First day of Nursing School..

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...and it was a SUCCESS! I enjoyed every minute of it, even the parts where the lecture got boring haha. For the first half of the class, I was taking notes by hand even though I had brought my Ipad to take notes. The second half after my hand was tired and starting to cramp, I decided to try out my Ipad even though I was pretty self-conscious since no one else was using any electronic devices to take notes (we are allowed to use them in class for note taking).

Let me tell you what! I LOVE taking notes with my Ipad. I am paying more attention and focusing more because I am typing instead of handwriting where I occasionally will put my head down, be tempted to doodle, let my mind wander, etc. I am using the app Notability for taking notes and it is awesome! It also has a voice recorder, so as I am taking notes, it is syncing what the instructor is saying to correspond with the words I am typing. I haven't checked on that yet, so we will see if it is really syncing.

I have a case with a "built in" keyboard that can be removed from the case and set on the table. The side of the case has Velcro so I can angle the screen as much as I want and move the keyboard to wherever feels most comfortable.

**And to those who will say things like "might as well just use a laptop if you're going to add a keyboard" or "it is just an oversized Iphone", please refrain. I have a laptop, but fact is, my laptop is huge. It has a big screen and considering the amount of big, heavy books I have to take to class, I really appreciate something small, light, and compact. My ipad fits perfectly into my backpack whereas I'd need to carry my laptop case seperately.

I'm not saying that using an Ipad or any other electronic device will be some life altering event towards note taking, but for me, it really did make the difference.

If you can afford it, I HIGHLY recommend doing so! And if it's not within your budget, you will still do awesome note taking anyway. :)

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Specializes in ICU.

How do you measure "success" on the first day of class?

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Specializes in Cardiac/Respiratory/PCU.

of course it was a success...you still have that new flame

just wait until that flame gets whipped around and eventually snuffed

then you'll feel like i do today

i envy your new student sparkle.

:madface:

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Specializes in ICU.

"New student sparkle." I like that. I always just called it newbie blinders or naivety. LOL.

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Specializes in Cardiac/Respiratory/PCU.

hahahaha!

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

Geez guys, way to step on someone's enthusiasm.

DSF, welcome to nursing school. I'm glad your notetaking morphed so well for you. :)

I love teaching level 1s, your enthusiasm can be infectious and keep me going while giving the same lecture 3 times a year, and while most of the questions are variations on a theme, every so often something new and interesting pops up.

So, ask lots of questions, know that there is an incredible info overload at first (well, always), but eventually it all comes together and makes sense. I've been a nurse for 30+ years, in many fields, still at bedside now, and teaching for 5. I still hum (literally) during many shifts, sign of internal contentment. Not to say there aren't lousy nights, bad situations, even been on strike (whole 'nother story), but I still enjoy nursing itself.

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Specializes in ICU.

For the record, I don't pat myself on the back for getting out of bed each morning either. Must be something wrong with me.

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.

Were you attempting to help someone with your comment? Or is the atmosphere just a little too positive for you?

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Whoa. What people say behind a computer screen.

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Let the OP be excited. It's a lot of work getting here and even more staying here. The first day can set the tone for the year and I am glad it went well. I'm jealous of being able to record as we are not permitted but I am glad you got to try to sync the notes with lecture.

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Sorry, Nursing_Mamacita and triquee, I think you guys got my post mixed up with another that wanted your negative feedback. You're sarcasm/jokes are in a negative light which are not really appreciated nor amusing. Contrary, I find them a bit offensive, so I'd appreciate it if you took it elsewhere.

Also, being naive has nothing to do with being a newbie. Just because I am new does not make me naive. I understand the factors of nursing school, that it will be extremely hard, and will take a lot of commitment. Sorry if my excitement for MY FIRST DAY of nursing school is amusing to you. I only wanted to share my excitement and thoughts with people that are going through/feeling the same way. Especially for those that were thinking on investing in a tablet or not.

By the way, I measured my success today by not being overwhelmed, making the most of my learning experience on day one, and making some new friends. My apologies if my definition does not match yours.

EDIT* I also forgot to mention, there are a few other threads in the forum with peoples excitement for their first day. Better go snuff out their newbie flames too before they get out of control.

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I think thats wicked hun. I wish i had an Ipad. I'm just excited I got ruled paper at $.10 a pack.

I will be a "Newbie" in 2 weeks. I will hopefully be right there with you and knowing you werent overwhelmed on your first day, gives me confidence that i will not drown on my first day either.

Thanks for sharing.:)

P.S I am completely jealous.

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