What do you use to carry your 500 books around in?

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 11, 2009

I used a rolling suitcase (carry-on size) that I found in the luggage section of WalMart. I don't know what brand it was, but it was only $25, and all it had to do was haul books for two years. Which it did beautifully :)

AOx1 · Jun 11, 2009

I can't find the thread now, but awhile back, another poster had a great idea. They took their book to kinko's or a similar copy place and had the binding removed. This way, they could take the relevant section of the text to class with them, without breaking their back. They punched holes in the pages and put it in their binder.

Some people are hesitant to do this to their books, but at least in the program where I teach, by the time you graduate if you decide to sell any books back, it seems they already offer a new edition. Most text we use update every 2-4 years at least.

One other option is to "buddy up" with someone if you need texts, and you bring a few books, they bring the others. I try to always give my students advance warning of when they will need to use their books during class.

swirlything · Jun 11, 2009

I graduate next week, and I will tell you what I did to get through. I almost NEVER brought textbooks to class. Seriously! Unless the instructor specifically said to bring it (like to my pharmacology class we actually used the textbook and the drug guide in class), I never bothered. Very rarely did we ever actually use the textbook in class.

Oft times, the instructor would reference what page to find the information on, and I would jot that into my notes. Then when I studied my notes I would go to that page in the textbook to study that as well (if I felt I needed to).

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jun 11, 2009

as someone after years of carrying and lifting loads of weight i strongly recommend you get a bookbag with wheels. the brand makes no difference. as long as it fulfills your needs and accommodates all your stuff--it will save your back. equipment comes and goes; fashion comes and goes; you only get one set of vertebrae, so take care of them wisely. don't think that because you are young your bones can tolerate pressure. that is not true.

cursedandblessed · Jun 11, 2009

during the semester i keep my books i might need in a milk crate in the trunk of the car. most of our reading is done at home and lectures are done on powerpoint, which we print out and take notes on those.

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jun 11, 2009

I used an ebags.com wheeled backpack. I bought the big honkin' model - the "Router". Very durable.

happilymarried · Jun 11, 2009

Unfortunately, I work full-time and attend school full-time. Because of this I have to tote my backpack with all my books in it practically everywhere I go. I do get to study at work when time allows so I need access to my books in case I get an opportunity to study.

After my first semester when my rolling backpack was literally falling apart, my husband got me the best backpack I have ever seen for nursing school! It is called "Timberland Xtreme Performance-Upright." It is at least twice as big as regular full-sized backpacks. It is heavy duty so it can handle being bounced down stairs, etc. It also came with a smaller backpack inside it that works perfectly for clinicals. I have my "clinical backpack" ready to go all the time and my monster sized one fully stocked with every book under the sun!

I am about to go into my third semester and this rolling backpack is holding up like a champ! I highly recommend these to all nursing students!! Five stars for sure!!

:starornament::starornament::starornament::starornament::starornament:

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Jun 12, 2009

I use a rolling back pack when I'm going to the library to study or if I have to write a careplan... these are the only times when I'm using more then two books. When I'm going to class I use a tote type of back just for my ppts. mainly. In my car I have a huge recycling bin where I place all my books in so that way I can exchange books whenever. I don't study at home, so it benefits me to have my books in my trunk at all times.

New 2 iceeYouRN · Jun 12, 2009

Well lets see... I agree with you really don't bring your books that often to class with you... BUT Might I recommend a shopping cart? Just kidding. No really I invested in a backpack from the North Face, it's a computer pack that is padded and feels great, which is shocking since I have carried a laptop, 10# med-surg text, NCLEX book, AND notebook... with room still for my coffee on the side (I totally must say you HAVE to get something with a bottle holder (2 is best)

GOOD LUCK

TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP · Jun 12, 2009

I have to echo swirlything - what's this bringing books to class nonsense? You read the books at home and take notes in class. If you need to bring books to study, you bring only the one or two you need.

mRpeNa · Jun 12, 2009

Unfortunately, I work full-time and attend school full-time. Because of this I have to tote my backpack with all my books in it practically everywhere I go. I do get to study at work when time allows so I need access to my books in case I get an opportunity to study.
After my first semester when my rolling backpack was literally falling apart, my husband got me the best backpack I have ever seen for nursing school! It is called "Timberland Xtreme Performance-Upright." It is at least twice as big as regular full-sized backpacks. It is heavy duty so it can handle being bounced down stairs, etc. It also came with a smaller backpack inside it that works perfectly for clinicals. I have my "clinical backpack" ready to go all the time and my monster sized one fully stocked with every book under the sun!
I am about to go into my third semester and this rolling backpack is holding up like a champ! I highly recommend these to all nursing students!! Five stars for sure!!
:starornament::starornament::starornament::starornament::starornament:

how much is this backpack?