what textbook is everyone using?

jjjoy, LPN · Nov 23, 2010

I've been out of school too long to give any input on current texts. I'd recommend looking over various conditions and nursing care described in a med-surg text, though a fundamentals text could be a useful reference.

However, I did want to give this suggestion. Looking over a textbook certainly can't hurt, but if you don't have much medical/nursing experience, try to more than just textbook exposure to patient care. For example, volunteer in a hospital on a clinical unit. If you can, get a job as a nursing assistant or even just as a home care aide. Look up the patient's care issues when you get home and start learning about common concerns (eg dehydration, diabetes, heart conditions) especially as it relates to the hospitalized patient (since much of nursing school focuses on acute care).

If this advice doesn't apply to you, then just ignore it. Maybe someone will have some specific textbook suggestions for you.

OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN · Nov 23, 2010

Thats hard Im sure it varies a lot from school to school. For fundamentals we're using lw&w and for assessment we're using mosbys

SingDanceRunLife · Nov 23, 2010

Textbook (singular)??

We have like 9 books...but our main ones are Potter and Perry (Fundamentals) and Carpenito (nursing dx).

sunnybee24 · Nov 23, 2010

Your best option would be to contact the school you will be attending and see what textbooks they are using currently, although they could change by next August.

As another poster suggested, I would also highly recommend getting experience through volunteering at a local hospital.

Good luck!

mischief08 · Nov 23, 2010

Your best option would be to contact the school you will be attending and see what textbooks they are using currently, although they could change by next August.
As another poster suggested, I would also highly recommend getting experience through volunteering at a local hospital.
Good luck!

I asked them.....they wouldnt tell me...

I guess I will look at volunteering, I just applied for a nurses aid position but havent heard anything for about a week.

Kaychell · Nov 23, 2010

We use Kozier & Erb for theory and Perry & Potter for lab

shortnorthstudent · Nov 23, 2010

We have several books. However, the main book for Fundamentals is by Craven and the main for Assessment is by D'Amico.

crazytonurse · Nov 23, 2010

Kozier & Erb for foundations and Perry & Potter for LRC

iPink, BSN, RN · Nov 24, 2010

Please don't waste time getting school text books before getting the official list. You can get books now if you want but, be prepared to reorder the correct ones needed by your program.

17 books are required for the first semester of my program, so I'm not going to write all those authors names.

RN9742 · Nov 24, 2010

Please don't waste time getting school text books before getting the official list. You can get books now if you want but, be prepared to reorder the correct ones needed by your program.
17 books are required for the first semester of my program, so I'm not going to write all those authors names.

Honestly the above is the best advice you will be given regarding this subject. Even with price jumps closer to the semester, it will be cheaper than having to buy a whole new set because you bought the wrong ones. All nursing programs use their own mix of textbooks, and for some classes it will vary on the instructor not just the school! Add to that the fact that schools are notorious for changing text every year if not every semester, even finding out what was used for this year at your school may not be accurate. This is probably a big reason your school will not give you the information, they do not want to be blamed if you buy books you cannot use.

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Nov 24, 2010

Our foundations book is by Potter and Perry. It's not a great book. We had to buy the whole workbook to go with it in which we've had one busy work assignment. I pray I can sell it back. I don't think the bookstore will notice one page missing.