For those current nursing students.......

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Since I won't be starting nursing school until September, I was wondering if there is anything that I could get a head start on, such as dosage calculations, memorizing medicines, anything?!

Thanks! :)

Specializes in Med/Surg.

I agree with heartsopenwide and MSU. Enjoy yourself and relax. NS is very time consuming and stressful. You may not have the time to relax and enjoy yourself until you are done.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I agree with heartsopenwide and MSU. Enjoy yourself and relax. NS is very time consuming and stressful. You may not have the time to relax and enjoy yourself until you are done.

This advice is so true... For the past few years I tried to follow my high school motto and just take it easy while making the grade. It worked for awhile but two semesters ago, my grades started to skydive, and this sem I've decided to pick up the slack and go through all the hard, hard work those of my more dedicated classmates have been going through! it makes me wish i had done more during my last summer "alive" (like take the art classes i've always wanted)...

However, it wouldn't hurt to study a bit. (and it may often definitely help) if you're worried about the meds, you could start by learning all about drugs you and your family have encountered. you could also try to ask what books the program uses so you can read a bit about the very basics.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks!! I am taking A&P this semester and A&P 2, spring semester, they are actually co-reqs. for my school, but I wanted them out of the way! I will during the summer absolutely buy a drug book and start the dosage calculations! Thank you! I will also spend some time with my family, I know that this will be long 2 years!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would practive dosage calculation. I practiced over the summer and I was able to get a 98 on my exam. I also did 50-75 nclex questions everyday.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

my advice would be to just relax and read a good book not related to anything in nursing at all. You won't have time for them for the next couple of years.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

FutureNurse-

What type of NCLEX questions?

Thanks! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency.

As a JR I student, I must agree with the relaxation advice. I was told "You'll have no life in nursing school." but I didn't really believe it. Oh let me tell you....YOU'LL HAVE NO LIFE. Not to scare you, just bein real. Enjoy everything to LOVE to enjoy NOW (like YESTERDAY!) cuz you won't be able to do those things while in nursing school. Its a great experience, can be fun, but more so, VERY stressful and challenging. Mentally prepare yourself, you'll do better in the long run.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB.
My advice is just to relax, have fun, and enjoy your time not in the nursing program. There isn't much you can do to prepare you for the bullshit you'll see in nursing.. Good luck!

:yeahthat: enjoy what you have got while you have got it! free time, time to see your family/friends, time to pee... cuz pretty soon that will be gone !

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, Pedi Vasc access, Paramedic serving 6 towns.

Yes there is something you could do... ENJOY YOUR TIME OFF WHILE YOU HAVE IT!!! Relax.. go on vacation.. trust me! Cause the party is over once you start.

:deadhorse

swtooth

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.

If you're really inclined to do something, I'd recommend learning the drug classifications and also getting comfortable with dosage calculations....depending on how testing is done your first semester, those two items could save you quite a bit of study time!!

But do take time for the relaxation, pjs, ice cream, videos, etc....while my first semester hasn't been all schoolwork, it hits in waves and you won't always be available for others -- take time to spend time with special people and prepare them for this possibility!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB.
Yes there is something you could do... ENJOY YOUR TIME OFF WHILE YOU HAVE IT!!! Relax.. go on vacation.. trust me! Cause the party is over once you start.

:deadhorse

swtooth

LMAO !!! you must be going to my school- thats the way I feel, especially the instructors- mine is the one with the whip!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you must study ahead (I did some!) I would recommend buying the main textbook they use- ours is Fundamentals of Nursing.

If I had to do it over I would have studied the following:

Fluids & Electrolytes (hardest to learn for me)

Acid-base

Health Assessment

Nursing Process (and critical thinking)

Documentation and reporting-

Also start to learn the nursing diagnoses and care plans- you will use this every single day!

Always a good idea to get a study guide for your books if there is one offered. These have helped me out A LOT!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment