Using ebooks vs. textbooks

[vw74vw]

Hello All,

So I will be starting NS (ADN) program in August at Central Arizona College. I can't believe how fast this summer is going. At our school we have the option of either buying a bundle of textbooks (with online content passwords) for around $740 or the ebook version for about $430. I'm trying to save money and really can't afford the textbook bundle so I wanted to get some feedback of those who have used the ebook format. I know many of you love your textbooks but I really want to hear from those who have used the ebooks. I wouldn't be considering the ebook option but its a huge savings so I would really love some feedback. Thanks in advance and for those who are starting NS in August. Good Luck! :)

[DisneyNurseGal, BSN, RN]

It all depends on you and how you study. Some subjects (English, Medical Terminology, and Statistics) I was ok with the Ebook. I tried an EBook for Organic Chemistry and hated it. I like being able to flip quickly back and forth and put a post it note in pages (I know you can do this with most EBooks, I just needed the hard copy). I know that probably does not make sense, but it didn't work for me. I also didn't have an iPad at the time (only a lap top), and I like being able to take my books with me, in case I get stuck somewhere with some down time. Do you have a tablet? Laptop?? Desktop??

I am not sure if first semester of Nursing school is the right time to change your study methods (what if you get the Ebooks and hate them?). I am all about saving money and going paperless, but is it worth the risk?

[nicogonz, BSN, RN]

I use ebooks on my nook, but would not use text ebooks. I like to highlight and write notes, tablets will let you do those things, but it's not the same. It depends on how you study. If these are your text books for the whole time of your nursing program I would buy the physical copies. Some libraries offer rentals on kindles or nooks, if your library does you might want to try that. There's also free reading apps... I know barnes and noble nook currently has a promotion for trying out their free reading app- they give you 8 free books (worth try to see how you like e-reading.)

[BloomNurseRN, ASN, BSN, RN]

I have used e-textbooks but not while in the nursing program. While I think they would be fine for some courses, like pharmacology, I'm not sure I would be able to really focus and get what I needed in Med-Surg. If you think it won't be a problem then definitely save the money. I know I'm always looking for ways to cut my budget. It seems like the nursing program can drain a wallet faster than anything.

[lovedijah]

I have an ebook for nutrition this semester. Never again!! Its very difficult to skim. Say if you are looking for a particular paragraph that you read before. My book is in sections. 7.1,7.2 and so on. If you don't remember what section exactly you end up having to enter every section. With an actual book, you can easily skim. Your book could be completely different and better functioning though. But with each book different, you have no idea what to expect. I would never do it again. Also needing to be at a computer to read is weird. I find myself on YouTube a lot. There is some nursing stuff that is overly boring. Will you get bored and play on the computer? Also I have issues studying at certain places. What if your battery dies? Sounds trivial, but its annoying to change seats in the library to be near a plug. Basically, I hate ebooks.