accepted into the nursing program---now what

K_girl · May 6, 2011

I also am starting in the fall. I havent really stressed out too much about it. i've spent a lot of time making sure my home life is in order (paid all my bills about 5 mo ahead), organized the house, ordered all my books/supplies, scheduled appointments for school mandatories (physical, immunizations), etc. I did skim though my books as I received them. I did order a few non required books. The one I am going through right now is Dosage Calculations Made Incredibly Easy.

I needed to brush up on my math & it breaks down everything step by step. I would recommend it.

Either way, try not to stress yourself out. It will be the last few months for you to relax & take it easy!!

Keep in touch & let me know how it goes :) Good luck!

Kate

nique281 · May 6, 2011

K girl,

Wow--- that's great! Sounds like you have everything under control! I was just talking to a friend and mentioned to her that I wanted to I wanted to get a head start by looking over some material. But that sounds like a good idea. Where did you get the the book from?

hockeyguy, BSN, RN · May 6, 2011

If you are in going from an LPN to RN you are probably familiar with NCLEX questions but if you are getting your BSN and have finished your generals you are in for quite a surprise when you get to nursing classes. I am a Junior in a BSN program right now. The biggest shock to me was the wording of the test questions. The questions are not based on the things you know but how you can apply them and think critically and the most critical part of procedures. I never found the content difficult in nursing but it is the application and "thinking like a nurse" that is the most difficult transition to the nursing classes. If I were you I would definitely follow an NCLEX book and read through the different sections while reading the material whether you plan to read over the summer or in the fall. There are also tips on how to test with NCLEX questions. Do not get intimidated, the first few weeks is a shock to everyone. Make sure you have scheduled a lot of time to study! Good luck!!! I am sure you will do fine!!!

Rob72, ASN, RN · May 6, 2011

If I were you I would definitely follow an NCLEX book and read through the different sections while reading the material whether you plan to read over the summer or in the fall. There are also tips on how to test with NCLEX questions. Do not get intimidated, the first few weeks is a shock to everyone. Make sure you have scheduled a lot of time to study! Good luck!!! I am sure you will do fine!!!

That is good advice. I started my program as a former EMT/AUA/Phleb, so I didn't feel I got enough info on the advanced practical skills that I had not previously performed. If you haven't been doing some formof careplanning before now, yes, get an NCLEX book, and start doing 10-20 questions per day. I really liked the Pearson Exam/Cram. It has a wide variety of questions, with a quick answer section, and a detailed rational, if needed. the classis is Saunders, and, IIRC, its layout is more system oriented.

lizbet86 · May 7, 2011

My advice- don't start studying now. I never got people looking ahead. Nursing school is so stressful. ENJOY YOUR TIME OFF! You will lose your sanity if you don't learn to enjoy the breaks you have. Get your books, prepare friends and family for the next couple of years, and relax. You're going to need it!

Samantha79 · May 7, 2011

Know that you can't be everything to everybody all the time. Sometimes you will have to tell friends/family/kids no I can't do that today. Also, go to class. Everyday, go to class. I can tell you that the people who failed out of my nursing school were overwhelming people who missed quite a bit of classes. Stay organized and on top of deadlines. Don't put things off because they will pile up on you quickly. Good luck!

sommeil, ASN, RN · May 7, 2011

i'm starting in a few weeks and i've just been reviewing pathophysiology (the patho made easy book) and reading some of the books on how to take nursing critical thinking type tests. i'm super nervous because i hear the program is VERY difficult.

good luck!

nique281 · May 10, 2011

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and ideas... I'm just thrilled that I got into the nursing program so I want to start learning things like NOW :-) I know people tell me enjoy the little bit of time that I have now because once the program starts program starts, I'd be begging for a break. Butnim ready for the challange (I think) wish me luck

KristeyK · May 10, 2011

No one doubts you being ready for the challenge, but really, the taking time off before school starts is some advice I REALLY wish I had taken!!! My program slams us for two years, and the longest break we get is two weeks over Christmas. I REALLY wish I had just taken my last couple months off to relax and enjoy life. (Although school is FUN, I just feel as if I haven't done anything other than have my nose in a book for the past year.)

Good luck!!!

Bandaide, ADN · May 10, 2011

Deep clean and organize your house, cook and freeze meals to get you through the first month of school and spend time with family and friends. If you decide to "study ahead", review your math skills (I like "Calculate with Confidence"), review your fluid and electrolyte and acid/base stuff from physiology. Sleep in. Go see movies. Garden. Get as much of your life prepared in advance as possible so you don't have to worry about it. Practice stress relief techniques. Then enjoy nursing school. It really is fun, and very interesting.

Turd Ferguson · May 10, 2011

Take some time, enjoy yourself and your family. Celebrate the accomplishment you've achieved and pat yourself on the back for making it so far.

I would not recommend studying yet... Don't start studying until you've started classes, your classes will guide your studying.

That having been said, the relaxation ends on your first day of nursing school. Be ready to work hard, stay up late, get up early, make sacrifices, and explain to others why you can't always be there for birthdays/nights out/movie night etc...