Anatomy class question

[Lame]

I'm currently in my first semester of nursing school and have noticed that I have been having a hard time w/ anatomy (ie: knowing the location of structures). When I took anatomy, my instructor was very easy and I hardly studied due to her providing study guides that were identical to the tests. Now, it's biting me in the butt. I'm looking to retake anatomy during the summer (even though I got an A) but I was wondering if it would be better to take a watered down version rather than the full 5 unit version. The JC where I did my prereqs at offers a watered down A&P class. Should I do the combined class or go through w/ the 5 unit anatomy?

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

As cliché as it sounds, this is something that only you can truly decide. The reason I say that is that only you understand how much depth you need. You have probably already got a pretty good amount of information, but only you can decide if you need the full course in anatomy or if you can get by with a survey course to remind you of the information you were presented earlier.

In my case, I had a pretty good, and very solid, background in anatomy and physiology. If I needed to brush up on the information again, I probably would consider a survey type course instead of a full-blown anatomy course. On the other hand if I needed some very in depth information, I would probably choose the full course rather than the survey version.

The other part of the equation is that since your nursing school already you don't have to worry too much about whether or not your choice of class work would be a problem. This is because you have already officially taken all of the prerequisites courses and have gained entrance into school. If you do not want the course to show a transfer, you may consider auditing the class. Some colleges may allow that.

Consider everything, and choose well.

[donk]

Maybe just taking some time to self study your anatomy text would help. Follow your syllabus and when you see what's coming up in the weeks ahead, for example respiratory assessments, then do a little extra homework surrounding the anatomy you'll be studying. That makes it relevant and will help to get the anatomical concepts along with what you are currently studying. Plus it will save you time and money on retaking anatomy :)

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

I have a suggestion that might help you defer your decision a bit, and might even help you enough that you won't need to retake the course. Go on Amazon.com and get the Anatomy Coloring Book. This is not a joke, it's a real textbook that has helped a lot of people really get concepts down solid. Check it out and see what you think. (There's also the Physiology Coloring Book, an invaluable study aid for that course.)

[WoundedBird]

I'm am one of those people who had success with the anatomy coloring book and highly recommend it. It was my 'break' from studying the dry aspects of athletic training (pain theory, modality settings for each pain theory). I focused mostly on my weaknesses in ankle ligaments and muscle origin/insertion/action. It didn't feel like I was studying but I was and it definitely helped my comprehension. I have the physiology one and will be using it when I take patho in the fall.

[RubberDuckieLove]

I love the anatomy coloring book!!! It's a great refresher.

[Lame]

Thanks for all the responses guys! Yes, I will try the anatomy coloring book first. Thanks again!