Get ready for nursing school?

llg, PhD, RN · Apr 30, 2003

I think the best thing you can do for yourself is to take your studies seriously, do the best you can, and get the most out of each course you take. Too many people take their prerequisite courses too lightly. Take care of yourself physically and emotionally and learn as much as you can -- taking one step at a time.

Good luck,

llg

SC RN, RN · Apr 30, 2003

I finished all of my pre-reqs last semester and so I spend this semester taking Medical Terminology to refresh my vocab before starting the Nursing program in the fall. I figure it can't hurt to already know most of the terms ... one less thing to learn!

To keep myself expanding my knowledge base, I read this website all of the time and follow the links given to explore on my own. I read books, fiction and non-fiction, about the nursing field. I watch all the shows on medical procedures on The Learning Channel ... I love that channel!

I am also working part-time as a Nurse Tech at the local hospital ... one month there and I have learned more than I learned in the 16 weeks of my CNA class. It's amazing what you can pick up from other nurses ... and if you tell people that you want to learn, they'll help you!

Good Luck!

love4neos · Apr 30, 2003

A medical terminology course is one of the best things you can do. It will help SO much in nsg school. Absorb as much as you can. You will need it all!!

USA987, MSN, RN, NP · May 1, 2003

I agree with love4neos.

Especially know those medical prefixes and suffixes. If you have a good basis in them you can figure out almost any of those crazy words.

For some leisure reading pick up a book or two by Echo Heron. "Intensive Care" is a good one--where she is actually writing about going through nursing school and my favorite is "Condition Critical". I also highly recommend just reading something that you've always wanted to read...once you start the nursing program you won't have time for anything else!

Best Wishes

Jennerizer, ASN, RN · May 1, 2003

I would recommend getting a stethoscope & a blood pressure cuff......get comfortable with taking blood pressures. I think that was something that was nervewracking for my class the first couple of weeks.....we didn't know what we were doing plus we hardly knew each other & practicing on each other was awkward. Start practicing on family & friends so that when it comes time to do it in class or for an evaluation, you won't feel nervous or lost like most of us did. Also, find a book that reviews the physical assessment.....get familiar with the terminology & the step by step process of taking a physical assessment.

I would also recommend a book specifically regarding test taking techniques for nursing classes. The questions are tricky since there can be more than one correct answer....you need to learn the critical thinking techniques of choosing which is the best answer for that specific situation. Get familiar with the way they try to word the questions to throw you off.

2ner · May 1, 2003

I just finished my pre-reqs and have been going back over everything in my a&p books and taking online tutorials for med terminology and a&p just to stay refreshed while I sit and wait through the summer. I'm also trying to get a job in the industry even if it means just being a gopher to gain a little more experience and get a chance to see how everything works. There are tons of resources (ie tutorials) on the internet.

Thank goodness there are sites like this one out there

Good luck!

Here are a couple of a&p links that I have been spending alot time at(they may already be on this site, but here they are again...)

http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0070272468/student_view0/

http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/esp/2002_general/Esp/default.htm

marilynmom, LPN, NP · May 1, 2003

Great ideas for is pre-nursing majors. I am still doing my BSN pre-reqs as well. I have really enjoyed Echo Herons books. Also someone above said "Also, find a book that reviews the physical assessment.....get familiar with the terminology & the step by step process of taking a physical assessment. "

Can anyone recomend a book like that for pre-nursing students?

Marilyn

Bonnie Blue · May 2, 2003

I picked up this pocket one and have found it to be really good.

"Practical Guide to health assessment through the lifespan." Mildred Hogstel and Linda Curry. This book covers taking a history and doing a physical assessment for newborns through seniors.

marilynmom, LPN, NP · May 2, 2003

Thanks

Marilyn

Cheryle · May 2, 2003

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to thank you so much for all the great ideas and input. I think this thread will benefit other soon to be students as well.

Thanks again

GraceyB · May 2, 2003

Cheryle,

I'm starting my prerequisites this summer. I am so happy but nervous as well. This is a good post. I am taking a CNA class right now to be able to work until I am in the nursing program. Since I've been reading this post for months, I know some things that are being said in class and recognize some of the vocabulary.