidents, work accidents, etc. A recent one involved an explosion causing 3rd degree burns over 80% of the body

I also do a lot of other things. As I am new to this position (10 months) my mind is still blown by the skills I get to use. I did my final placement in the ER and I never got to do nearly as much as I do in the community.

- tons of IV and PICC clients who are on long-term therapies (IV hydration, antibiotics, etc.) Last I heard, many hospitals do not allow RPNs to work with PICC lines, but I have been fully trained and provide care on a regular basis.

- catheters. So many people have catheters in community and we see them for monthly changes and maintenance. I insert, remove and irrigate both urethral and suprapubic catheters daily (probably 1-2 a day).

- tracheostomy care and suctioning. I do daily trach care and suctioning for long-term clients.

- g-tube care and enteral feeds

Also, on a more general note, I do a lot of teaching. We receive clients who are coming home from the hospital after various different procedures (new ostomies, gtubes, catheters, etc.) and we teach and assist them and their families with what they need to know to thrive at home.

There is something amazing about being able to keep people at home when they otherwise could be in a hospital or a facility. I love the relationships I get to build with people in their homes, it is unlike any other setting because it is THEIR setting. Clients welcome us into their homes and we truly become a little part of the family for however long they are on service. They always want to know how my day is, how big my puppy is now and if I need some lunch or coffee lol. My mom told me a story once about how after I was born (via Caesarian section) her incision became infected and she had a nurse come to the house daily for about a month. Years later, she saw the nurse in a store and stopped her to thank her because she remembered her and the positive impact she had on my mom during such a difficult time as a first time mom with little support and an infection to boot. 25 years later and mom says she still remembers her name and face. What an amazing feeling :)

As you can see I am very passionate about where I work haha!