Hello,

I am in need of some advice. I just started nursing school in Northern California, and am not sure how to study for my class which is Nursiing Fundamentals. Our instructor has given us a outline for the first unit. I read the chapters and going over the outline, but don't know excactly what to study!!

Can someone out there give me some pointers?!

Any help is much appreciate.

I actually skipped most of the reading in Fundamentals (read only for clarification of a topic) and instead focused on the info in the boxes - nursing interventions, patient education, nursing diagnoses, etc. Those were usually key pieces for being able to understand what the exam questions were looking for.

I also liked the Reviews & Rationales book for Fundamentals. It's hard to use those big NCLEX review books so early on, because you just don't have the knowedge base yet.

A good study group never hurts either!

Do the readings, practice the skills, and make sure you understand the concepts. It's the same as studying for any other class.

Hello,

I am in need of some advice. I just started nursing school in Northern California, and am not sure how to study for my class which is Nursiing Fundamentals. Our instructor has given us a outline for the first unit. I read the chapters and going over the outline, but don't know excactly what to study!!

Can someone out there give me some pointers?!

Any help is much appreciate.

On a piece of paper (for each disease/problem/etc) write out the following:

Problem/issue (example low respiratory rate)

What causes it

What are the signs and symptoms of having a low respiratory rate (normal range is 12 to 20 per minute)

What can be done to fix/improve low respiratory rates? (give oxygen? sit them up so breathing is easier? Give medications?)

MOST IMPORTANTLY.....when you ask each one of these questions (as you are writing out your notes)...always give your reason for why it makes sense. You'll understand it instead of just memorizing it.

Hope this helps!

Hi,

Don't fret! Doing this can only hurt you, not help. I always look at the syllbus, specifically the objectives of the course. Do the assigned readings, as well as what the professor is asking of you. If the syllabus is not clear, don't be afraid to inquire w.your professor. This is also why s/he is there, to answer your questions. I know it can be difficult, because everyone learns differently, but it is VERY important that you ask your professor about her/his testing, (from the book/from notes/both). It's even MORE important that you understand the course objectives for this is what you need to understand upon completion of the course in order to pass. Getting there is your responsibility. Asking for help from your professor now instead of way into the semester is also part of it. In the past I've noticed that I tried so hard to do well that I actually end up not doing so well. I had spent the time hyped up trying to take everything in, however this is impossible. Relaxing, taking a deep breath, & focusing on your learning style will do it. Find out what your professor expects of you & apply your learning style to it! You can do it!