how many of you use your laptop, in nursing school, like it's goin' out of style ? :monkeydance:
i should start a nursing program in the next 3-6 months, and i'm debating over whether i should use my laptop or not. i will obviously bring a binder and writing utensils..but i'm wondering if i can keep more information in my laptop. i type 65+/wpm, so i'm thinking i may be able to get more information down. plus, it seems very organized.
what do you think? how did you go about taking notes and learning in your classes?
I, too am a quick typer. I love having my laptop inclass, but have run into two issues.
First, I HAVE to sit in the front row of class rooms. With ADHD, if I sit in the back i am day dreaming all day. It seems pretty standard that those with laptops sit in the back. (it might be because they are on facebook or something, but no one in my classes sit in front with computer.
Second, I HATE hearing other people's little "click,click,click" from loud typers. So i just avoid it:)
I'm in my second semester of nursing school (in the upper division / clinical classes) and I've done it both ways -- I think I like using a computer more than pen and paper. I type faster than I write, so when I write, I miss more. Of course, the choice on what to use is very individual -- try both and see what's best! Good luck! The first semester is rough, but after you know what to expect, the other semesters get better :)
I just happened to come across the Pulse Smartpen recently. I start nursing classes in a couple of weeks, but already used the pen during one of my meetings at work (I am a CNA) and found it extremely helpful.
Hmmm...I type sooooo fast..and write semi-slow. So it would make sense for me to bring my laptop to class. I don't understand how it's that annoying to people. I mean...the keys on my laptop are pretty soft...nothing I find disruptive...and I have a VERY acute sense of hearing- might I add .
Yeah, I used to bring my laptop to class in the community college, but this time I have decided to use the Pulse Smartpen. Then this way, I'm only writing one time and not wasting time typing (since I don't remember things best when typing vs. writing). I just love how you can record and recall exactly what was being said when you wrote that particular word ("what was the instructor talking about??? I dind't quite catch it all."). Good Luck!
Yeah, I used to bring my laptop to class in the community college, but this time I have decided to use the Pulse Smartpen. Then this way, I'm only writing one time and not wasting time typing (since I don't remember things best when typing vs. writing). I just love how you can record and recall exactly what was being said when you wrote that particular word ("what was the instructor talking about??? I dind't quite catch it all."). Good Luck!
I agree that I sometimes remember things better from writing, that's why I got a tablet computer. I can write or type, depending on the situation.
Specializes in Flight RN, Trauma1 CVICU STICU MICU CCU.
i downloaded all of the materials for class and typed my notes into the notes section of the powerpoints. I type fast enough that i pretty much quoted everything that was said in class. It was worth it for me, plus my handwriting is horrible, especially if i am trying to write crazy fast!
no one really notices your typing if they are paying attention to the teacher. and if they do... they can get up and move! :)
That's true, but when I think of the clinicals, at least I can take the small tablet paper that you can purchase with the Pulse pen and have something small and convenient to write on. I just can't seem to imagine bringing my laptop, or anything in which I would have to set down to type during hands-on clinicals. With the paper, I can quickly scribble something and get to my practicing! That's my reasoning why I chose the pen-route. Also, when asking the advisors whether they see students with laptops, they say that they don't, usually because it's mostly all hands-on. Makes sense.
That's true, but when I think of the clinicals, at least I can take the small tablet paper that you can purchase with the Pulse pen and have something small and convenient to write on. I just can't seem to imagine bringing my laptop, or anything in which I would have to set down to type during hands-on clinicals. With the paper, I can quickly scribble something and get to my practicing! That's my reasoning why I chose the pen-route. Also, when asking the advisors whether they see students with laptops, they say that they don't, usually because it's mostly all hands-on. Makes sense.
That makes sense, I don't bring my laptop to clinicals. I use a PDA there....can still scribble, and it has all my resource books (drug book, Dx book, lab values book, Tabers, etc).
Specializes in Flight RN, Trauma1 CVICU STICU MICU CCU.
iphone + a little pocket notebook for clinicals. No need for the laptop, that is for studying.
i preferred the pocket notebook to any technology in the clinical setting because if i needed to write some vitals down for my co-assigned nurse, or write a phone number down for a patient, or pass a note somewhere, its quick and easy in my pocket and it doesnt require batteries, or freeze / malfunction in any way... unless you spill water all over it! :)
I also have a PDA with all the nursing resources loaded on there, so I just may take that with me to clinicals, also... Of course, along with the smart pen and little notebooks. I actually briefly forgotten about that! Thanks for the reminder CuriousMe!
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NCIANurse
27 Posts
I, too am a quick typer. I love having my laptop inclass, but have run into two issues.
First, I HAVE to sit in the front row of class rooms. With ADHD, if I sit in the back i am day dreaming all day. It seems pretty standard that those with laptops sit in the back. (it might be because they are on facebook or something, but no one in my classes sit in front with computer.
Second, I HATE hearing other people's little "click,click,click" from loud typers. So i just avoid it:)