What to do before I start NS in Spring?

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

I keep reading these forums, and it's great, but I'm simply a pre nursing student (accelerated 1 year BSN program). I have 31 weeks until I start NS. I wasn't really sure what I should do before I begin. I work full-time in research (so not unemployed).

I've been trying to learn some Spanish (has anyone found learning Spanish or another foreign language to be useful?)

I also picked up a way-too-easy nclex study guide (I work in science and read the news a lot, but was getting a significant amount of those questions right - even drugs I can barely identify by their ending). So, then I read the forums and saw suggestions for studying with the Saunder's 4th edition book. I bought it. Then, I get more concerned, since I think the test may be revised just after I graduate just before April 2010 (the book mentions changes every 3 years).

Basically, anyone have any suggestions while I have nothing to do for nearly 6 months?

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you can get your bsn in 1 year? that's awesome

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.
you can get your bsn in 1 year? that's awesome

It's an insane program for people that already have a Bachelor's degree (mine is in biology). The courseload intimidates me (21-23 credits/quarter, 4 quarters). There are 2 full days of classes, and 3 days of clinicals. Reading people's experiences from regular (2 year) nursing school scares me to death. Happily, I just checked the RN-NCLEX pass % for the school (not necessarily this program) was one of the highest in the state, and for the 4 years, I think overall the highest in the state. But, for now, I just feel like I'm waiting.

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those days don't seem too bad - at least you'll be kept busy with work, right? i actually miss school. it'll fly by in a heart beat.

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I would just catch up on any Anatomy/Physiology that may be a little rusty. Maybe you could also find a current student in that program and pick their brain a little. I think learning Spanish would make you a great asset in the hospital! Kudos to you for taking the initiative! Lastly... I would enjoy sleeping while you can!

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I would get a medical terminology book.. and if so inclined a pharm book.. but definitely the med book.. it is really helpful to use when you see things that look similar and it breaks it down.. so even if you have no clue you can break it down (like oh it ends in "ectomy" so something was removed vs "ostomy" they made an opening)

Good luck in your program!

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Specializes in CICU.

Freeze a lot of casseroles :wink2:

Seriously though, I am in my first semester of an ADN and it is pretty intense. I would concentrate more on the things you can do ahead of time for your personal life (not related to school reading, etc) in order to avoid stress re: study and practice time once school actually starts.

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

Rest up - there is so much reading that you will not have time for much. Spend time with friends and family now and develop your support team. Terminology might be just some good reading material but I would be careful about spending money on extra books because your school may teach in a different format. I would take the time to get organized in your home, study area, and did I mention just rest up.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

Actually, getting organized sounds like a great idea! I just helped a friend of mine move, she's a packrat (like me). Moving was a huge pain (especially since it was raining all day, and she wasn't packed or anything.. Yeah, I should clean up, and find a place to store my NS library.

That's awesome advice (compounded with the physical punishment endured from moving someone else's stuff all day.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Sleep, enjoy your family and friends, and try to relax. Once you get going you will have no life. Thankfully most of the material is interesting (IMO), so that's helped a bit....but it really is alot of work. Good luck to you and enjoy your time off before NS!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Hospice.

Ditto on getting organized. Clean your house. Haul stuff to Goodwill. Freeze meals. Take naps. Read fiction.

And, most importantly, establish an exercise routine and resolve to stick to it throughout the next 2 years. If you don't already have healthy eating habits, start some now. My biggest obstacles in nursing school were fatigue and stress related health issues (ulcers, IBS, chronic hives, insomnia, depression, etc) It wasn't until my 4th semester when I started taking good care of myself (yoga, mindful relaxation, a balanced diet, lots of water and NO soda/junk food/fast food) that I started to feel like myself again.

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Specializes in LTC.

Enjoy what time you have now. Before I had nursing school I really didn't do a lot of prep myself for it. I just enjoyed life while I could.

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