New Student Advice

iliel · Oct 20, 2003

organization, keep focused, sounds like your on the right track! I think all of us here run best on stress, otherwise, why would we choose nursing!!! :)

Now's a good time to learn time managment and critical thinking skills, it'll make your tests go a little easier!

Good luck!

BTW, where is the hottest place in the US, cause right now I'm wearin' shorts and a tank top and wondering if it's really Oct!

Marie Grey · Oct 20, 2003

Oh...Arizona of course! ;-) It's the same here. Shorts and tanks and hair up. And my car just broke down a few hours ago too! Walking will not be fun. :-) Today it was exactly 100 degrees. And here I was thinking that winter was already here. :-)

iliel · Oct 20, 2003

Thought So!!

rpbear · Oct 20, 2003

OK, both of you stop complaining about the heat!!! I am sitting in my sweats, with slippers and a fire going and I am still cold!! The only positive thing I can say is at least it isn't snowing yet! But we still have plenty of time for that!

As for advice for new students....

Good time management is the key.

If at all possible get out there and get some experience. As an aide, a CNA, or even a volunteer. It will help you get familiar with the way things run and interacting with patients and staff.

Also, find some other people in your situation. Those taking pre-reqs, those allready in the nursing program, or a recent graduate. You will need support and help. This board is a great place for that too!!

Good luck!

Jen2 · Oct 20, 2003

My best advice is planning. When I started back to college, I had planned what classes I would be taking every semester over the whole 4 years. This way, I could buy my used books before everyone else, and I could get a head start on the material. Try to find your learning style ASAP, and practice good study habits now. Start looking at NCLEX books. It's never too early. Good luck and congrats on deciding what you want to do at such a young age. That is so terrific.

xoxo1981 · Oct 20, 2003

Marie Grey: which AZ school are you applying to?

I go to ASU, if you have any questions I'd be happy to help :)

My only and best advice is to relax through school. Don't worry so much about everything at once, take things in stride but don't forget that your degree and the liscense is your ultimate goal. If you are still trying to apply to the program, I wouldn't worry about the NCLEX right now. Just focus on your pre-reqs and the application process.

Good luck!

Mandylpn · Oct 20, 2003

:) Marie: My advice, do it while you are young. Best of luck to you.

Marie Grey · Oct 21, 2003

xoxo 1981~

I've applied to Mesa Comm. right now for my pre-reqs. Once that is done I'm going to apply to ASU's nursing school. Since you're in that right now, what would you reccomend me studying to help my transition to there go smoothly? I have about three months until the semester starts so I figure I can get in a lot of studying, only I have no idea what exactly to study. Thanks for your help!

xoxo1981 · Oct 21, 2003

Marie Grey...

In my opinion, I don't think you can study for the classes. If you want to review, look at what classes you are taking when the semester starts and just review those classes to feel prepared. But if I were you, I would just relax and wait till the semester started. Go to class and don't forget to take notes. Everything builds on itself and it's really important to have good a good recollection of the content from previous classes. (especially pharmacology)

Good luck to you with your pre-reqs :)

Psst... don't let people scare you or stress you out about the ASU program, it's just time consuming but very do-able :)

LauraLou · Oct 21, 2003

My best suggetion is to really focus on the science courses. A&P, Micro, Chemistry are all challenging. The people I've known who haven't been accepted to nursing school were those that did poorly in science. Make flashcards, go to open lab, do whatever you can to help yourself get good grades in the science classes. A good understanding of basic algebra also really helps, especially in Chem.

Good luck!

Marie Grey · Oct 21, 2003

Thank you guys for all the advice!

LauraLou~ I've always been good in physics, but bad in chem...so I guess that's where I'll start.

Thanks to everyone for all the advice!