Fundamentals & Core Nursing Class Tips

[CDub72]

Hi Everyone!

I will be beginning my 1st Nursing Core classes in one week- (very excited). I'll be taking the following courses this term: Fundamentals Lecture , Fundamentals Lab , Fundamentals Clinical , Intro to Nursing Math & Pharmacology , and Adult Health Assessment w/lab. I'm wondering if any of the seasoned nurses , or nursing students that are further along in their studies can offer some advice? I'd like to know if there are certain parts of my anatomy / physiology book that I should focus more on , as well as any particular subjects in my Microbiology class that will help me to succeed throughout nursing school? I really want to do well in my classes and actually retain most if not all the information. My aspirations are to start off in Med/Surg upon graduation, and eventually become an OR Nurse! I want to thank everyone in advance for your time and consideration. Have a great day!

[aeris99]

Subscribed. I start fundamentals in the fall too :)

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Welcome to nursing! My advice is to study what is directed in class. If you get a study guide (how to pass NCLEX type of thing) you will have sample questions on the various topics as you approach that topic. Also, if there are questions in the text - study those! Many schools use test banks which are purchased thru book publishers, so the test matches the textbook. Takeone day at a time!

[Mommy_RN1211]

I am finishing my fundamentals courses in 2 weeks. Looks as though I am going to make it :) lol Best advice is relax before you start. There will be plenty of reading to come. Stick to the reading list. It is hard for anyone to give concrete advice because everyone studies different. Personally I didn't have to study skills very much because I am a hands on learner and got it pretty quickly. Theory I made sure to understand concept vs memorization. With every concept ask youself "What does this have to do with patient care?" If you can answer that question with every new chapter in detail you will be just fine! :) with Clinical make yourself a resource. Follow the nurses around if they will allow you and soak up as much as you can. Clinical is what you make out of it in my opinion. Good luck!

[LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN]

I remember that excitement. I am one year in and EXHAUSTED ......... You'll get your groove a few weeks in and figure out how to best work to your advantage. Everyone is different. Just be prepared for a ton of things being thrown at you. And buy a planner.

[Nurse2b7337]

lorirn@b you're so right about the planner. There were so many things that were thrown at me at once. It's probably due to it being an accelerated program. Remember it will be challenging but give it your best shot an you'll be fine.

[CDub72]

Thank you Future Nurse... and congrats on completing Fundamentals. I know there's going to be lots of reading, I actually cant wait to start- I'm getting anxious and nervous!

[CDub72]

I remember that excitement. I am one year in and EXHAUSTED ......... You'll get your groove a few weeks in and figure out how to best work to your advantage. Everyone is different. Just be prepared for a ton of things being thrown at you. And buy a planner.

Excited isn't the word- I'm like geez it's finally starting , and nervous at the same time. I was in the lab looking around at the "dummies" and I was like gosh why do they have to be so anatomically correct! lol

[CDub72]

Welcome to nursing! My advice is to study what is directed in class. If you get a study guide (how to pass NCLEX type of thing) you will have sample questions on the various topics as you approach that topic. Also, if there are questions in the text - study those! Many schools use test banks which are purchased thru book publishers, so the test matches the textbook. Takeone day at a time!

Hi Classicdame- thank you so much for your response. I'll definitely be doing the sample questions, my school definitely utilizes the "Q-bank" that comes with the books.