Certs to set you apart from the pack?

[Jmiami]

I'd like to study ahead (For financial reasons, I have a year before I can start my pre-reqs). I'm looking for any resources or suggestions on websites / books etc. that I can use to study ahead for anatomy, chem, micro and statistics. I know if I'm proactive in studying during this mandatory year I have to wait to start school that I'll be able to score A's in my classes. Also, I've seen on various threads that it is wise to seek additional certifications to add to your resume in order to set yourself apart from the pack. I've heard something about ACLS, PALS, EKG...what others are you familiar with that I could / should look into? Is there anything else that I should be doing to set myself apart from the average applicant? I'm also interested in this because I love to learn and would like to be as prepared as possible for this position of such responsibility that I will accept when I receive my license and begin to practice as an RN. Call me a "front row joe", but I'm trying to be as proactive as possible on my journey towards becoming a nurse. I also want to make myself as attractive to my prospective employers as possible as I am aware that right now is a particularly challenging time to find employment as a new grad. I want to show my prospective employers (when the time comes) that I am committed to learning as much about everything as I possibly can in order to benefit my patients and to lessen the green new grad "burden" on my future co-workers / employers. I know that it takes a great deal of investment to orientate a new grad and want to show that I am motivated to exceed their expectations.

[LuckyinKY]

NCLEX study guides, learn about care planning, and learn about the nursing process. Even succesful students have flunked out of nursing school because they can't adjust to thinking like a nurse and NCLEX style testing.

http://www.amazon.com/Test-Success-Test-Taking-Techniques-Beginning/dp/0803618948/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1302324653&sr=8-1

This is a good introduction to NCLEx questioning, and a search on this site will give you tons of other recommendations.

Also, I don't know if your school requires it, but a good CNA course can give you a leg up on learning basic nursing skills like bed baths, taking vitals, and handling patients.

[Jmiami]

Thanks lucky! That's a great option!

[chudder]

Get a job in a hospital as an aide/tech.... you will learn how the hospital works and you will be an internal candidate for new grad positions...

[CBsMommy]

Don't take ACLS or PALS until after med-surg and I wouldn't take an EKG class until you are accepted into nursing school. Just my 2 cents.

[Jmiami]

Thanks everyone! Yes, all of these courses will not be taken until after nursing school graduation.