[ladynorma]

Hi!, Yes I totally understand that concept! I just feel that some go over the deep end a little in investigating ways to find a magic potion! It is true that having more than one sourse is beneficial, because some text books suck, (sorry to use that word). I just feel that if we really concentrate on learning rather than memmorizing(which I am not suggesting that you do!), we can learn by finding good sources if our text book doesn't cust the mustard. I just see some of my fellow students spending lots of money on study gujides and equipment and they are not making better grades as a result. I have been tempted to buy every book I can find at Barnes and Noble, and I have bought a few, but I can honestly say, I probably use one! Yes. you are right, I did not really explain myself very well. We shoud find material that we can "relate to", it is just that it seems that some of us may spend too much time finding the "short-cut", when we could be using that time to "psyche ourselves out" into being interested in the subject at hand and really concentrate on learning it! But, oh how I know, that can be easier said than done!!!!!!!!We all have our own interests, some of us find it easy to study Cardiology, some of us are more geered toward pediatrics, etc.., I just think that sometimes we go too far trying to find a magical solution to learning something that we may find a bit tedious.! Talk witch u soon!

Originally Posted by Fun2Care

My thought is not "short cut". I like to see things, or read things different ways.

If I don't totally understand one book, seeing it explained in another may do the trick.

As for study guides, I bought one for A&P, but kept forgetting I actually bought it. lol

BUT.....I think they are a good thing. The more I can practice questions, etc, the better I learn the material.

I can understand about the electronic devices.....told myself I didn't need an electronic stethoscope, even though they look cool!

No, really, I love electronics....I like to have material items to show what I did with my money, instead of wasting it on "nothing". As far as a PDA, I've wanted one for a long time, nursing school is just my excuse to get one. hahaha

(Some schools actually require a PDA, so they can't be that useless to a student.)

[ladynorma]

By the way, those of you who are looking for a good site for EKG reading, check out "urbanhealth.udmercy.edu/ekg/learn"!

[curlyfries]

I've found several books related to nursing in my local public library and they're FREE!

[belabelisa]

Another thing for the girls to get for nursing school...

A few pretty and modest sets of undies that you won't be embarrassed to wear in front of your lab parter.

[Fun2Care]

Originally Posted by belabelisa

Another thing for the girls to get for nursing school...

A few pretty and modest sets of undies that you won't be embarrassed to wear in front of your lab parter.

Oh yes, I've already thought about having to shop for granny panties! (not to offend anyone..lol)

maybe I can get some of those cute boy shorts to wear instead.... hahahahahaha

[caramelotee]

I have a problem i am in nursing school and my professor is a wonderful PERSON, but isn't a good teacher. For her class we need 3 books, the actual nursing book, medical terminology and the dosage calculations. She does not teach medical terminology she said we must read that at home, she does not teach the dosage calculations, she breifly goes over it and says to go to the learning center if we have problems all she does is lecture about nursing which i feel those two topics are vital in nursing too. I go home and i read alot so I wont be lost in the lecture and i study the terminology alot, but for the people that cant pronounce these words b/c it is in (latin)should be taught. What should i do?

[cardiacRN2006]

Originally Posted by caramelotee

I have a problem i am in nursing school and my professor is a wonderful PERSON, but isn't a good teacher. For her class we need 3 books, the actual nursing book, medical terminology and the dosage calculations. She does not teach medical terminology she said we must read that at home, she does not teach the dosage calculations, she breifly goes over it and says to go to the learning center if we have problems all she does is lecture about nursing which i feel those two topics are vital in nursing too. I go home and i read alot so I wont be lost in the lecture and i study the terminology alot, but for the people that cant pronounce these words b/c it is in (latin)should be taught. What should i do?

Most schools don't tech med terminology or drug calc (none in my town do). This is something you are expected to learn on your own. In fact, I have a math test on the first day of school every semester that I am required to figure out on my own--that is pretty standard. Your teacher is probably a good teacher-if you need extra help then speak to her outside of class. I'm sure she wont mind helping you out.

[Califlower]

What I found in nursing school is that your fellow students are your number one support group. Butt heads with them and study together! Check out other resources such as tutoring, or perhaps the library to see if they have additional references available on the topic. My school has an extensive collection of nursing videos (procedures mostly), and they are a great resource.

[sharuzi22]

I absolutely cannot live without my computer! It not only aids me in the fact that I can do a quick search for anything that I may be having problems understanding but it is also there to just help me relax by playing a quick game to break up the monotony of all that studying. Here are a few other things:
Lots of three ring binders-----lots - you'll need them for notes-which are great to keep for future reference
alot of printer ink(black) and printer paper - of course
my trusty hole puncher
a small stapler
a TON of highlighters (which, if u go to career fairs u can get 4 free-nice!)
pants with pockets for clinicals
a sphygmomanometer ( blood pressure cuff) the school doesn't always have enough
a good stethescope
really good shoes - I like Rockers, by Cherokee, they are soooo comfy
a good sturdy bookcase - to keep all of those gigantic books close at hand
lots of black pens and #2 pencils with erasers
lots of ntoebooks and also a few of the really small ones to bring to clinicals
nail file and nail clippers - so u don't get sent home from clinicals
An up to date drug guide - some come with great CD ROMS!

make friends with your fellow students, you may not realize it now, but u are stuck with these people for at least the next 2 years, get to know them and organize study groups - they are very helpful

Hope it helps!

[caramelotee]

Originally Posted by rn2be2006

I have been going through all these posts to find what items are the best things to have for nursing school. The posts are all scattered so I thought I would start a post that will contain all the info for the new incoming students.

I would like to know what I should spend my money on when it comes to study guides, NCLEX review books, NET review books, best nursing shoes (without a logo), stethescope, misc nursing items you have to have, etc. Any new students/senior students/graduate nurses have any info they can share? What were the items you couldn't live without???

Thanks for your input!

everything you said about having is true, I would also recommend a binder seperate from the one you WRITE your notes in to hold all of the hand out notes your professor may give you and save them for future references. As far as clinicals most definetly make sure you read before you go so you wont be lost and make sure everything your professor warned you about is always in tact, to avoid and early dismissals for you (personal experience) lol such as the length of your nails proper dress, and anything else your suppose to have on you. Most of all, aside from the material and required things, you need to have faith, energy, concentration, motivation and determination and everything will fall into place. This is a journey you are not on alone alot of other people are going through it also including me, so just dont give up even when it gets harder than youll ever imagine
hope i helped