Books, Reading, Studying for Nursing 1

totallytheresa · Jul 8, 2004

Hi! If you did well in your pre-req's you should be ok.. just use those same study methods now. What I did was look at the syllabus to see just what we were expected to know, and used that as a guide to how in depth I went in the reading. Of course I had to read it all, but at least I knew what I should highlight and not zone out on. I also found it helpful to take the chapter quizzes at the end of each chapter. Wow- 17 books!!!! That's a lot. I think I would maybe just enjoy the summer, and not worry about getting started on the reading unless you really want to, since you're not really sure in what order they will have you read, etc. Good luck!!

mariedoreen · Jul 8, 2004

Hi Everyone
I got my books last night, well most of them, I am still waiting on 2 more to come into the book store. Kind of exciting yet overwhelming, 17 books is A LOT of reading:uhoh21:
We have between 5-8 chapters to read each week. How have you attacked the reading? do you take notes while reading? or do you just read HOPING that some information goes in? We have our reading list, do I start now(classes start Sept 2) or should I wait?
I am COMPLETELY OVERWHELMED anyone have advice.
I have done EXTREMELY well in my pre req classes, so I know I can do this, I just done know how to attack all the reading.
Thanks for any and ALL advice
Denise

Well I'll probably get flamed for this, but when I have a ton of reading and retention is essential I make notes as I read, but I do them IN my book. I highlight and write in the margins. By the time I'm done with a chapter you can definitely tell I've been there and there's no selling any of the books, no one would want them after I've had 'em! I know other students who are just appalled at the way I can mark up my books, but it really increased my ability to focus on my reading as well as the amount of info retained. During exams I could often "visualize" a certain passage from the book and remember the notes I'd put there... great help for answering the questions...

Berta · Jul 8, 2004

Wow, 17 books!! I would read the first few chapters in each book. You will probably get a syllabus (sp?) that will list the chapters for you to read. If your school is like mine, you will not be reading the chapters in order. The instructors jump around from chapter to chapter or just a few pages here & a few pages there. The best advice I can give you is read the summary at the end of the chapter first, then read the chapter, lastly answer any questions at the end of the chapter. Many textbooks now have CD's at the end of the book. I found these to be really helpful when studying.

Now having said that.....I and my classmates found was that reading the assigned chapters of the wasn't always possible. Its just to much material. What was essential was rereading and studying your class notes and handouts. If you are forced with only being able to do one or the other, chose reading class notes. (The majority of the A students in my class read notes only, no textbook.)

Good luck and be sure to enjoy your summer!!!Berta

fnimat1 · Jul 8, 2004

One of the instructors at my orientation told us that there are study questions for each chapter that we will be covering in the syllabus. After reading/reviewing the required assignments, answer the question and bring them to class...that way we will be very prepared for lecture, etc. It's really a matter of being organized. Now how to get organized, I'm still working out the kinks...lol. I'm going to go and purchase the 300 page syllabus on Monday, to see what I'll have to deal with. We do have 2 assignments already, they are due when we come back for our 2nd and 3rd orientation days on Sept. 1st and 2nd. And in those assignments, we have to read from 5 books.... :coollook:

Fatima

jschut, BSN, RN · Jul 8, 2004

Well I'll probably get flamed for this, but when I have a ton of reading and retention is essential I make notes as I read, but I do them IN my book. I highlight and write in the margins. By the time I'm done with a chapter you can definitely tell I've been there and there's no selling any of the books, no one would want them after I've had 'em! I know other students who are just appalled at the way I can mark up my books, but it really increased my ability to focus on my reading as well as the amount of info retained. During exams I could often "visualize" a certain passage from the book and remember the notes I'd put there... great help for answering the questions...

I do the very same thing and know alot of other students who do too! So, if you are flamed, we all are flamed! LOL! :rotfl:

Altra, BSN, RN · Jul 8, 2004

I agree, MarieDoreen & JulieLPN ... books are TOOLS for you to USE. Use 'em however works best for you!

To the OP - I wouldn't get carried away reading for now. The intro chapters of your nursing basics/fundamentals book might be helpful. But many of the others will be used piecemeal throughout your nursing program.

I have a complete health assessment & care plans for 6 nursing diagnoses, and 5 more chapters on GI to read for a test next Friday ... any takers??? :rolleyes: :chuckle

Those of you who still have a summer left -- please enjoy it! I'll live vicariously through you all!