Using Prereq's

Nurses General Nursing

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To all experienced nurses...

I am just wondering how much you use certain prereq's. I have received A's in all my prereq's except algebra, but I don't feel like I really "know" about most of it.

We moved through microbiology so fast... I tested well, but don't feel like I've retained much. Do you use all that info about Krebs cycles much?

In A&P we are required to memorize diagrams from the book but never lectured on them. I'm not good at memorizing anyway so this is very hard and takes lots of time. I have to read lots to understand why things are certain places and how they work. Our next one is on neurons, nerves and senses... 285 spaces to name. Will I use this info?

Also, biochem... I'm doing well but don't understand it really. How is it used on a med/surg floor?

I'm just wondering how I can enhance my learning to make sure that I know what I need to... or relax, knowing that I won't really use some stuff.

Thanks!

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Okay, so I guess no one can relate to this.

Really, I have been very afraid that I don't know what I will need to know and was hoping that someone could fill me in on how they use their prereq's in their jobs.

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Specializes in MS Home Health.

I think you do use it. In the end when your done with most of your schooling this light bulb goes on and you can suddenly see how everything fits and how to practice. I know I used it alot in my BS and MS programs. I think when your a student your like a sponge soaking up fact after fact but having little time to tie things all together till your done or close to done. My nursing instructors told us one day it just hits you WHAM one day. Does that make sense? I guess your so busy doing class after class you have little time to apply things. I learned so much more detail about things in my BS/MS program. Does that help?

renerian

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Corrections.

Well some of the classes I hardly use any other the info. Microbiology it was interesting to learn how to stain things and find out how they decide what kind of microorganism it is. A& P is very important cause you use all the stuff in that when you are working....you need to know where the muscles and ligaments are and how the human body works.

Your math class helps with dosages and drip rates for your IV's. There wasn't a lot that my prereq. classes taught me but you have to take them for the board of education and state nursing boards.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Corrections.

Sorry please disregard the last post as I am not really awake and thought I knew what I was saying but when I went to delete my message they said that I couldn't. So just forget the one above this.....having a brain fart.

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Yes, that does help. I have just been anxious that I won't be able to retain what I have learned. It seems that I put so much in, but yet when I read these boards there is still waaaaayyyy much more to learn. I don't know how much this old brain can handle!

I start an accelerated BSN in the fall and want to be ready!

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I know what you mean Sandy, I've been pushing full steam ahead memorizing one theory...to the next bone... to the next nerve...to the next Fick's law to the next organism........on and on for the last three semester trying to cram it all in. Getting straight A's through them all but forgetting the details so rapidly it seems. I start an accelerated program myself in June and am really frightened that I won't be able to remember everything that I've learned!!!! I don't even remember half the bones I used to rattle off to my husband!! I wonder if I too am being too hard on myself, or maybe second-career (older) students worry more?:o ??? I guess we'll just have to wait and see where we are at when we start nursing classes..yikes.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

You guys are doing well. Just saying the Krebs cycle makes my palms sweaty!!! But, you do need to have a solid pathophysiology background so that you understand the WHY of things. Good luck...judi

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Specializes in NICU.

On the NICU, I use algebra, chemistry, microbiology, anatomy, and physiology in various forms on a regular basis. :>) I even use my horrible Spanish from time to time. I use information I got from Social Ethics a LOT, psychology/sociology, and Cultural Considerations (this was a req here) more times than I can count. I never thought I'd use all of this as much as I do, actually. Never needed the Krebs cycle, but the rest of it has actually come in handy and helped me to see the bigger picture. A really excellent nurse, IMHO, not only knows the how's but the why's as well. Good luck in school! Consider Krebs your pre-nursing hazing ritual. Suffer through and win the right to laugh at others after you've joined the ranks. ;>)

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Kristi,

Your post makes me know I won't want to go into NICU! Sounds like too much brain work! ;)

Thanks for all your posts!

I'll keep cramming and hope that I can pull up what I need when I need it. As of last night's study time, I can quote to you all the high spots of the olfactory receptors, retinal epithelium, and gustatory receptor cells. Sounds impressive, right?! :)

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Kristi,

That is cool. I want to work in different parts of the hospital and use all of my prerequiste. I bet Emergency rooms would give alots of practice.

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