Med/Surg Success tips....

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Just got my schedule and I found out I have one of the harder professors for med/surg 1. I already emailed her asking for tips for success but what can you guys offer? I already own the Saunders NCLEX review book and a really good Pathophysiology book. What are some good tips for passing this monster of a class?

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I love the Saunders review book.. It is definitely helpful!!!

Basically in my opinion you just have to break it down. Take your time with it. I read the chapters before the lecture. Take notes during lecture then make my own notes later with notes, slides, and book in hand. I look it all over, 1 disease at a time and just break it down. The symptoms, the cause, complications, treatment, etc.. Ask yourself Why?? Why would you see these symptoms? Why would these complications occur, how do the medications or other treatments help? If you understand the why that's half the battle. If you're having trouble with the Why then go back to the A+P and pathophys... Once I have a handle on it all then I go through and I do as many review questions as I can! And make sure to read the rationales in her book too :):) Good luck!

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read, review books, and lots of PRAYER.

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Here's my tip: Don't think about it as a "monster of a class" or that you "have one of the harder professors." That language is intimidating and practically invites you struggle or even fail.

Simply focus on each topic and each week as it comes. Be very diligent. Work to connect with your teacher.

FWIW, we actually switched M/S teachers mid-way through our course, to someone who had a fearsome reputation. I have to admit that she was more demanding and quite intimidating but she was a fount of nursing knowledge and experience and from her, much I learned. I also walked away from her class confident that I could handle any other rotation (and I did) and that I was fully capable of being an excellent nurse (and I think I'm progressing well in my professional practice).

Rid yourself of the escalating language (it can easily morph into self-defeating language). I'm a big believer in the idea that we are who we tell ourselves that we are and that we live up (and down) to our own expectations of ourselves.

Go forth and conquer.

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