Advice for new nursing students!

OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN · Apr 27, 2012

My best advice is to just go with the flow. Especially when things don't go as planned or how you expect or want because you're not gonna change it and you're just going to feel frustrated instead of just making the best of whatever is given to you and just go with it. Try your best and remember that it will get easier. Try very hard not to procrastinate either. A planner thats easy to use is helpful too, I ws never one to use one before but I really have had to in nursing school. HAve fun time flies by :)

aachavez · Apr 27, 2012

I've been in school since January, and love it so far. ANd I havnt even gotten to fun part, clincals yet! I don't work, and am really glad Im able to devote my time to school. I've always heard when in NS, try to work as little, or not at all, if possible, and that's probably the biggest benefit I have right now.

Get organized! Really set up a study schedule, and stick to it. I have a whiteboard on my desk, every week, I write the assignments for the week, and erase them as I get them done.

Network! You never know who may be able to help you get a job in the future.

allnurses Guide · Apr 28, 2012

I have a whiteboard on my desk, every week, I write the assignments for the week, and erase them as I get them done.

Or use that whiteboard to "teach" the subject you are learning.

Imagine you have to teach to a class.

If you can teach it, then you understand it.

Just keep going over it until you can talk about it and lay it out on the whiteboard with minimal to no textbook help.

Sounds weird, but I swear by it .

Worked for me.

Annachu512, BSN, RN · Apr 28, 2012

I cannot stress enough - do your chapter readings!! I know it's a lot of reading and it seems impossible to get done but do the best you can. Reading does help and the instructors will use information from the book on the test that is not in their notes. DO NOT assume what they give out in the notes is all the info you need.

That's the most important piece of advice I can give! But also, highlight impoortant info while reading so you can go back to review for finals. Very helpful :)

Cheers to your first semester! I'm heading to my second :cheers:

allnurses Guide · Apr 28, 2012

I cannot stress enough - do your chapter readings!! I know it's a lot of reading and it seems impossible to get done but do the best you can. Reading does help and the instructors will use information from the book on the test that is not in their notes. DO NOT assume what they give out in the notes is all the info you need.
That's the most important piece of advice I can give! But also, highlight impoortant info while reading so you can go back to review for finals. Very helpful :)
Cheers to your first semester! I'm heading to my second :cheers:

Also, as you read, you will find that you will come across a concept that requires a bit of thinking through.

Highlight it and then break it down and clarify it in your own words in the margins of your text. Not only are you re-writing it in a way that makes more sense to you, but in doing so, you know that you've "got it" when you can break it down like that. Then, when you need to do a quick review, you have it there-- already summarized and clarified-- so you do not have to read through the whole section again (which may not be written as clearly as you'd like).

Bottom line: don't be a priss about writing in your text!

rubato, ASN, RN · Apr 28, 2012

Bottom line: don't be a priss about writing in your text!

This is something I'm going to have to get over. I am always so worried about resale value that I never write in my books. Well, if I don't pass the class, it's a lot of money wasted, right?

allnurses Guide · Apr 28, 2012

This is something I'm going to have to get over. I am always so worried about resale value that I never write in my books. Well, if I don't pass the class, it's a lot of money wasted, right?

I thought it was well worth the sacrifice.

BrittRN2B14 · Apr 28, 2012

Thanks for all the awesome advice.

jemmens · Apr 28, 2012

if you have work study, apply for a job on campus, like at the library where you can actually study while working. if you get your CNA when you start your nursing classes, get a CNA job, cos you will learn alot by being in a hospital environment.

clearblue3 · Apr 28, 2012

Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions! Some concepts can be complicated or confusing and sometimes the textbook can have way more information than you need to know as an RN (at least ours do). If you have great instructors they will be happy to answer your questions. Take advantage of everything they know and all of the experience they have! Good luck! I am sure you will do great!

FORTHELOVEOF!!!! · Apr 28, 2012

Anything you give to the Nursing Dept, MAKE A COPY FOR YOURSELF! Some schools are a little disorganized and it isn't unheard of for them to lose documents that you have given them, that's their fault but your problem! Make sure you can produce it again if needed.