advice on getting a headstart...

[RN2B73]

Hi all,

I will be starting my program in January (along with several others:)) and I'm just wondering if any of you experienced nursing students or even recent grads have any advice as to what we could be doing to get a headstart on the learning process.

I keep hearing that nursing school is an experience like none other and I guess I just want to get my feet wet.

thanks,

[Hootnhollern]

Well, as I just got my feet wet (they are kind of damp actually...I'm barely 8 whole weeks into my program), I would say to start with reading about the Nursing Process and Therapeutic Communication Techniques. I don't know which program you are in, but I figure that you will probably need those to begin with. Also, you could read about vital signs.

My biggest piece of advice is this...and I am putting it in caps because it is very important to me...DEVELOP A PLAN FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT ...NOW !

However you need to do it, whether it be exercise, meditation, more exercise, listening to music...whatever...it is an important tool that we crazy, type A, nursing students need to use to help cope with all of the anxiety, and general spaz issues that we do to ourselves.

Also, if you have a family, I urge you to super clean your house, make many freezable meals and put them away for lunatic study nights, plan your kids' birthday parties NOW, and, if you've got a fantastic husband like I do, make sure you take good care of him especially. My kiddos and I get a decent amount of time together, but I need to be careful not to forget about Mr. Wonderful. I swear that I have barely done any housework since school started, because he's done it all, and that just makes me one extremely LUCKY girl !!

So, book learning is one thing to do, but don't forget about the rest of the picture.

Good luck and keep us updated...of course, you'll notice that this is my first post in about 8 weeks or so...I've been kinda busy

Take it easy,

Hoot

[RN2B73]

Im at HFCC, what about you???

[Hootnhollern]

I'm at MCC. It's a great program...the instructors are really looking out for the students' best interests and they want us to succeed as much as we do. We also have a Student Nurses Association that's really active as well.

I'm lovin' it

[ToxicShock]

I am taking Macomb's HESI in December, even though my goal school is Baker. Any tips/tricks, Hoot?

Congratulations on making it in!! :)

[oncologynurse77]

I graduated in May. More than getting a head start, I would encourage you to get yourself prepared for dealing with the stress of nursing school. Start writing in a journal regularly and get your exercise program on track. Plan to give yourself a break/treat to look forward to every week. Remember that you will get through it, take a few deep breaths, and get ready for a ride!

[arlevra]

I agree with oncology nurse. It is soo stressful, trying to prepare now is not going to help you in the long run. I would enjoy my time off because once it starts you will be wishing you had a day off!