advice from current nursing students please!!!

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I was originally going to start a traditional BSN program this fall - however, I got accepted into an accelerated program that starts in January. BUT all of my pre-reqs are done, everything was set for me to start this August. Soooo I have an entire semester on my hands now! I was a school teacher and didn't go back this year, so I can't exactly just stay at work. What do you all suggest I do with this extra time? I am auditing pharmacology and a cardiodiagnostics course at my community college. I was thinking about buying a dosage calc book to get a head start? I don't want to waste this time - what is the best way to use it to be prepared?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Flight.

see if you can take one of the classes early to lighten the load .. trust me its helpful

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read your psychopatho book. It will really help because its one of the hardest subject in nursing school (well for me it was). I really struggled because I didn't take it seriously enough (i took it as a pre-req) so it took me longer to gasp the concept whereas it was easier for some of my classmates. I think if you go through the psychopatho book you'll be fine! :)

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Specializes in ICU.

I'd take one of two options, either school or work. If you are looking to pursue a post-bachelor degree I would look into taking prerequisites for one of those programs. The other option is to find a job as a nursing assistant. It will give you some healthcare experience before you get into school and will provide solid experience while you are in school as well.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Either get a job at the hospital or volunteer. Also get an NCLEX book and get used to answering NCLEX-style questions. I really wish I did that since the beginning- would have saved me a lot of time studying and some missed A's!

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thank you !!! i already bought the path, pharm and dosage books - i planned to set up a lesson plan/study guide for myself to work through the material - i love the nclex book idea thank you!!!

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I would learn the nursing process and all of the activities associated with it, as well as health assessment. It is what we do. I wouldn't do med calc because it is fairly easy just simle ratio and proportion.

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Maybe you could by this book: Test Success: Test-Taking Techniques for Beginning Nursing Students...its awesome and helps you with what to expect.

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Thank you! I just checked it out from the library!

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pick up the nanda 2009-2011 book at amazon or someplace and toss it on your bedside table to sorta leaf through every night. it'll give you a much better conceptual framework than your classmates will have as you all begin your nursing classes together. (i can tell you know what a conceptual framework is :yeah:) the first chapter or so will really get you going; then just look at the different sections and think about how they might apply to any situation familiar to you, like with a family member or friend.

remember: your assessment and plan of care is what you will be learning in school. pick this process up early and really internalize it and own it, and your faculty will swoon...and your patients will thank you.

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GrnTea - THANK YOU!!! That is excellent advice and I will get that book - I truly appreciate it :)

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