Excelsior's A&P

mona b RN, BSN, RN · Apr 29, 2003

Howdy Everyone,

Since EC's A&P comes up so frequently, I figured it would be helpful to us if we posted our trials and tribulations about it. Post your frustrations about A&P here. Of course, any helpful advice will be greatly appreciated.

My experience so far has been one of information overload with this subject. I know others feel the same way. I find that I refer to my condensed A&P books more than my very large textbook. I try to go over the information again and again. Right now, I am focusing on the cardiovascular system and then I will move on to the respiratory system. Also, I find visualization is very helpful. I had a book from the library with very large and colorful anatomy pictures in it, I think it was geared for middle school students but I found the pictures helpful.

I have considered that maybe this subject would be better learned in the classroom setting. Any thoughts on this?

mona b

Spazzy Nurse, RN · Apr 30, 2003

From what I've heard, the coloring books are useful and DO help people out with the anatomy part of it. Unfortunately the test has A LOT of physiology, which seems to be the more difficult than the anatomy to learn. I agree--- it was easier to learn in a classroom setting. I took it both through EC and a trad. college.

You need to do two things:

1) Make sure you concentrate enough on the physiology junk.

2) Let us know when you finish this crappy course and we'll all do a cheer for you.

Spazzy Nurse, RN · Apr 30, 2003

From what I've heard, the coloring books are useful and DO help people out with the anatomy part of it. Unfortunately the test has A LOT of physiology, which seems to be the more difficult than the anatomy to learn. I agree--- it was easier to learn in a classroom setting. I took it both through EC and a trad. college.

You need to do two things:

1) Make sure you concentrate enough on the physiology junk.

2) Let us know when you finish this crappy course and we'll all do a cheer for you.

angelbear · Apr 30, 2003

I am working on A&P also. I have a coloring workbook. I am trying to follow the ec content guide as it tells you percentage of weight given to each area. I plan to study it all but to focus on those areas given the most weight. I am not turning out to be very good at self study. I am having a hard time keeping myself motivated. It was easier in comm college. I had a friend in class and she and I would discuss everything we were trying to study that helped me alot. Oh well I have every intention of following through with this even if I die trying. Good luck to all of you. Angelbear

angelbear · Apr 30, 2003

I am working on A&P also. I have a coloring workbook. I am trying to follow the ec content guide as it tells you percentage of weight given to each area. I plan to study it all but to focus on those areas given the most weight. I am not turning out to be very good at self study. I am having a hard time keeping myself motivated. It was easier in comm college. I had a friend in class and she and I would discuss everything we were trying to study that helped me alot. Oh well I have every intention of following through with this even if I die trying. Good luck to all of you. Angelbear

Spazzy Nurse, RN · Apr 30, 2003

Let me tell you guys something....... don't judge your abilities for self study by the anatomy course. And don't judge every course by anatomy either. A&P really sucked. It was boring and awful and I hated it more than any other course. The nursing exams are much more interesting. Studying that physiology content was like forcing myself to stand there and listen to someone scrape a fork across a chalkboard, over and over again.

It will get better! Just keep charging on forward and finish this one. You'll be so glad you got it done with and out of the way.

Hang in there you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :kiss

angelbear · Apr 30, 2003

Thanks Spazzy. You always come through with the encouragement. Your the best.

opalmRN · Apr 30, 2003

I am in the last week of A & P II and I am glad.

The class was a combo class. Lecture was online and lab was at the comm college on Saturday mornings.

A & P is interesting. Having said that, taking a general A & P vs taking a nursing A & P class is entirely different. In the nursing A & P class more focus is placed on the big picture of each of the body systems and less on the mind grueling, brain bursting, microscopic tittsi fly I'M gonna scream portion. I know this because a friend of mine took a nursing A & P and she loved it! When I looked at her materials, I thought, "yeah I'd love this too," Unfortunately I can't move to her state.

All I can offer is you will get through it. Some of the chapters are much more palatable than others. Even though yoiu are not taking the course in a traditional classroom, it may be possible to link up with a study bud on this BB. Surely there must be two people taking EC A & P at the same time.

Keep me posted to your progress and if I can be of any help let me know. 2 more weeks and I kiss the A & P books good bye!

C

Spazzy Nurse, RN · May 1, 2003

Angelbear, I had my share of temper tantrums going through this thing. I want to spare your families the agony of going through watching mom/wifey flip out. :chuckle

Finishing up an awful course is kind of like having to jump into a cold shower because there is no hot water. You just breathe real deep for a minute, then jump in to the cold water (= awful course), do your thing as quickly-- but still effectively-- as you can (= well enough to pass) while holding your breath the entire time, and then jump back out again, back into the warmth of the bathroom (= interesting class).

Dumb way of putting it, but hey, my brain is fried. LOL

niteshiftnurse · May 1, 2003

I too am taking A&P now, but have run into a snag.......I have been told I have MS and my memory has turned to CRS..................CAN"T REMEMBER S---. I don't know what the future will hold, but I'm going to give it my best shot.

Spazzy, any words of wisdom

mona b RN, BSN, RN · May 1, 2003

niteshiftnurse,

So sorry to hear about your diagnoses. Have you talked to your physician about the memory issue? I have some memory difficulties too, but some of my problems are due to the fact that I'm just gettin' old. LOL Also, I had chemo and that does a number on your brain. Actually, it's called chemo brain, the chemo just kind of makes you dumb. Who knows what the effects of the chemo are, of course we hope for the desired effect i.e., kicking cancer cells butts. Anyway, my memory has certainly improved and I think the studying has actually helped a great deal.

Take care of yourself,

mona b