Should I get a "jump-start" studying???

Nursing Students General Students

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Hi Everyone,

I start my nursing program next month and was wondering if I should get a jump-start reading any of the material. I have been reviewing dosage calculations, but then wondered if I should wait in case there is a specific format to follow. How many of you are in a school that requires only one way of calculating doses and drip rates, etc... I have been trying to find out the easiest way for me to learn them. I have to say that I am the most nervous about this aspect of the program. Thanks for the advice! :)

Getting a jump start on dosage problems is a great idea. Start memorizing conversions. My program does require that we use the ration and proportion method.

Specializes in N/A.

We're required to read 6 chapters out of our Fundamentals book before August 22 start date. (that is once the books come in!)

From what I understand in regards to math is that we are allowed to use whatever method we desire. My friend uses the formula method D/H x Q = X. I've been practicing using that, dimensional analysis, ratios, proportions. Also memorizing conversions. It's also the part of school I'm most anxious about. But practice makes perfect. :D

For me as soon as I can get my books I was advised to do my math,lab and my medical terminology as those are work on your own type books. I hope to have 4 chapters of each done but as I'm going away in Aug I don't know if that's possible for me.

If your an independent learner, yes buy a syllabus and begin now...if not wait till your semester begins. If your good in math don't bother going over medical dosaging....its basic math and easy to learn...our school uses ratio-proportion...can't get any easier than that. :)

Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

I don't think it could hurt but if I was you I would make sure I have the syllabus because in a lot of my classes chapters are skipped and I don't think one class so far has went in order. If you do have it it never hurts to be a step ahead because once classes start it always seem to be rush rush rush.:yawn:

we are also required to read about 33 chapters in the fundamentals of nursing text......before we start the program. Advisors stated that those who don't read fall quickly behind and usually wind up failing out of the program....good luck...I didn't start my reading yet!

We won't have our syllabus until the first day of class but as a busy mom I have to get a jump on things. I purchased nursing fundamentals demystified from B&N since many of our books aren't in yet. It has been helpful familiarizing me with nursing concepts (which I know absolutely nothing about). I'm going to start working some in my dosage book this week. I've also started playing around with my required nursing apps, learning how they work and what kind of imfo they cover.

Specializes in LTC.

I getting a jump start. I started some of my readings and started to make a study guide. I am going into my last semester this fall and getting a jump start is very smart.

Thanks for all the replies everyone. With soooo many books stacked on my dining room table, it's hard to know where to start. :eek:

I would definitely suggest getting a jump start, you will be less overwhelmed when classes start. For medcalc start with the conversions, it will make things easier. If your syllabus isnt available yet, you can try to email an instructor regarding the first couple of topics that will be covered, that is what i usually do because it is so easy to fall behind during the semester

Getting a jump start is a great way to start out nursing school. I go to each of instructors to find out what chapters to read for the upcoming semester. I start doing some reading during the time off between semesters. At my school, the instructors don't care how we arrive at an answer to a math calculation, as long as you get the answer correct and understand how you arrived at it. With a little practice, you will likely end up showing some of your fellow students how to do some drug calculations. Good luck in nursing school!

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