Getting a Jump Start

Rena RN 2003, RN · Jun 21, 2003

hmmmm.......i really have never understood the whole "jump start" way of thinking. if you are in a nursing program and have time on your hands between quarters/sememster, relax. enjoy it. those times are few and far between and go by really quickly.

if you are still itching to do something school related, you could always ask for the book list for the upcoming class and look through it.

i guess my philosophy has been that i will receive the information that i need once the class begins. and my luck dictates that it wouldn't matter what i studied, i would need to know something completely different. :chuckle

good luck getting ahead. :)

essarge · Jun 21, 2003

I have always suggested to new students to purchase the text that they are going to be using, along with the study guide, and go through it before they start classes. It has helped me tremendously. Even though I might not understand it the first time around, when we go over it in class the second time, it really helps!!! You can ask your nursing office which books are going to be used.

Bevi · Jun 21, 2003

Originally posted by Rena RN 2003
hmmmm.......i really have never understood the whole "jump start" way of thinking. if you are in a nursing program and have time on your hands between quarters/sememster, relax. enjoy it. those times are few and far between and go by really quickly.

if you are still itching to do something school related, you could always ask for the book list for the upcoming class and look through it.

i guess my philosophy has been that i will receive the information that i need once the class begins. and my luck dictates that it wouldn't matter what i studied, i would need to know something completely different. :chuckle

good luck getting ahead. :)

Hi Rena,

:)

I understand what you mean when you say:

"if you are in a nursing program and have time on your hands between quarters/sememster, relax. enjoy it. "

My .02 cents:

imho those times are perfect for looking over upcoming work.

One of the reasons being, you aren't under the pressure of time constraints and deadlines...

Yes, we all know we will receive the necessary info once class begins, but wouldn't it be nice to hear it and be able to say: "oooh! i read that.. "

I believe it would be good reinforcement of theories and /or ideas you'd already exposed yourself to.

I'm starting a adn program in late august...At orientation, we were given our textbook list and also some assigned reading for the summer. We were told we could "elect" not to do the summer reading (1200 pages), but that should we choose not too... that those pages would be required reading for the first 3 WEEKS of the program....

I don't know about anyone else, but i'd rather spread 1200 pages over 8 weeks than 3.

Through these past few weeks of tackling this summer reading... I think i'm developing better critical thinking skills,

I am finding myself thinking in different ways....looking at things with a more critical eye, and applying some of what i'm reading and learning to life situations. This process of thinking differently is sooo important in nursing, and for me at least, is definitely not so innate.

I'm glad i have the summer to get a jump on these concepts...

I guess everyone has there own way of looking at things, and what works for some, may not be what works for others.

:)

Born,

see if you can get the name of your text for pharm.... then see if you can't find an instructor for your program to tell you where you could begin....i mean even if you started making flashcards over the summer, you'd be that much ahead.

Also..i have a good book i picked up to use as a resource...its called "Pharmacology Made Incredibly Easy" i think the publisher is springhouse . I got it for less than 10 dollars on amazon.com (used, but in excellent condition). and its a very cool resource.

Wishing you luck and many blessings,

Bevi · Jun 22, 2003

Born , i just had a thought....

If your college has a website, you may be able to access your textbook list that way....

let us know how it goes!

Mithrah · Jun 22, 2003

I'd recommend going to your school's library and checking out a nursing pharmacology book. I really like Lilley & Aucker: Pharmacology and the Nursing Process because at the end of each chapter there are review questions.

Good luck! I think reading ahead is a great idea. When you read and know you don't HAVE to it can actually be relaxing. :)

Bevi · Jun 30, 2003

Originally posted by Mithrah
When you read and know you don't HAVE to it can actually be relaxing. :)

Mithrah,

I agree with this, I always have a book with me, the other day, when we went to the beach, i brought one....i read.....and dozed....read......dozed.....etc.

it was sooooo nice

Bevi · Jun 30, 2003

I have "pharmacology made incredibly easy" tis a good reference book......

i found it on amazon dot come for a steal

used but in perfect condition!

redwinggirlie · Jul 1, 2003

Just get the latest drug book (you're going to need it for a long time anyhow) and leaf through pages. Take a peek at beta-blockers one day, aminoglycosides the next. Just be familiar with them, but mostly, what method of action the drugs take. Relax with it. There are new drugs every day, so it's impossible to expect anyone to know them all. Your best bet in pharm is to find your own way of remembering what each group of drugs does. I wish you the best.

Bevi · Jul 1, 2003

Redwinggirl,

great advice,

........ i'ma do that!