If you could have gotten ahead in anything, what would it be?

Bedside_Life RN · Aug 5, 2016

I want to first say good luck and congratulations on your acceptance into your program. However, this is only the beginning. Quite possibly the beginning of the the most rewarding decision you have ever made. If you want to get ahead, remember that it takes heart, help, dedication, and critical thinking. Learn what works best for you in studying. record lectures if possible. read BEFORE class. find a person or group that is doing well and cling to them. Make time and adjustments for studying. some stuff will have to be put on the back burner but make time for fun and family.

Nursing is NOT easy but you will get back exactly what you put into it. Hit it and hit it hard because now is the time to do so. Remember, you deserve to be where you are but you also are not entitled to anything from this point forward.

Look at this opportunity with your heart in an effort to help when people need you the most. the people you encounter need someone who knows how to make them feel as if they are being cared for and know how to care for them because at this point and time they may not be able to do so for themselves. it is a very vulnerable and humbling time. know how to keep them safe, know how to care for them, include the patient and their family, and educate/advocate for them.

You will find out very quickly the people who are in it for the wrong reasons. Everyone has to make money, don't get me wrong. But if you are not willing to care from the heart and critically think, then the profession is not for you. that doesn't mean that other great jobs aren't out there.

I had a professor who bluntly stated if you aren't willing to care and pay attention then we don't need you in nursing; fast food is always hiring. And even though the statement was very abrupt and abrasive it is sort of true.

-p.s. I have worked fast food before and there is nothing wrong with serving the public or making a living in that way.

NICUismylife, ADN, BSN, RN · Aug 6, 2016

Review A&P and make sure you fully understand all the different body systems. What you will be learning will build on that knowledge, and many professors expect all that info to still be fresh in your mind. They can't spend a lot of time reviewing A&P during lecture.

Get your personal life organized before the semester starts. Get your teeth cleaned, your eye exam, your annual pap, anything like that that you can do now, do it. Get your oil changed or any other maintenance your vehicle may need. Think of anything not related to school that you know you'll have to do during the semester, and do any of it that you can now. It's super overwhelming to have to try to work that stuff into your schedule on top of nursing school.

I usually try to knock out projects and homework before the semester starts as well, but without your syllabus and assignment list, you can't really work on that ahead of time.

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Aug 7, 2016

Get a planner and download the syllabi from BlackBoard if available and enter all the due dates into your planner. Also, make sure you have gotten all your supplies ready for clinicals (if you have one first semester). Finally, try to find an NCLEX review book with practice questions to start looking through. It will help you with tests and it's never too early to start studying those NCLEX style questions!!

oceanblue52 · Aug 7, 2016

I second the A&P suggestion, and maybe take a peek in your Patho book if you have it. You could also consider getting a condensed study guide on Pharm meds to get comfortable with the different drug classes. Make sure your house/room/car are clean and maintained as it is sometimes very hard to run typical errands during school. Good luck!