Getting ORganized?

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hlfpnt, BSN, RN

665 Posts

Specializes in LTAC, Homehealth, Hospice Case Manager.

I found keeping my notes in order by date & subject in a large 3 ring binder with tabs to be helpful. I kept a calendar color coded with assignment due dates, exams, & clinicals so I knew what was coming up at a glance. Keeping a routine study time in a familiar place is also very helpful.

mrscurtwkids4

108 Posts

Specializes in med/surg, telemetry.

Most of the instructors at my college use powerpoints for their lectures. They place them online for them to be available for us to print out. After my first semester, I realized how significant the amount of paper and ink is. So I ended up investing in a laptop computer. I can just download all of the presentations to my laptop and go. I keep everything very organized in separate files for what is covered on the first exam...etc. Then I just generally keep a spiral notebook for jotting down info from time to time, a pocket folder with some loose paper in it. Then the pocket folders they require for our clinical paperwork. Plus I use the calendar on my laptop to keep track of due dates for assignments, when exams are, class schedule, etc. Even the syllabus for each class is available online so I don't get that wear and tear of looking at it too often

nrstob08

30 Posts

like hlfpnt, i too file my notes according to the date, with the my most recent notes at the top and the previous days at the bottom, i found that this really helped me stay organised

I also have a 3" file for each of my classes and keep all my class notes, note cards and any other information under the appropriate file divider. File divikders help keep me so organised, i can find whatever i need asap. I aslo keep a printout of the month with all the assignment due dates and test dates highlighted so i can get a quick glance at what i need to be working on even if its only due during the last week of the month.

FNPhopeful

307 Posts

Looooooooove the clear binder pockets, I put my syllabus and important papers in them to be protected and so I can see them. So nifty. Im discovering office supplies this semester!

Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

For those experienced nursing students do you use just one huge 3 ring binder with all classes together or do you have seperate 3 ring binders for each class?

hlfpnt, BSN, RN

665 Posts

Specializes in LTAC, Homehealth, Hospice Case Manager.

Personally, I preferred the one huge 3 ring binder. Lol I felt I had enough books to carry without adding to it! :wink2:

OnTheRoad

177 Posts

I decided to stay with the system I know from prereq's since it familiar... with some variations. I got a binder for each class. I like the clear views so I can put schedules inside. I have one folder for each class also for handouts and assignments I do not intend to hole punch. I have post it page markers for tabbing things I know I need to study more because my skull is too thick, and I use them in both binder and text. I keep all important dates on my PDA as well as written copy and check them off as I go.

Since I now have a bazillion texts as well as medical supplies and my normal "must have every day" items I decided to keep more than one bag. I have a small essential supplies bag for pencil case, ibuprofen, stapler, paperclips etc... which I can transfer from bag to bag. I have a seperate tote for items I will need for labs (like BP cuff and steth, and the practice medical supplies we had to buy to use at home and in our resource lab). Books are in different bags according to my class schedule for the days. I decided to use all these multiple bags because last semester I tried to just switch out books for the days I would use them and all the time found myself forgetting a book or folder I needed.

I am looking forward to adapting my system as I go, seeing as how I am sure it will require the purchase of more office supplies LOL! ;)

maliat

257 Posts

For those experienced nursing students do you use just one huge 3 ring binder with all classes together or do you have seperate 3 ring binders for each class?

I have one binder for each class. I find it much easier to keep things separate and I'm sure if I didn't I would quickly lose papers. I do use the large binders. I have found so far that I accumulate more than enough to fill a binder for one class. I do not use clear binders. I bought one once, and found that even though it was a nice place to put my syllabus, I kept on taking it out, so the front pocket got funny looking. I instead use those clear plastic holders.

Malia

SchoolRN,BSN

134 Posts

Specializes in ICU,Oncology,School,.
For those experienced nursing students do you use just one huge 3 ring binder with all classes together or do you have seperate 3 ring binders for each class?

I use one binder & notebook per class. So far I've had enough papers/information/handouts that I've not had a problem filling them up. Like others, I also organize according to test material. Everything for test one goes in front behind the syllabus. Then a tab divider, then everything for test two and so on...

I also organize my notebooks by date. I take lecture notes draw a line then do

my homework for that day, draw a line, take lecture notes for the next day, etc... Really helps find information quickly & easily.

SA2BDOCTOR

407 Posts

I'm just getting ready to start my first semester of actual nursing courses!! Last semester, with all the pre reqs, I found one of those expandable filing folders with about 7-12 pockets to be helpful. For every class you have, make a little label. Then in class, whenever you get handouts etc., stick them in the appropriate folder right away. You'll always know where all your papers are!

Can you explain your labeling idea in more detail

JoshuaC

76 Posts

I really want to make sure I stay very organized during nursing school. Maybe I should buy one of those drawers sets that looks like a small file cabinet... They do make those right?

TRINI_RN

608 Posts

Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

I have a 4in. binder at home for notes that we're not currently using, and a 1in that I take to class. I have my calender inserted into the outside of the binder so I always know what we're doing that day. I carry a small stapler, portable 3 hole punch, and my pda with me. I also have a small planner that I use to write in when all assignments are due, and schedule my workouts and study time. My hubby also sent me a wonderful rolling bookbag to carry all of those HEAVY books! Oh, and I have a magnetiic dry erase board on my fridge with all the test and quiz dates on it.

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