Best Nursing Reference Books of 2026

The HESI A2 Secrets Study Guide by Mometrix Test Preparation is a comprehensive review book designed to help students pass the Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment Exam. The book covers all sections of the exam, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Professional Practice, and Testing. It includes practice test questions, step-by-step video tutorials, and tips and strategies to improve test performance. The guide is well-organized and easy to follow, making it an excellent resource for anyone preparing for the HESI A2 exam.

This concise 6-page chart by Barcharts Inc covers all the essential aspects of medical terminology and its application in the medical field. It provides a comprehensive guide on the foundation of medical words, the human body, terminology sets, synonyms, and a glossary. Medical Terminology: The Basics (Quick Study Academic) is a must-have for medical students, professionals, and anyone interested in the medical field. The chart is well-organized, easy to read, and provides a wealth of information in a compact format. It is an excellent reference tool for anyone who wants to improve their understanding of medical terminology.

Mosby's 2023 Nursing Drug Reference is a reliable drug handbook for nurses with over 5,000 drugs that are profiled, including 35 new entries for recently FDA-approved drugs. The book's emphasis on patient safety sets it apart from other drug guides, featuring Black Box Warnings for dangerous adverse reactions and Safety Alerts for situations requiring special attention. The book is organized alphabetically by generic name and includes pharmacokinetic information, drug categories, and IV drug administration instructions. Overall, this book is an essential reference for nurses who want to ensure patient safety when administering drugs.

CCM Certification Made Easy is a comprehensive and concise review book designed to help case managers pass the Certified Case Manager Exam. The 3rd edition includes recent updates to the exam blueprint and has added practice questions to aid in exam preparation. The book also provides clear summaries of every subdomain covered in the exam. The inclusion of a complete practice test with detailed explanations makes this book an indispensable tool for passing the CCM Exam. Overall, CCM Certification Made Easy is an excellent resource for anyone looking to become a certified case manager.

Lehne's Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nurses and Physician Assistants, 2nd Edition is a comprehensive guide for safe and effective prescribing. The book provides foundational content for new prescribers, with a sharp focus on pharmacotherapeutic decision-making. The second edition features new chapters on Genetic and Genomic Considerations, Muscarinic Antagonists and Immunomodulators, and updated content throughout. The book is tailored to the specific needs of prescribers and addresses primary care drugs first in each chapter. Integrated coverage of Canadian trade names and interprofessional collaboration makes this book unique. Overall, it's an essential guide for advanced practice nursing and Physician Assistant students to become safe and effective prescribers.

Burns' Pediatric Primary Care is a comprehensive textbook that covers all aspects of primary care pediatrics, from infancy to adolescence. Written from the unique perspective of a Nurse Practitioner, the book emphasizes both prevention and management of health conditions. The 7th edition includes updated content reflecting the latest research, protocols, and guidelines, as well as nine new chapters and revised units. The book is organized into four parts, covering global pediatric health, child development, health promotion and management, and disease management. Overall, Burns' Pediatric Primary Care is an invaluable resource for nurses and healthcare providers seeking a strong foundation in children's primary care.

Saunders 2022-2023 Clinical Judgment and Test-Taking Strategies is an essential resource for nursing students preparing for exams. Written by leading NCLEX experts, Linda Anne and Angela Silvestri, the book provides practical tips and realistic practice to help students overcome test anxiety, develop study skills, and improve test scores. The book includes 1,200 practice questions, categorized by level of cognitive ability, content area, and priority concepts, among others. It also features unique tips for nursing students and real-life strategies that have helped other students successfully complete nursing school and pass the NCLEX exam. The book's fun, full-color design and engaging visuals make it an excellent tool for visual learners. Overall, this book is a must-have for nursing students seeking to ace their exams.

The Bates' Pocket Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking (Lippincott Connect) is a trusted pocket-sized reference for medical students, PAs, pharmacy, and nursing students. The updated ninth edition provides concise, authoritative guidance on how to perform the patient interview, physical examination, and other core assessments. With an enhanced design, new content, and new student-friendly learning aids, the guide includes fully illustrated, step-by-step techniques and algorithms that provide helpful starting approaches for patients with common presenting symptoms. This book is an ideal quick-reference resource for effective information-gathering and decision-making approaches.

Primary Care: Interprofessional Collaborative Practice, 6th Edition is a comprehensive, evidence-based primary care text that provides concise yet thorough information needed in today's fast-paced, interprofessional, collaborative environment. The book covers every major adult disorder seen in the outpatient office setting and features a unique interprofessional collaborative approach with referral/consultation highlights and more. The increased emphasis on rationales for treatment recommendations, pharmacotherapeutics and drug decision-making, and diagnostic direction makes it a valuable resource for adult primary care providers. The book is highly recommended for those looking to deliver effective, truly interdisciplinary health care.

This book, Nurse Anesthesia, provides nurse anesthetists with a comprehensive guide to scientific principles and evidence-based practice. It covers a variety of topics, including pharmacology, anesthesia equipment, preoperative preparation, and the use of anesthesia for various surgical procedures. The book also includes updated information on pharmacology, drug delivery systems, and patient safety. With more than 800 full-color photos and illustrations, this book is an excellent resource for daily practice and certification preparation. The logical organization of the text and the summary tables and boxes make it easy to reference essential information. Overall, this book is an excellent reference for CRNAs and a valuable addition to any anesthesia practice.