What to do while waiting.

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Oct 7, 2007

If its possible, grab a list of the classes you'll be starting with. Then you can get a head start by reading up on the subjects. You can get some books from the library or read up on the subject on the internet.

For me, my first Mod (a mod is like a semester) we had Fundementals of Nursing, A&P, Medical Terminology and some basic math for nursing.

Judging from my class, the class that gave the biggest problems was Dosing Calculation.

I'd say brush up on your math skills. Maybe try getting some medical term under your belt, refresh your A&P if you've already taken it, if you haven't maybe start reading up.

I know Barnes and Noble bookstore has a great section for Nursing. You can grab a book, sit down have a coffee/soda and read the books. Great way to get a head start AND you don't have to pay for the book :lol2:

Best of luck in school! I started this past March and graduate this coming June! :monkeydance:

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Oct 7, 2007

hi, kmn360, and welcome to allnurses! :welcome:

i would recommend that you go through the posts on the sticky threads of the nursing student assistance forum (https://allnurses.com/forums/f205/) and the general nursing student discussion forum (https://allnurses.com/forums/f50/). these stickys have been set up because these are subjects that are frequently asked by nursing students. explore some of the links and start a file of the links that you think will be helpful for you. you can also use the search on allnurses to pull up older threads to get information on subjects. many questions have been asked again and again.

Athenas83 · Oct 8, 2007

Dosage calculations!! I recommend the book "Calculate with Confidence." I would enjoy the time I have before it starts up though.

DaFreak71 · Oct 8, 2007

Try this (it worked for me): call, email, or visit your program director or your course leader and ask for a copy of the syllabus. Also ask what text books you will need for the first semester. You have enough time to work your way through several weeks of school. If they won't provide you with the materials, I'd suggest going to a bookstore and purchasing "Fundamentals of Nursing Made Incredibly Easy" or one of the Dummies series. Dont' worry yourself about memorizing or even completely understanding everything before you even get to class. Just get an overall picture of what you'll be going over.

I would try to memorize vital signs, math equivalents, conversions and how to do ratio and proportion (some schools use dimensional analysis), but in our program we have to show the work and it has to be done in the same way each time or we get it wrong. So go forth and conquer.

Even if your school won't let you get a copy of the syllabus or texts, at least they'll know you're eager to start learning. And that can't hurt.

kmn360 · Oct 9, 2007

Thanks lostdruid,

This is exactly what I was looking for!

kasia2 · Oct 11, 2007

Three things you should focus on and you should be fine.

1. Practice blood pressure, the last thing you want to do is not to be confident about the skill while having a test coming soon...nursing tests are hard so you'l want to focus your energy 'strictly' on them, you dont need extra " worries".

2. Start reading the book for test taking strategies- nursing tests are different than 'usual' tests, you have to apply the knowledge, not just memorizing, your inteligence as well the common sense will be put to tests, but to make this an easy process invest in a test-taking strategies for begining nursing students, at least you wont be shocked as much when the first test come, you'l have a better understanding of how to choose the right answer.

3. Also start working on math skills, you dont want to be bother with the drug dosage problems while you studing for your FIRST fundamentals test.

Start planning your finances so you can cut back the work hours, good luck:balloons: