Help! I just started nursing school!

Caymanme · Aug 23, 2007

I just finished my ADN program in Aug. The most important thing I did was to schedule quiet study time every day. Usually 2-4 hours. Sometimes I would go to the library or just sit in my car in a parking lot. You need to be able to absorb what you read and you really do need to know what is in the chapters to be successful. Make sure to enjoy your school expeience because it will go by fast. Good luck!!!

JennyRN09 · Aug 23, 2007

I just started nursing school and I feel swamped. I feel like Im drowning I dont know where to start. There are so many chapters to read. Those of you who are in nursing school are are finished with nursing school, Do I read the chapters word for word or do I just skim and do the workbook pages? Did you read the chapters word for word? I have two small children I dont have time to study word for word. There are so many chapter Should I just read everything? Will I have enough time?

Hi Lizzyberry,

Can I just say, I know the feeling well. I am going into Nursing 3 in a few days and I am scared to death. I have 4 kids and I'm a single mom to boot. My fiance moved in with me last year before the start of Nursing 1 (I don't know if that helped or what, lol). Either way, I thank God he did because for the first semester I read everything word for word, studied every free second I had, took the outlines for the semester (which were HUGE) and answered all the objective and made these typed out 50 page notes, and the end result was I did great. I unfortunately went from being a 4.0 student to a B+ student, but even with all my efforts it was just that hard and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't pull an A, but you learn to get over that real fast and start saying, "phew! I'm still in!" with every test you get back. It is very overwhelming, no doubt!!!

The next semester, Nursing 2, the clinical assignments got more intense, the content was harder and there was more reading than ever. So, to save some time, I decided to drop the big notes I was making and started "skimming" as you put it. Well, I really regret that because although I still did okay, I fell from a B+ student to a B- student. So, I saw the difference and I am planning to do nothing but read and study this semester. So, that's just me, but I did my own little experiment and found that when I read all the chapters (and yes, that made for a lot of sleepless nights), and made my notes, I did much better!

Don't worry, you will pull through. We all felt overwhelmed when we started and as you can see, I am still overwhelmed and I'm going into my final year. With each semester you start thinking, "geez, and I thought last semester was hard, that was nothing compared to this one". You'll make it, just stay focused and get into a routine. That's my best advice to you! Take care and good luck!

Janet

GottaGetIn · Aug 23, 2007

GigglesRN2b, Where are you going to school? I am taking "Nursing I" in a few weeks and have a feeling that we're going to the same school. :) I also live in NH, but travel just "over the border" to school. :)

JennyRN09 · Aug 23, 2007

GigglesRN2b, Where are you going to school? I am taking "Nursing I" in a few weeks and have a feeling that we're going to the same school. :) I also live in NH, but travel just "over the border" to school. :)

I go to Northern Essex in Lawrence. Wouldn't that be a hoot if we are in the same school! Thanks for the compliments about being Nursing 3! Let me know where you go! If we're both at Northern Essex, I can give you a lot of pointers!! Good luck! You're going to do great!

Janet

NaomieRN · Aug 23, 2007

I am a nursing student entering into my third semester. I do the followings:

1. Skim through the chapters before class

2. Record the lectures

3. The next day, I will rearrange my notes and fill in anything I may have missed during lecture with my recorder and the book

4. I use to book to review what the instructor stresses on and read to understand rather than memorizing. I pay attention to charts and diagrams. I do not use the workbook because it is more knowledge based rather than critical thinking. If you are studying for a quiz, perhaps you can use the workbook, but other wise, practice nclex questions instead.

5. After, I practice nclex questions from saunders review/lippincott/mosby (I only practice sections pertaining to the area covers in class)

6. I study for about 20-30 hours a week with a study group. We have a calendar in which we stick by.

I always go to class early, sit in the front and have my recorder ready. It is important to know the style of your instructor. It does not hurt to ask previous students. Also, introduce yourself to the instructor.

GottaGetIn · Aug 23, 2007

Giggles, TOO funny! That is where I am going!!! I'd LOVE some pointers! I've already read ahead in my Fundamentals book but I am shaking in my boots! I also live in NH!

ANY tips you can give me would be so much appreciated! I'm going to the Nursing Mentor reception next week but would love some pointers from recent students! I know of others starting nursing I with me but I don't know anyone who has been through the program before!

:)

eldragon · Aug 24, 2007

Pay close attention in lecture, highlight everything the instructor says, and put a star by anything she/he says more than once.

Look up and make sure you understand your key words, or terms.

Read helpful hint boxes, charts or any nursing tips throughout the chapter.

Read outlines, and summaries.

Do any test questions that come with the book. Use the cd that came with the book for additional information and do test questions.

If you don't have time to read the chapter - skim through it - reading all the titles, headings and learning any bolded terms or words.

These things are the minimum you need to do to pass your tests. Of course, you need to read the chapters if you can. Some teachers get their test questions from the depths of the texts, and you may miss a few questions if you didn't read.

And in most nursing programs, missing a few questions is not good.