Hints/Help with Microbiology.......PLEASE

[Kjhb Nurse to b]

I have managed to do all my science prereqs with out too much trouble - but have hit a wall with Micro- so bad that I have had to drop it or risk a bad grade (and then a severe drop in GPA) I don't need Micro to actually get in the ADN program I am applying for, but I will then have to take it once in the RN program. I would like to get it out of the way before the Nursing classes. Anyone have any hints, study sites, etc that might help me understand this stuff? I have a hard time working up enthusiam to learn how algae reproduce...

THANKS!

[Sheri257]

If you can not hack it, then you need to question your role as a a potential nurse. We as nurses need critical thinkers not *** wipers and *** shiners as RNs.

Charming response. The OP is asking for help and obviously working to improve the situation. Maybe you could give them a break. :angryfire

I don't worry about people who struggle in class, who try hard and are willing to work (which is what I think the OP is doing here.)

It's the people who aren't willing to work that, IMHO, will make bad nurses. You are way out of line here.

[Toby's mum]

Hang in there--just try and keep up as best you can. I agree with other members that it is a good idea to tape lectures & labs so you can go back over them. It's amazing what you can miss when you are trying to write everything down.

I try to re-write my notes the same night as the class. Then I listen to the tape and fill in my notes. (I also combine walking on the treadmill while listening to my tape player--2 birds and all that!). Then I make a 'quick sheet' of notes that briefly summarize the key points on one to two sheets per unit. This helps in review. Then I use Schaum's Microbiology Outlines --excellent help and also the textbook study guide (we use Tortora's 8th edition). I also try to do a quick review right before I turn out the light to go to sleep at night.

As for the unknown, I try to keep a separate sheet of paper where I list everything that I need to consider as the lab class goes along. That way, I'll have a reference when we need to do the unknowns. Hope this helps.

[Nurse-o-Matic]

I really agree with your point on the motivation thing. It's hard for me to learn in classes I am not interested in. There will be plenty more of these "boring yet important" classes to come by the time you complete your degree. Here are some things I've done to keep myself interested and motivated with courses I don't enjoy:

1. In class I try to sit in the front so there are less distractions

2. I commit myself to participating in discussions and asking questions at least a few times per class to stay alert

3. I commit one hour per day of reviewing the notes for the class and reward myself with a starbucks coffee at the end of the week if I have kept up

4. I try making up silly stories or mnemomics with a study buddy to make it more fun

Try making up a list that might work for you and then stick to it. I hope this helped.

[truern]

http://www.kcom.edu/faculty/chamberlain/Website/lab/Main.htm

I wish I had found this site at the beginning of my micro lab...would have saved me some major floundering :)

I can't help you with the lecture portion of micro...you just have to memorize and understand :)

Good luck..