Before starting nursing school

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This question is for nursing school students and nurses. Any recommendations or advise to those who got accepted into the nursing school on what to review, read, learn, do before the beginning of the classes? What would you do if you could go back in time? :)

My background: 21 y/o pre-nursing student with an AA degree.

Thanks in advance.

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I, as a first year nursing student having been trying to sort of read some of the textbooks that I will be using this year. I have been procrastinating so much that I would love to hear what other ideas everyone has. I have 2 weeks left before I start and I know that I need to get off my butt and do some reading...lol

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Yeah, procrastination is our enemy... I purchased medical atlas of the human body to review the names of the bones, muscles, anatomical positions and other stuff. A friend of mine, who is a nurse, gave me a pharmacology book that she used throughout nursing school, so I am going to get on it also.

I just wanted to hear others' opinions and advise... even if it's personal and only applies to you, share with us! :)

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This question is for nursing school students and nurses. Any recommendations or advise to those who got accepted into the nursing school on what to review, read, learn, do before the beginning of the classes? What would you do if you could go back in time? :)

My background: 21 y/o pre-nursing student with an AA degree.

Thanks in advance.

There are online games such as "whack-a-bone". There is a website called anatomy arcade that has some really good games (if you are that sort of person that like playing games to learn)

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Specializes in Oncology, OR, Surgical, Orthopedics.

Take it easy. Get a lot of rest. Make sure you have everything at home organized and ready to go. I was so overwhelmed my first semester, it felt like doing laundry or paying bills would put me over the edge. So if every other part of your life is easier to live, nursing school is easier.

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I agree with alwayskatiek- the biggest thing that would have helped me was to get my personal life as set as I could. If you like to cook, make some meals and freeze them :) You want to keep yourself healthy but you may not have time to cook every day. This summer I'll be making sure I get my personal stuff straightened out before I start my 3rd semester.

I reviewed A&P- especially the 'processes' (i.e. what happens when the body recognizes and infection, coagulation cascade, etc.), also review sympathetic & parasympathetic- that will really help with pharmacology.

I also got an nclex review book from the library. I wasn't trying to study the information, but rather to just get used to the questions. It isn't always "what is the right answer" but what is the *most* right answer, or what would you do first.

I would also recommed getting your books for next semester when you can as well as a copy of the syllabus and just glance over what you will be covering. Don't overwhelm yourself but just so that you have an idea of the subjects covered.

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Specializes in Telemetry, Progressive Care, Oncology.
I agree with alwayskatiek- the biggest thing that would have helped me was to get my personal life as set as I could. If you like to cook, make some meals and freeze them :) You want to keep yourself healthy but you may not have time to cook every day. This summer I'll be making sure I get my personal stuff straightened out before I start my 3rd semester.

I reviewed A&P- especially the 'processes' (i.e. what happens when the body recognizes and infection, coagulation cascade, etc.), also review sympathetic & parasympathetic- that will really help with pharmacology.

I also got an nclex review book from the library. I wasn't trying to study the information, but rather to just get used to the questions. It isn't always "what is the right answer" but what is the *most* right answer, or what would you do first.

I would also recommed getting your books for next semester when you can as well as a copy of the syllabus and just glance over what you will be covering. Don't overwhelm yourself but just so that you have an idea of the subjects covered.

Great suggestions....thanks!

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Thank you for taking your time and writing it out!

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Yanochka...other suggestion to consider:

* Go to your school's library and talk with the librarian(s) about what print and electronic sources (tutorials, Databases, APA, etc.) are available.

* Find out if the school has a specific individual dedicated to the Nursing Program (ours does...it's me!).

* Surf the web and search for www.libguides.com as there are several Nursing LibGuides set up there (email me offline and I will send you the direct link to the one I've developed).

* Discuss the Nursing assignments with your Nursing Librarian (or a Subject-Specialist Librarian) and see how they can help you.

* Get into a Study Group, or start one, and arrange for the Nursing Librarian (or a Subject-Specialist Librarian) to speak to your group about what study and research assistance is available for Nursing students.

As the Nursing Librarian for our Program (ASN, BSN, & MSN), I work with Faculty and Students who are located across five campuses via email, text, phone, and face-to-face. My office phone is rolled into my cell for better access, even on weekends, and office hours are roughly 24/7. Mine is NOT the typical Nursing Librarian (or Librarian) attitude but it is more beneficial for Faculty and Students if they have that resource, although some avail themselves of it.

Anyone else's thoughts? WSteven1

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don't do anything except sleep, read for fun, cook elaborate meals, and enjoy free time with family & friends as well as your hobbies. Seriously.

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Specializes in SICU, TICU, CVICU.

Definitely get your life in order, get car maintenance done, organize your home, bills paid, and study space neat and tidy. Then if you are really motivated learn how to take a blood pressure, and read up on the heart, s1 s2 sounds, characteristics, positioning, hand washing, medical terminology, and start on your dimensional analysis!!!! Med math is crucial and in my school we get the boot if we don't score over a 90 on first try or 100 on second try. Good luck!

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

The only thing I can say is just relax. Get things in order, like if there's something you'v been putting of to do, do it. Otherwise theres not that much to prepare just go with the process, everything will be okay :) Good Luck!

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