Any advice for newRNstudent

altomga, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, APRN · Jun 11, 2003

First of all...CONGRATULATIONS:balloons: Advice? HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Well, be proud of yourself first off for getting accepted!

That is a huge feat in itself.

Next...pay attention in class, ask questions..no matter HOW STUPID you think they are!!

Get into a study group..that way you can bounce the info off each other!

Don't forget to take time for yourself! Nursing school is stressful and you WILL need to unwind and relax..it will help you in the long run...

There are sooo many great websites out there..THIS ONE ESPECIALLY....

Post any questions or problems here on the student forum....and general discussion too:)

As much as you will want to..don't jump to far in to the stuff you don't understand yet...yes I know it's interesting, but sometimes it will only end up confusing you with the stuff you are trying to learn....(not to say don't look at what interests you..know what I mean?)

There are a lot of great books for students..one I had was for careplans..it helped me a lot (that was awhile ago though)..go to the school bookstore, local bookstore, library..you will find a wealth of resources....

Load up on lots of sticky notes and highlighters:D

Wish I could help more....Good luck and be PROUD!

redwinggirlie · Jun 11, 2003

If you have your list of textbooks you need for your first semester, check to see if they're available used on-line. I got mine through amazon.com.

Also, get some looseleaf binders and make yourself some sort of filing system for your notes. Save them all as you will refer to them A LOT.

Meet with your advisor a couple of times a semester and establish a rapport with your instructors. They love questions and often complain students don't use them as a resource as often as they should.

Keep your studies within the limits of what you are currently discussing in class. It's great to read journals for the latest in nursing, but that's not where you need to be right now. I would recommend that you take a peek at an NCLEX study manual to learn how to decipher questions as instructors use the same type of principles in their exam questions. It's helpful to learn how to do this, but FIRST, know the material.....If you can, limit your work hours. Devote as much time to your studies as you possibly can. Pile all your reference materials in a bookshelf next to your study area, which should be a special place that you can leave your papers and books on safely. You're going to be spending a lot of time here, so personalize it to fit your needs. Oh, I used one of those dry erase boards to jot down lab values, etc. for things i was having a hard time digesting. That way it was always posted for quick review. And like the previous poster, ask questions. I'm so glad to know you got all your prereq's out of the way. It will make a difference. Good luck!

Zinnia · Jun 11, 2003

You get out of nursing school what you put into it.

Study groups excellent,tutoring a slower student is the best way to get it all into your head.

And when you get to the floors..volunteer to see everything! Ask what is going on, how can you help? Can I observe you put in the catheter? etc.

MidwifeWannaB · Jun 11, 2003

I just finished my first semester, and I found that because I was really enjoying myself, it was not as difficult as I thought it would be. The best advice I can give you is to make friends with your classmates. You will be with this same group of people for at least 2 years, and will share more with them than you will your own family. Actually, I have already begun to think of the other 28 people in that classroom as my family! Get close to them, go out on the weekends, drink Fuzzy Navels... Just have fun and don't completely forfeit your social life--you'll need the release every so often, believe me.

Good luck, and God bless!

:nurse:

aimee

cna on her way · Jun 11, 2003

Congradulations first off and good luck. I agree with everyone to find a study group. You can really help each other out on the rough stuff. I think that if you enjoy what you are studying it won't be that hard. Hey, what part of WVa are you from newRNstudent? I was born and raised in McDowell county and now my parents are in Bluefield. Anyhow, I'm here in NC now and have been for 10 years. I hope to be in a program this fall as well so maybe we can help each other out.

newRNstudent · Jun 11, 2003

Thanks so much for all of your suggestions!!! I had no idea that a website could help me so much. I have several friends that are new students too and I am going to highly recommend this site to them. To cnaonherway, I am in Boone Co. WV and will be attending school in Logan Co. with clinicals in Logan and Mingo Counties. Thanks again to everyone for the information. I am sure we'll have a lot to discuss over the next few years.

fnimat1 · Jun 12, 2003

Congratulations on being accepted. I'm still waiting for my letter (which I should be getting any day now). I know how you feel, I'm very anxious but at the same time I'm very nervous. I've heard so many things about nursing school...how rigorous it is but at the same time rewarding. Being that I'm in the same situation as you the best thing I can think to tell you is to study, study, study, study and study....lol

Fatima

jschut, BSN, RN · Jun 12, 2003

Advice on books? No. Can't give you any there...

But advice on survival?

Make time for study a little EVERY night! Even if you make notes on index cards and carry them with you wherever you go (I did!)

When you are starting to feel burned out...take some time for yourself. Do something for JUST YOU!

Remember that your instructors are there to help you. PLEASE don't be afraid to ask questions!

And last of all....relax and try not to stress....

Good Luck!

Julie :)

Gotzfaith · Jun 12, 2003

I have to agree with everyone else here..

BE ORGANIZED - three ring binders work great!!

avoid burn out- find some time even if a few minutes to have a chat with a friend, take a hot bath anything that allows you to relax.

For my studies, I have found that the buddy system works best. I have found too much gabbing and not enough studying with large groups. I am going thru the ADN program with a very precious friend, we get along well and have the same goals. The good thing about her is, where I am weak she is strong, and vice versa for me. I have 20 years of nursing experience so my clinical skills are strong. She has been a surgical tech for just over a year. Our spouses have come to understand that studies will come first so we will be seeing more of each other and our fellow students than we will our own families. LOL I can't wait for classes to start, August will be here soon!

rosemadder · Jun 15, 2003

Originally posted by NurseChic81
I just finished my first semester, and I found that because I was really enjoying myself, it was not as difficult as I thought it would be.

I felt this way too after my first semester--so when second semester rolled around I was knocked for a loop. That is when it got really really hard and nightmarish! Schools are all different but don't get too complacent (like I did) or you will be caught off guard. I did make it through--but 2nd semester was more like what I thought nursing school would really be like (and worse)

Good luck everyone!

essarge · Jun 16, 2003

I always make this suggestion to new students coming into our program. I suggest that they get the books they will need ASAP and just read them. They might not make any sense right now but will give you a head start before the actual school starts.

I did this and, even though they didn't make sense, when I attended lecture it was much easier to retain and make sense out of things.

Hope this helps.