Anybody NOT feel like it's taking over?

CnmAshley · Feb 9, 2011

I would like to know as well. I'm trying to get EVERYTHING done before nursing school, get my family on a great schedule, and be "on top" of things as much as possible. I would love to hear how people are handling it.

sandi1743 · Feb 9, 2011

Make a schedule for yourself - working hours, school class/lab hours and study time. Block it out!

that time is special. I have time set aside for "play" every week - with friends or family and then time for my partner and I only. for me - it is only 4 semesters - and we are off in the summers. Everyone around you should understand that this is hard for everyone but worth it in the end.

skimpstah · Feb 9, 2011

The most important things I can recommend:

1) Get organized (in all areas of your life)

2) Do NOT procrastinate (study a little bit everyday)

I'm only 5 weeks in, but these 2 things have been the most important for me. I work 40 hours a week on top of school, so some some cuts have been made in my life, but nothing drastic. Everyone is different, so do what works for you that entails the 2 things mentioned above. Good luck.

CBsMommy · Feb 9, 2011

Nursing school hasn't taken over my life and I get great grades and don't feel the same sense of panic as the rest of my cohort.

Things I do:

1) Take it one day at a time.

2) I agree with staying organized.

3) Study the material to understand it, not memorize it.

4) Breathe, exercise, eat right, drink water.

5) Take out time for your family and DON'T FEEL GUILTY!!!

6) Stay ahead of the reading so that when you come to class you are prepared to ask questions of something you don't understand.

7) Do ALL OF THE READING. I don't understand when people say they don't crack open a book. There's no way to pass the tests without cracking open a book, at least in my program.

8) Don't fall in with the complainers and the "it's not faaaaaaiiiiir" crowd. What a waste of time.

9) Be nice to your instructors even if you don't agree with them. I would make an appointment for after class and make your point without sounding aggressive. They are much more likely to work with you when you do this instead of whining in class, bringing it up on a break and arguing.

10) If you need to, start working on your critical thinking now. It's hard for some people. There are books and classes out there if you find it's hard for you, too.

11) Always go the extra mile. I hear a lot that nursing school is self taught and a lot of it is. Go in expecting this and you won't be disappointed. They teach a lot in class but really, your learning is up to you.

Above all, remember that you are persuing this degree for your own reasons and stick to those reasons when the times get tough! Good luck to you!

Music in My Heart · Feb 9, 2011

It was far from overwhelming. Busy, yes; overwhelming or "taking over", no.

1) Keep up with your assignments. Work on 'em every day, all through the day.

2) Find the little 10 minute spaces where you can study.

3) Get organized to the hilt.

4) Do not, do not, do not procrastinate.

5) IMO, don't waste time with study groups. They can be helpful but they are generally very inefficient. Spend time only on what YOU need to study, not on what others need to study.

symphie · Feb 9, 2011

I'm only in my first semester of the BSN program, so maybe it gets worse, but honestly I studied more when I was in pre-reqs than I do now. I spend alot more time in class, clinicals, lab, etc. But I don't spend as much time hardcore studying. I feel like I learn alot more in class now, and I utilize the time I have in class/lab/clinicals so that I don't have to spend as much time poring over every detail in all of the readings.

ashleyisawesome, BSN, RN · Feb 9, 2011

Nursing school hasn't taken over my life and I get great grades and don't feel the same sense of panic as the rest of my cohort.
Things I do:
1) Take it one day at a time.
2) I agree with staying organized.
3) Study the material to understand it, not memorize it.
4) Breathe, exercise, eat right, drink water.
5) Take out time for your family and DON'T FEEL GUILTY!!!
6) Stay ahead of the reading so that when you come to class you are prepared to ask questions of something you don't understand.
7) Do ALL OF THE READING. I don't understand when people say they don't crack open a book. There's no way to pass the tests without cracking open a book, at least in my program.
8) Don't fall in with the complainers and the "it's not faaaaaaiiiiir" crowd. What a waste of time.
9) Be nice to your instructors even if you don't agree with them. I would make an appointment for after class and make your point without sounding aggressive. They are much more likely to work with you when you do this instead of whining in class, bringing it up on a break and arguing.
10) If you need to, start working on your critical thinking now. It's hard for some people. There are books and classes out there if you find it's hard for you, too.
11) Always go the extra mile. I hear a lot that nursing school is self taught and a lot of it is. Go in expecting this and you won't be disappointed. They teach a lot in class but really, your learning is up to you.
Above all, remember that you are persuing this degree for your own reasons and stick to those reasons when the times get tough! Good luck to you!

i rarely open my book and i have a 93 average at the moment. all the people that are slaving over their books night after night end up concentrating on the wrong things and get not so good grades on their tests. take really good notes, your instructor will more than likely emphasize important points in class.. highlight them and remember them. the only reason i ever open my book is if i am reviewing my notes and need clarification on a topic, or if the teacher blatantly says "you will be responsible for the material on page__, we did not cover this in class".

so my advice is: take great notes, go home right after school and type them up (this will help you review the information, and make them easier to read. then when you have time, closer to the test, just read over them again. thats absolutely all i do to study, and i have never had a test score lower than a 90, and i have a LIFE outside of nursing school.

however, i do agree with CBsmommy about the critical thinking.. you can memorize all the information in the world, but if you dont know how to answer nclex style questions you are doomed. definitely make sure you understand how to critically think.

many people in my class use this book: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?rlz=1C1_____enUS366US366&q=test+success+nursing+book&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=10436170693215365267&ei=of1STYa4LcbZgQeypqjeCA&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDgQ8wIwAg#

not sure if it really helps, as i have never really used it, but it cant hurt.

good luck :)

CBsMommy · Feb 9, 2011

i rarely open my book and i have a 93 average at the moment. all the people that are slaving over their books night after night end up concentrating on the wrong things and get not so good grades on their tests. take really good notes, your instructor will more than likely emphasize important points in class.. highlight them and remember them. the only reason i ever open my book is if i am reviewing my notes and need clarification on a topic, or if the teacher blatantly says "you will be responsible for the material on page__, we did not cover this in class".
so my advice is: take great notes, go home right after school and type them up (this will help you review the information, and make them easier to read. then when you have time, closer to the test, just read over them again. thats absolutely all i do to study, and i have never had a test score lower than a 90, and i have a LIFE outside of nursing school.
however, i do agree with CBsmommy about the critical thinking.. you can memorize all the information in the world, but if you dont know how to answer nclex style questions you are doomed. definitely make sure you understand how to critically think.
many people in my class use this book: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?rlz=1C1_____enUS366US366&q=test+success+nursing+book&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=10436170693215365267&ei=of1STYa4LcbZgQeypqjeCA&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDgQ8wIwAg#
not sure if it really helps, as i have never really used it, but it cant hurt.
good luck :)

See, it's different in every program. Our teachers focus on the overall stuff we need but they rarely get down to the nitty gritty, which is exactly what they test on. There have been people in my program that state they don't open their books and they are usually the ones that don't test very well.

Having said that, I read a chapter ONCE and leave it there. If I questions, I bring them to class.

Despareux · Feb 9, 2011

I hated fundamentals with a passion, now that I am in med-surg, I sort of feel like I have a grip on things a little better. I can actually spend more time with my kids and husband, and MAYBE some cleaning.

My first quarter, I over-studied everything. This semester, I feel like the pieces of the puzzle are fitting together quite nicely. I don't feel like I'm in a state of panic all of the time.

So, no, I guess "it" didn't take over this quarter.

newstudent2010 · Feb 9, 2011

Study every day. Even if its just rereading or listening to lectures after you get home. Don't get behind! I only read what the professors tell us to read also. Or if I dont understand I dig a little deeper. Take breaks within studying..it helps me focus.

I disagree with the study group comment though. If you can find a good group then they are wonderful. We set ground rules for our groups though so it all depends on how you like to study.

But overall..stay organized and study. You'll do fine and enjoy it!

sandyfeet · Feb 9, 2011

To help with critical thinking, get an NCLEX study book and do questions. It's not too early. I have a book with the rationales for each question and I use it to supplement what I'm currently studying. Before nursing school starts, you can use it to learn about the ATI format of asking questions.