(Part 2) Best nursing books according to redditors

First, i know it will seem pessimistic of me to ask but; are you guys getting along very well? Most likely one will be better than the other, cause some frustration and will kill the learning process because of ego mismanagement.

If you guys can really work as a team, here's what i suggest:

• As a couple, your best asset is the very fact that you're a couple. If you live in a big town, google russian and the name of your town and go hangout there. Since it will be an "enclave" rather than a ghetto, you will see cultural stuff everywhere. Pamphlets and ads in local russian newspapers with tons of cultural events and beginners-in-russian are most often than not warmly welcomed, since russian is a very hard language to master for non-native speakers, meaning that they will be happy that a stranger puts in the effort of learning their language and their culture. They will often go the extra mile to help you pronounce and correct your mistakes. Of course, you will encounter suspicious and taciturn characters but hanging out in russian cafés and attending local cultural events will super-charge your russian assimilation. Languages are meant to be spoken.
  
  
• Secondly, i strongly, strongly recommend the acquisition of this book:
  
  http://www.amazon.ca/Russian-Learners-Dictionary-Words-Frequency/dp/0415137926/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300431171&sr=8-1-spell
  
  And follow this man's method, The Goldlist Method:
  
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rH6FERpM5fQ (Part one)
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTyJiGVJ0LM (Part two)
  
  This will be your main method of vocabulary acquisition. I also recommend:
  
  http://www.amazon.ca/Schaums-Outline-Russian-Grammar-Second/dp/007161169X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1300431298&sr=8-2
  
  and
  
  http://www.amazon.ca/Big-Silver-Book-Russian-Verbs/dp/007143299X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b
  
  Yes i know, spending money sucks, but i bought all three of them and not regret my choice at all. Very practical.
  
  Speaking of spending money, if you have money to spend, spend it on a private tutor for both of you. The value of this cannot be stressed enough. He will explain things to you that books can't and will correct your pronunciation and also challenge you by having higher degrees of conversation (like the use of dative instead of instrumental, etc) so that you learn in deep and not just "to get by".
  
  A huge part of language acquisition is the exposition to culture. The longer you expose yourself to russian, the faster and better learners you will be. That means listening to russian music, watching russian videos and movies, reading russian news and get interested in what's happening int he country, speaking russian as much as possible. Immerse yourself in it.
  
  If you do all of this and you really, really dedicate yourself to it and use your couple as a blessing rather than a curse, i guarantee you that in 6 months, your level of russian will be that native russians will not believe you when you will tell them it's всего шесть месяцев :)
  
  Hope this helped, good luck with your russian!
  

Sheehy's Manual

Emergency Nursing Made Incredibly Easy

The first one is a staple for emergency nursing and often recommended for CEN studying.

Sheehy’s Manual of Emergency Care is really good.

I also like Emergency Nursing Made Incredibly Easy, but if you have to pick on, go with Sheehy's.

There are a few blogs I go to and a few podcasts I listen to, although with the exception of NurseEM, they're mostly for physicians:

Emcrit.Org

NurseEM.Org

RebelEM

Emergency Medicine Cases

FOAM Cast

Saunders

It's supposed to be an NCLEX review but I used it all through school. It explains things well and breaks down what is most important for the nurse to know. Helped me on all my exams and then I used it for content review when I was studying for NCLEX if there was an area in my Kaplan questions that I was doing poorly.

https://www.amazon.com/Saunders-Comprehensive-Review-NCLEX-RN%C2%AE-Examination-ebook/dp/B01K4UK4C4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520893502&sr=8-1&keywords=saunders

•CV Pharmacology helped me understand many concepts, though that site is geared only toward heart (CV Cardiovascular) medications.

















•This site about adrenergic receptors was useful as well.



















•RealNurseEd helped a lot on a few concepts like ABG’s.



















•I’m not sure what textbook the class uses, but Lehne’s Pharmacology for Nursing is worded very clearly and in understandable terms, I’d recommend it (check if your school’s library has it instead of buying it).



















•MERCK MANUAL!!!!! This is the capstone, hallmark, gold standard, ultimate resource, bible of medical (mainly patho) information. Googling things sends one to a land of indirect results, sensory overload, and often conflicting information, it can be really hard to get a definitive answer from there. Merck Manual is a straightforward, to-the-point resource for anything medical related. Again, your library probably has this, any edition is marvelous.





















•Gray’s Anatomy is actually a real and extremely useful book, go figure. It very clearly breaks down and labels human anatomy. Patho is virtually an amped-up review of A&P, so this and Merck Manual might be useful. Hundreds of versions are available, many online formats free. Your library most likely has this as well.






















•Various lecture videos on YouTube can help. And when searching for a certain thing, follow the search with “.edu”— that will usually bring up sites in html format. I’ve found those sites to be most straightforward and easy to use.

I used Saunders and dominated the Exit HESI, which is allegedly supposed to be more difficult than the NCLEX. I loved it, it had tons of questions, and really helped me go through each system and point in the lifespan to come to logical conclusions during my test.

http://www.amazon.com/Saunders-Comprehensive-NCLEX-RN%C2%AE-Examination-Nclex-Rn/dp/1437708250/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335203614&sr=1-1

Other people will recommend Mosby's.

http://www.amazon.com/Comprehensive-Nursing-NCLEX-RN%C2%AE-Examination-Nclex-Rn/dp/0323078958/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335203661&sr=1-1

Both are supposed to be great, just make sure you get one with a CD included, otherwise you will miss out on tons of questions that are not included in the book. Good luck to your wife!

No promises, but I might be able to write up a document. Depends on how much time I got after I'm done grading these calculus papers.

EDIT: This is taking longer than I thought! I might suggest an EXCELLENT grammar book, though: Schaum's Outline of Russian Grammar by James Levine. It's amazingly comprehensive, shows tons of tables, gives example usages, has exercises with keys in the back... we're using it for my Intermediate Russian course right now, and I love it. It might be a bit overwhelming if you're just starting out, though. But even then, if you take it a bit at a time, it can be a huge help.

I'm not sure if I'll keep going with this, because I want to put so much into it (otherwise I feel I'm just rehashing what can already be found online). I'd like to put:

• A description of patterns found in declensions
  
• Logical explanations for certain features / patterns / historical artifacts that appear
  
• IPA / phonemic charts for declensions (what phonemes make up the endings?)
  
• Orthographic charts for declensions (what do these phonemes end up looking like when written?)
  
• Example declensions for all genders in each of the three declensions (this is like 6 paradigms)
  
• Example declensions for all six stress paradigms
  
• Lists of irregularities...
  
  All of this (except the IPA stuff) is featured in Levine's book, anyway. I'd honestly just recommend buying it.

I have used Ackley and Gulanick nursing care plan books. I love both. Someone linked the Ackley one already.

Here’s the Gulanick https://www.amazon.com/dp/0323428185/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_g55RBb80N8R50

Just starting nursing school in the fall, is this what you’re talking about?

Saunders https://www.amazon.com/Saunders-Comprehensive-NCLEX-PN%C2%AE-Examination-Nclex-Pn/dp/0323484883/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=DCZPCQZV9RNTKDGVX0CC

Im not sure if this is as good as the Saunders NCLEX review booklet (its literally like my bible at this point) but I found this on amazon https://www.amazon.com/LPN-Notes-Nurses-Clinical-Pocket/dp/080365796X/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=LPN&qid=1563508093&s=gateway&sr=8-2 . Maybe try getting a book like this to refresh the things you aren't confident in!

Edit: Found this one as well https://www.amazon.com/Saunders-Comprehensive-NCLEX-PN®-Examination-Nclex-Pn/dp/0323484883/ref=zg_bs_689811011_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=PYSDVTJS77C71MCQ74YP :)

the EKVR sections? is this what you're talking about?
http://www.amazon.com/Verbal-Reasoning-Mathematical-Techniques-Examkrackers/dp/1893858685

Good idea. Like I said to the other poster, I think Saunders is much too easy. Even the priority questions are very obvious. I really liked the Lippincott book. Their questions were harder and helped me more. Lippincott also has a questions book with ALL alternative format questions.

Do you have/are you allowed to use a care plan book? If so, that's going to be your best friend throughout school. Diagnoses, interventions, and rationales :)

This is the one I have:

All-in-One Nursing Care Planning Resource: Medical-Surgical, Pediatric, Maternity, and Psychiatric-Mental Health, 4e (All in One Care Planning Resource)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0323262864/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3Bz5ybF94NFWG

I used two books from amazon and since they have a great return policy I actually returned them before the date and got my money back. They were really good and some questions were the same or very similar. I searched the web and used pretty much all the free resources I could. These are the books I used:

http://www.amazon.com/Review-Manual-Version-Essential-Academic/dp/1933107987

http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-TEAS%C2%AE-Exam-Study-Guide/dp/1609710134/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=055WW2TDM7HQY188P443

I think that they were both really good books. I used a lot of online sources too but I really think the book practice tests were the best.

Out of curiosity are you applying to Samuel Merritt?

I'm using Saunders and Kaplan. I also suggest Lippincott's Q&A:
http://www.amazon.com/Lippincotts-Review-NCLEX-RN-Nclex-Rn/dp/1608311252/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

You have to give more than that. What are you having trouble with: not remembering the formulas, not knowing what formula to use, or not doing the math correctly?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1605471976/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1382241788&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70

Get this book and you should have no problem getting it down

I haven't taken the exit HESI yet, but I've taken the individual HESI exams for each course and have done really well (1200+ on most of them). I'm starting my last semester in January, so I'm almost done. This book has been really helpful--https://www.amazon.com/HESI-Comprehensive-Review-NCLEX-RN-Examination/dp/1455727520
It goes over what is most likely to be tested on and the most important concepts to remember with each topic with sections on meds and stuff, too. I feel like with the HESI you have to know what the priority is to get the question right--so, safety (often the correct answer for mental health questions), airway/circulation/bleeding, infection control--if those big important priority things are listed it's often the right answer I've found.

I only know of two organizations, MSNCB and ACCN. I did ACCN and got my RN-BC last month. I believe if you go to their website it shows a comparison between them and MSNCB. I did ACCN because it is by far the most common one at my facility. I studied with this book. I work Med/Surg so most stuff was fine, I did need to bone up on endocrine disorders. I only studied a couple weeks and passed.

I think it was this one by Lippincott

Buy the Fast Facts for critical care binder. Best small resource I've ever found:

https://smile.amazon.com/Fast-Facts-Critical-Kathy-White/dp/0983575053/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502249979&sr=8-1&keywords=fast+facts+for+critical+care

I use this clipboard for clinicals:
2019 Nursing Clipboard with Storage and Quick Access Medical References by Tribe RN - Nurse/Student Edition - Bonus Nursing Cheat Sheets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0714BQC91/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_sJjXDbFXVYYES


CAVN (2 PCS) Reusable LED Medical Penlight with Pupil Gauge for Nurses Doctors with Pocket Clip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HAXUE9G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XJjXDb76S7JNN

EMT Trauma Shears with Carabiner - Stainless Steel Bandage Scissors for Surgical, Medical & Nursing Purposes - Sharp Curved Scissor is Perfect for EMS, Doctors, Nurses, Cutting Bandages (Pink) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018OCOROU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jKjXDbJX60B3G

I use this bag for clinicals :
Laptop Backpack for Women,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JR4M81M?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

These cards for pharm:
Pharm Phlash!: Pharmacology Flash... https://www.amazon.com/dp/0803660480?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This backpack for lecture, books are HEAVY:
LAPACKER 15.6 - 17 inch Water... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017XAMPV6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

And that’s basically the sum of what I use everyday in nursing school. :)

The only one I have used and like is this one: http://www.amazon.com/RNotes%C2%AE-Nurses-Clinical-Pocket-Guide/dp/0803623135

It doesn't have psych stuff in it, though, which is the rotation I'm in now. Just some good quick notes for med/surg, peds, emergency, and OB.

I'm not sure which one you could use for psych. Good question! I love pocket guides, so if you find one, let me know.

This is it

I guess what I was asking is what semester are you on? Is this a peds final? Med-surg? Exit exam from nursing school?

Not sure if this is the one: https://www.amazon.com/Memorizing-Pharmacology-A-Relaxed-Approach/dp/B01FSR7XZO/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=. And this one is also available in audiobook by the same author: https://www.amazon.com/Goodnight-Pharm-Brand-Generic-Classifications/dp/B0716P6Y15/ref=pd_cp_129_1?. Narrator is like David Attenborough...superb!

1. medical dictionary: I have one. I've never used it
   
2. Lab Book: There is probably one on your book list. Totally get and use like crazy. I still use this.
   
3. Compression Socks: Totally up to you and what you feel you would need. Most nurses don't wear them. If you have trouble with painful feet or swelling the are totally worth it.
   
4. Clipboard with calculator: I bought one, but quickly ditched it. It's one more thing to lose and get covered in MRSA. For a calculator I bought a couple for $1 that served me just fine for all I needed it for.
   
5. Lunchbox: Nice to have if you plan on packing lunches.
   6: Flash Cards: Totally not necessary.
   
   Two things I would suggest are Davis Drug Book for Nurses 2014 and RNotes

I dunno if I'm allowed to link, but I'll try it anyways as I'm on mobile and too lazy.
Best thing I ever did for CARS was read this old school EK book. Bottom line: read calmly, slowly, and deliberately, and try to get excited for each passage.
And I also got the old EK 101 verbal passages book from previous exam. It's got a bunch of warmup passages and 14 of the verbal practice exams.
IMO the old verbal was way harder for timing than the new one. Questions also seem much more challenging. If you can use that to get timing down and know how to dissect the questions, even without understanding the passage, it goes a long way to improving your score and giving you confidence in tackling passages that seem unreasonably dense.
Both books are super cheap, here's the verbal and math strategies book I used, found with a quick google search on amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Verbal-Reasoning-Mathematical-Techniques-Examkrackers/dp/1893858685

I swear you can improve. Timing should come first before you resort to any whack strategies. Anyways, as with all things, take my advice with a grain of salt. But those two resources I personally found invaluable.
Try not to be too disheartened. Just make sure to try to tackle the problem from a new angle since your first method didn't seem to suit you. Good luck

I borrowed this from the library, and worked through it twice, plus the official book. (Library since you dont need to keep them)
I did quite well on my TEAS and start school in the fall.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1609710134/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687542&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=1933107987&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0YEMC4VVFB21W19RG6X8

Pharm Phlash! Pharmacology cards are great! These are helping me with my pharmacology class and provide a lot of information on them. These cards are sorted by brain, endocrine, muscle, etc then from there have an index where you can look up the drug. It also gives you the trade, generic, and Canadian name too. Gives you doses, routes, and adverse effects.

Pharm Phlash!: Pharmacology Flash Cards https://www.amazon.com/dp/0803660480/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_urEZCbSX8K39R

Fast Facts for Critical Care https://www.amazon.com/dp/0983575053/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_76gODb67X5FTZ

31.28

You are tricky, tricky!

This review book is saving my class's collective tuchus. Seriously. One class told the next. Then administration got wind of it. Now it's in the book bundle for the incoming students.

My school had us buy the Swearingen All in One and it was beyond useless. I ended up getting a copy of the Ackley & Ladwig book, and it was really useful to me. I see not everyone agrees with that, but I guess everything is YMMV. What I like about A&L is that the front half of the book is a list of conditions with possible nursing dx (i.e. you might look up "cystic fibrosis" and find dxes of ineffective airway clearance, impaired gas exchange, etc.) and then the back of the book was just nursing diagnoses in alphabetical order, with indications, outcomes, and interventions. So if you had looked up CF in the front of the book and wanted to write a care plan about ineffective airway clearance, you'd flip to the ineffective airway clearance section in the back and just pick out however many interventions you need.

Edit: a word

Freberg's Discovering Behavioral Neuroscience will give you a solid framework for basic biological psychology, including ligand-receptor theory. The other two books hit the ground running in that respect.

For basic pharmacology, I really liked Lehne's Pharmacology for Nursing Care. Don't let the nursing aspect deter you. For one thing, the nursing process is an invaluable perspective. For another, it's a fantastic pharma reference.

You're way better off getting something like this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jung-Key-Ideas-Teach-Yourself/dp/1444103296/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527626108&sr=8-1&keywords=jung+the+key+ideas

And then a general overall pharmacological textbook, maybe something like this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Introduction-Pharmacology-Mary-Asperheim-Favaro/dp/1437717063

or

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Principles-Pharmacology-Pathophysiologic-Basis-Therapy/dp/1608312704

Read. A. Book. A secondary metabolite is a compound synthesized by an organism that is not directly involved in its growth/reproduction. Psilocybin, for example, is a secondary metabolite (I shouldn't have to source such basic knowledge, but here it is). Seriously bud, you're completely out of your league here. Time to admit when you're wrong.

I'd love to see a source for that sub-threshold dose of baeocystin comment btw. Keep in mind these were just two examples off the top of my head. There are plenty more.