Brushing up

Hey there all..

This is really going out to anyone that has already been through CCRI's nursing program

or anyone that is in it now.

Just curious as to when you think I should start brushing up on things? (I am starting in January)

I have read on here that it's good to go over Physiology and Dosages, but don't know how much

of it we will need/be using in the first semester.

I know there are a couple of dosages tests that we have to pass with an 85% or better to stay

in the program.

Any information or light anyone can shed would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much.

Hey there. I'm in RIC's program but I am guessing the stuff that we do can't be vastly different from CCRI. I would definitely recommend going over dosage stuff.

D/H x Q, conversions, IV fluids, Heparin, Insulin, all of that stuff. We have med math exams at the beginning of each semester and are required to get a 90% or above to stay in the clinical. It would be great if you had a leg up on the dosage stuff, since I find it is so easy to forget!!

A brush up on basic A&P material definitely wouldn't hurt, either. Although I never did that and have been doing great, so don't stress too much. If anything, I would focus on heart/lung stuff, since you'll be learning a lot about that when you learn how to assess a patient.

There is a book out there called Test Success for Beginning Nursing Students by Nugent & Vitale. I found that extremely helpful when I was in my first semester in 2008. It teaches you how to answer application style questions; which you'll soon become familiar with :)

If you have time and already have your BP cuff and steth, I would start practicing blood pressures on friends/family. It's something you have to become very good at and it took a bit of practice for me to learn it well.

Good luck to you....January will come quick!

Hi,

definately do dosage until you are proficient at it...there is a test each semester.

also A&P. I used the Saunders Review Book throughout it is great!