[MurseBobby]

hi there, I am starting an accelerated program this fall and was wondering what are some things that I could do this summer that might help with my first semester...its a BSN program that is condensed into one year...only people with a previous BA can get in...I am excited, but I am only taking 3 classes this summer so I will have some free time...

Please pm me with information.

thanks
bobby

bobby

[donster]

Moved thread to Nursing Student forums.

[natania]

I would suggest you memorize normal labs values and medical abbreviations.

[allimariee]

...and relax now, while you still can! BSN in one year? God bless your soul. I'd die from exhaustion.

[MurseBobby]

Yea, It will be a challenge, but I think I am up for it...I am gonna make sure I take good vitamins, get enough sleep, eat well and work out...keep my energy level up..etc...

[MurseBobby]

oh, and what kind of lab values and abbreviations?

[natania]

I like these:

Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health --> this has a lot of medical abbreviations listed in it, and also a good section for understanding the root meaning for lots of medical terms that would be helpful to know. Take (for example) the word amyotrophic: a = without, myo = muscle, troph = nurture

As for labs, you will need to become familiar with the normal range for common lab values, such as would be found in blood and urine tests and ABGs. I like Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference because it tells you everything you need to know about lab values and what it means when they are abnormal.

[donster]

Originally Posted by MurseBobby

Yea, It will be a challenge, but I think I am up for it...I am gonna make sure I take good vitamins, get enough sleep, eat well and work out...keep my energy level up..etc...

You'll need that energy!

I have no doubt you'll do well. Good luck to you!

[Dubah]

I think the one thing I wish someone would have told me before I started nursing school was to spend my money on review books. So get some NCLEX review books and also some med-surg/maternity review books while you still have money. IMO, I don't think knowing the lab values will be useful to you at this time.

[MurseBobby]

Thank You so much...
I just finished the medical terminology class last week and learned a lot of the roots of words and such...I bought the mosbys flash cards to review in my spare time this summer yesterday...I also bought the Barron's anatomy flash cards in order to remind me of anatomy....it was a coiuple of years ago when I took my anatomy classes..

where do you work now...not specifically, but city? From where did you graduate?