Fundamentals!!

RLtinker, LPN · May 18, 2012

Fundamentals is one of the easier classes, but it is a massive amount of reading if you do it all. Thinking back to last semester, when I took that class, we covered the entire book minus a few chapters. We probably covered 40 of the 46 chapters in the book. We would read about 3-4 chapters a week. It sounds like a lot, but most of the chapters could be skimmed. It was more about understanding basic principles than memorizing. For an example, in the book each of the parts of ADPIE (Assessment, Diagnose, Plain, Implement, evaluate), aka the nursing process, had their own chapters, but it was done as a single lecture. Some of the information such as vitals, medications, ect were covered in lab. However, this was 4 hours a week class over a 16 week semester, so I am curious as to how your school is fitting it into a summer semester.

loriangel14, RN · May 18, 2012

Fundamentals isn't difficult but it is a massive amount of info take in all at once. just when you feel you can't cram any more in your brain...

You will get through it.Deep breath.

athomas2340 · May 18, 2012

Your not alone! I am taking fundamentals and health assessment over the summer as well :uhoh3: .

RM27 · May 18, 2012

Thanks RLtinker and Loriangel14 for your responses...I pray that I get through it this summer the class hours consist of 4 hours a week for lecture and 2-3 hours for Lab....on top of that I have Health Assessment all I can say is pray for me and I wish you both well in your studies :)

RM27 · May 18, 2012

@ Athomas14 we are exactly in the same boat lol I take Fundamentals l my 1st summer session, Fundamentals ll my 2nd session and Health Assessment the entire summer but I wish you best of luck throughout your studies

Majestas · May 18, 2012

Yes, it seems overwhelming at first simply because of the amount of content. But it really is not difficult - it's very logical and common sense. I don't know how your textbook is organized, but mine outlines step-by-step procedures at the end, such as changing and caring for IVs, providing a bed bath, etc. Take a look at those, understand the reasoning for each of the steps, and understand the main concepts. This is what's important. You don't necessarily need to read every single word, as reading is all you'll ever be doing (unless you're a super speed reader, which most nursing students I've met are not).

I found that focusing on Skills Lab is what really helped me with Fundamentals. This is what the class is all about - understanding, practicing, and becoming familiar with basic nursing procedures. You can also ask you instructor any questions related to the procedures and concepts in lab that you might not have understood from reading or lecture. They tend to be very helpful in clarifying things, and can provide demonstrations.

With good time managements and study skills, you'll have little trouble getting through this class. Good luck!

athomas2340 · May 18, 2012

@ Athomas14 we are exactly in the same boat lol I take Fundamentals l my 1st summer session, Fundamentals ll my 2nd session and Health Assessment the entire summer but I wish you best of luck throughout your studies

Thanks, its crazy that I have the exact same schedule as you! Do you mind me asking where you go to school? Also, I asked about fundamentals in another thread and was actually told that Health Assessment is much more difficult than Fundamentals and if its anything I should get a jump start studying...it should be that. Here's the link if you want to check it out.

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-student/made-through-my-709720.html

Good Luck!

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · May 18, 2012

this thread is another reminder that nursing is a profession with a very large body of specialized knowledge; those who don't know that coming in will certainly know it going out.

this is like nothing you ever studied before. and remember: if this is fundamentals, just image what advanced will be! start studying, or learning to study, and good luck!

RM27 · May 24, 2012

I go to South Carolina State University, what school do you attend and when do you start. Being that I already started I believe Funds is more difficult well I say this because it's alot of information to take in, I wish you well in your studies as well :)

RM27 · May 24, 2012

@ GreTea I agree with everything you are saying today was my 3rd day in Nursing school and I had 2 quizzes already its a great deal of information that I have to learn in just 10 weeks but I'm doing alot of studying and hoping for the BEST.

athomas2340 · May 24, 2012

Thanks! I go to Bowie State University and I start next Tuesday :), I was just wondering if we happened to be in the same area. Good luck to you! I'm sure you'll do great.