Pre-nursing how to be prepared?

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Aug 7, 2013

Workshops are not mandatory; but I found that since college can be so different than high school (and for me, I was out of school for such a long time), that the workshops provided a firm foundation for being prepared.

If your college doesn't offer workshops or you are not in a position to go,

Long Beach City College - YouTube has a number of videos that go over study skills, how to read text books, time management, and so on.

One thing to consider, that helped me a lot, is get little sticky page tabs that you can put on the start of each chapter, the appendix, and the glossary of the books to help you quickly find a chapter. Do review each book to see what study tools might be included.

For example, in my human biology book, each chapter had chapter highlights, a list of vocabulary one should know, plus chapter review questions. The appendix had answers to those questions; the glossary had the definitions.

By getting your books organized before school starts as well as familiarizing yourself with the layout of each book -- i.e. what tools throughout the book will help you -- will aid in your preparation.

On recording lectures, the professor will have the final word; so given you have your schedule, you may want to reach out to each professor in person or email (I used email) to ask them if it is ok to record their lecture. I do recommend including a statement that the recordings will only be used for studying and review. Most seem to have a policy that it is ok as long as you agree the recordings are for private use only, and will never be published. Some may firmly state that come exams or quizzes, the book has the final word (i.e. if they state something that contradicts the book, the book wins).

Also, if you've not gotten your supplies in order, now would be a good time especially with the back to school sales starting (or having already started).

Thank you.

mariarose · Aug 11, 2013

Wow, that's enough! I did the Math for Allied Health and got an A in that, and I suck at math. Psych is an easy A too, as is College Life (we called it SDV, student develpment). I think your two science classes would be the hardest. But you know, it depends on you. For me, science and math are not my strongest subjects so I have to work a little harder in those. That is a big courseload, but if you stay on top of it and show up for every class, you should be fine. My method would be to alott more study time to the subjects I am not so good at.

I see. Thank you for your input.

mariarose · Aug 11, 2013

Good day, mariarose:
Workshops are not mandatory; but I found that since college can be so different than high school (and for me, I was out of school for such a long time), that the workshops provided a firm foundation for being prepared.
If your college doesn't offer workshops or you are not in a position to go,
Long Beach City College - YouTube has a number of videos that go over study skills, how to read text books, time management, and so on.
One thing to consider, that helped me a lot, is get little sticky page tabs that you can put on the start of each chapter, the appendix, and the glossary of the books to help you quickly find a chapter. Do review each book to see what study tools might be included.
For example, in my human biology book, each chapter had chapter highlights, a list of vocabulary one should know, plus chapter review questions. The appendix had answers to those questions; the glossary had the definitions.
By getting your books organized before school starts as well as familiarizing yourself with the layout of each book -- i.e. what tools throughout the book will help you -- will aid in your preparation.
On recording lectures, the professor will have the final word; so given you have your schedule, you may want to reach out to each professor in person or email (I used email) to ask them if it is ok to record their lecture. I do recommend including a statement that the recordings will only be used for studying and review. Most seem to have a policy that it is ok as long as you agree the recordings are for private use only, and will never be published. Some may firmly state that come exams or quizzes, the book has the final word (i.e. if they state something that contradicts the book, the book wins).
Also, if you've not gotten your supplies in order, now would be a good time especially with the back to school sales starting (or having already started).
Thank you.

I found out my college offers workshop and I have joined a few workshops.

I see. This was very helpful and informative. I'll try my best. Thank you.

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Aug 11, 2013

Good day, mariarose:

You are very welcome. You will do fine.

Thank you.