To buy or to rent? Drug Calculation textbook

[ravenpuff, BSN, RN]

Hi, all.

Should I buy or rent the required drug calculation textbook for this spring semester?

I'm thinking about just renting it, since 1) it's less expensive, and 2) there are plenty of good drug calc resources online should I ever need review material in the future.

Let me know your thoughts. Thank you!

[Kuriin, BSN, RN]

Do whatever you think is right. Sometimes you'll be given random math tests that are from specific chapters of your calculation book (depending on the school).

[mrsboots87]

You should contact your professor for your current block. In my program, there is homework assigned out of the med math book every semester. And what you learn is built on each semester. starting with basic conversions and calculating how many tabs, or how many mL you need to administer and such, then each semester build until you learn titrating drips and such. You will likely need your math book for each semester, but if you school is different and only needs it for the first semester then you would be fine to rent. Again, ask your instructor.

[adreamdeferred, MSN, RN, APRN, NP]

I found a used book online in great condition and I have been referencing it at some point each semester since. I have never thought twice about making the investment. It was a little hard finding online resources that were relevant to the methods used in our nursing program. There are several ways to calculate drugs but since I needed to be able to show my work using dimensional analysis only I found it comforting to have everything in one place, especially when I only had a short time to study between other assignments. But as was mentioned before, ask your instructor. You may already be familiar with it but the link below is my favorite for searching for used books. It combines all of the book websites into one place including rentals.

Shop for Used Textbooks, New Textbooks, Rental Textbooks & eBooks: Direct Textbook

[krisiepoo]

we were referred back to it ALL the time, the entire program. We had drug calc exams each semester that were pass/fail

but only you can know if you'll need it.

[smoup]

I bought one for my first semester but didn't use it. I didn't like how it explained things and I found much better explanations online. My program also has med calc tests every semester that you have to a 100% or fail. I plan on using online recources the whole time. At this point it's just a matter of refreshing my memory on conversions and the 1-2 forumulas I use.

But again, programs differ. If it's a required book, I'd probably ask if it was needed for homework assignments.

[sunbaby0811]

It probably depends on your program. Mine has us take a dose calculation test at the start of each semester so having my own book is useful for review and practice problems.

It's one of those things that, once you understand the material, there's no need to refer to it.

I'd opt for the cheapest solution.

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

I still have mine but now when I need to review for dosage calculation, I use HESI and work those problems. They seem to be harder and if I can answer the harder ones, I can answer the easy ones.

[ravenpuff, BSN, RN]

Thanks, everyone! I ended up buying the book at a pretty fair price. Seems better to have it on hand when I need it.

Good luck to you all with spring semester!