Advice on 3rd semester hurdles 2 year RN program

sophie<3 · May 5, 2011

i just finished my last final in level 3 today! hoping i passed :)

my school doesnt do the ATI but some hurdles i faced this semester were time management and just keeping afloat. we had medsurg, peds and psych this semester. i had OB last semester and am not required to take a community health class. i noticed this semester there was a lot more material covered than past semesters..although a test would only be over 8 or 9 sets of powerpoints, there was sooo much information within each section and the material is much more complex. we started getting really in depth in body systems- cardio, GI, respiratory and we looked at these systems from the adult and peds point of view. sometimes it is difficult to make the switch between what is normal for an adult and what is normal for a child.

but my biggest challenge was psych...i have no desire to be a psych nurse and although the material is useful in therapeutic communication, i felt the class was very difficult to wrap my mind around. i could study the information but when a test question would ask for the most appropriate response by the nurse there were at least 2 answers that i felt could be appropriate. i felt that psych was a lot of how you interpret the questions and answers. i struggled with class more than i have any other class thus far. BUT some people love psych and do well..i am not one of those people.

and as for OB, i liked the class! i don't have children but the material came easy and i actually enjoyed learning about childbirth, postpartum, etc. i didn't care as much for the clinical though. i am more of a critical care nurse-to-be :)

but with all of these classes...try to stay on top of your readings. this can be hard and not always achievable but just do your best! with clinicals and lecture and tests and paperwork just realize your time will be limited and you will be tired a lot. therefore you MUST MUST MUST use your time wisely and study/read/do paperwork whenever! sorry i can't help with the ATI

swansonplace · May 5, 2011

Thanks. I will keep that in mind as summer is a short session,and have less time per class. If you learned any great learning tips to keep my head above water let me know. Hindsight is always 20-20.

sophie<3 · May 7, 2011

Go over your notes after class or within a few hours after lecture while it is still fresh in your mind. Get with some friends once a week or so and go over the material...sometimes it is helpful to see things from another perspective. Never underestimate the power of support systems and friendships...the people I have met in nursing school have really made the effort much more bearable

swansonplace · May 7, 2011

Thank you so much. I have forgotten the plan old human factor, and the great friendships and support from friends in my classes. It does seem to make it more bearable.