Much actually.
- Working is possible, though I would recommend against it the senior year unless you are really good at pushing all other things in life aside.. family, fun, sleep, etc. It's certainly doable though. I did it.
- listen to everything said by everyone, everything counts and anything can be on an exam. Nothing kills me more than the student that is constantly asking "is that going to be on the exam?"
- Leave any over sensitive side at the door. There were several that were very sensitive to critique and took things hard from time to time. Everything faculty does and says with you is to make you a better nurse, never forget that. Always be asking yourself "why am I doing this and is it safe and appropriate."
- Push yourself. Once it's over you're on your own in a matter of spreaking. Get in as many challenging things as you can during your rotations.. jump at the opportunity to do anything you are offered.
- Reading the texts helps.. I didn't do a lot of reading the first year, but I did plenty the second year.
- Get one or two really good NCLEX books and browse through them from time to time from the start. I recommend a book for the first year that breaks things down by topic.. it WILL help you on exams.
- Get different perspectives on things. Don't read ONLY the handouts and texts... reference other books.. if there's something you don't get when you're studying, access the internet.. just be sure it's a reputable source.
- Do NOT buy into the rumor mill about anything or anyone. So much gets thrown around about test formats, faculty, material, paper writing.
A few quick facts: the "harder" and "meaner" faculty (or so some say) are the ones you want to pay closest attention to and hopefully get to do clinical with.. they will make you the best you can be! Some resented a lot of extras that were thrown at us, but it will only help you when NCLEX time come.. For example, they do a GREAT job covering drugs, which many other schools fall short on.
- Take time for yourself. Whether it's just going for a walk a few times a week or hitting the gym, make CERTAIN you live some part of your life still. It'll keep your brain balanced and keep you more focused when you DO sit down to study.
- Lastly -- Paper writing! Read the directions and follow them!! They provide very specific instructions for paper writing and if you follow them TO A T you will do well. I was shocked at how many people failed to do this and wrote in thier own format and got terrible grades because of it. I admit, I was guilty of this the first semester.. you learn quick though.
Stay positive and you will do great, and again, don't buy into the discouragement or bad attitudes of others.
If you ever have any questions about anything feel free to write.
-j
Originally Posted by kat von b
Congrats on graduating from STCC!!!!!!!!
I got accepted for the fall. Any words of wisdom to pass on? haha
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