Suggestions to prepare for school

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I am starting an accelerated BSN program in January and I was wondering what I can do to prepare in the next month or two to make the transition a bit easier. Should I review anatomy or anything like that? It's been over a year since I took A&P 2 so I feel I could use a refresher. And are there any books that might be helpful to read? I found this one http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Most-Nursing-School-Becoming/dp/0763755818/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2S8679UNP71BG&colid=3RWY6T6NRBCA3 that has good reviews.

I'm in the same boat. Finished A&P 2 in May of this year and starting nursing classes in January. I certainly don't think reviewing A&P stuff could hurt. A friend of mine got me these flashcards and I really like them, very helpful.

http://www.amazon.com/Barrons-Anatomy-Flash-Cards-2nd/dp/0764161598/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259016312&sr=8-1

I'd suggest using this time to sleep, relax, and generally get your life in order (clean your house, get organized, stock up on ink cartridges, etc). But if you really want to do something school-related, try reading a book on NCLEX test-taking strategies (Kaplan has a good one). I think NCLEX style testing and time management can be some of the bigger adjustments in an ABSN program, whereas the A&P will usually come back to you.

Thanks for the replies. I have the Netter flash cards so I will probably look those over a bit - I feel totally out of it on anatomy.

AugustRain, I will look for a book on NCLEX strategies. I would love to sleep and relax, but I'm going to be working right up until school starts and I have two kids, so sleep is a luxury I don't get very often :)

I would review A&P... especially when it comes to function and it's effects on other body processes.

AND if you haven't learned about Fluids and Electrolytes, try to get some familiarity with it now. You MUST know this and UNDERSTAND it.

These two basic things will help you to critically think your way through most situations.

AND if you're not getting much sleep now... welp, then you are already prepared for school! lol

Best of luck to you! :)

Thanks everyone! I'm starting in Spring, can't wait. Scared though!!

Specializes in SNU/SNF/MedSurg, SPCU Ortho/Neuro/Spine.

you know what... If I were you I would get the pharmacology book that you are suppose to use at school, over this period of time and read it, even if you don't understand much....

I did that, and it really made the difference IMOHO.

Congratulations on your acceptance and quick start date!

My favorite A & P review is the A & P coloring book by Marieb. Very little coloring, plenty of on-target review, and VERY oriented to nursing.

Dina

Specializes in CVICU/ER.

Seriously, August knows what she is talking about. Relax, sit back and take the 2 months and enjoy your life. You will not be doing that once you get in the program. This is coming from a guy that said at the beginning, "How do I prepare?" Same as you. I wish August told me that advise back then and I listened. You will have a ton of stuff to learn, they will force you. Don't force it yourself.

I tried to get "ahead" and it really didn't help me.

The best thing I could suggest is organize everything so you are ready for the begining, and get other stressors that are non nursing related out of the way (ie. finances... so work while you have the freedom because I can asure you that your free time will be limited once you start.)

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