How do I Prepare for 1st Semester

Nursing Students General Students

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Hi, I've been accepted into the Merced College nursing program and want to prepare myself for the type of studying required. Would studying from an NCLEX study guide be appropriate before schooling begins? I have 2 months before classes start and want to prepare myself as best I can. My Bio/Organic Chem and Cellular/Molecular Bio classes both emphasized critical thinking and the tests reflected that emphasis (I received high B's, ~88%, in each class). From what I've read, the NCLEX is mostly critical thinking. I'll be living alone in Merced, CA with nothing to concern myself with other than schooling. I just need some tips on what to expect and how to deal with studying, assuming that the school conforms to the rigorous standards of other nursing schools. Thanks.

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Specializes in TCU.

Hi!

I don't know about anyone else, but my program bases their exams on NCLEX type questions, so maybe practice that. Also, my first semester was awful, not to scare you but my clinical instructor was just plain old mean (yes, she was a nightmare). I have been told many 1st semester instructor's are tough (too weed out the weak) so I learned to buck up. I received 3 violations (I know that most everyone got at least one too) that semester and thank god made it through! It has only gotten easier with each semester (I am now in 3rd semester) and I don't feel like I have to work so hard, so I would just say hold on tight your first semester, you'll get through it! It is a lot of work but it will be worth it!

I just want to add that I have a child with Autism, and found out a few months ago my mom is terminally ill (adrenal/lung cancer) and I am maintaining a 3.0 gpa, and I think I may pull off a 3.5 this semester! So if I can do that, well then anyone can!! ;)

Cheers & Good Luck!

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Specializes in NICU.

I would honestly say, just relax. This may be your last bit of sanity for the next 2-3 years. Enjoy it. You'll learn what you need to soon enough.

That said, my first semester is relatively easy. As long as you have the motivation to study and study the right things, you should be fine. My foundations book has practice NCLEX questions that helps me in preparations for my exams. Also, I use a Nursing Made Incredibly Easy: NCLEX RN textbook to get me into the necessary mindset. Alot of your questions may deal with prioritizing: more than one 'right' answer, but you need to understand which piece of information is MORE important. Look for the horses, not the zebras. And you can never go wrong if you can remember Maslow's hierachy of needs (physiologic needs most important, followed by safety, the need for love, acceptance, and self esteem, and lastly, self actualization.)

And most important, congratulations!

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

Two years ago, I was in your situation... now I'm a newly minted RN.

My advice would be to begin studying:

  • The fundamentals of pharmacology - basically, the major drug classes, their key members, their indications, mechanisms of action, and major side effects... I'm talking the 10,000-foot view here, not the nitty gritty of each medication... just enough to recognize 'em when you 'em and have some idea what they're about.

  • Medical terminology, if you don't already know it alright

  • Read up on infection control

  • If you're really into it, I'd start looking through a pathophysiology study guide like the "Incredibly Easy" book.

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Specializes in critical care nursing, ED, education.

I would surely enjoy some of the free time you have now.

One book that has been a huge help to students in my class has been a book called Test Success: Test-Taking Techniques for Beginning Nursing Students . This really breaks down how nursing test questions are written. The tests have been the biggest hurdle for many and this book has been a big help to those who are struggling.

As for study tips. Everyone is a little different with how they best learn. But I can tell you this. nursing school is different. You cant just memorize lists and facts, there really has to be an understanding of the process to be able to succeed. If things get a little too much, or I am not understanding something. I will spend some time cruising other resources till I find one that makes more sense. It gets a little time consuming and overwhelming at times, but you just have to take it one day at a time. Schedule both study and personal time to keep your sanity. ;-) and have fun!

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Thanks for all the information. I haven't taken a medical terminology course, so I downloaded "Medical Terminology An Illustrated Guide" and read the first 30 of the 744 pages; seems like a nice self-study book.

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What about a PDA? I'm definitely getting one, but I can't decide which type. This site http://www.hsl.virginia.edu/portal/sonursing/son_mobile.cfm suggested the ipod touch. Since those are well-priced, I might buy one. Does anyone have experience with using one for nursing applications?

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Buy an iPod Touch. It will save you multiple times when your patient is discharged and you are forced to make a care plan on the spot. It's $200 well spent. I wouldn't be caught without one during clinicals, there's just so much to look up as you discover things from the patient's chart.

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Specializes in IMCU.

Love my Ipod touch and as it has no camera it can come into clinicals with me.

My suggestions:

Review cardiovascular system

Review respiratory system

Gen review of organs & their functions

Get a Math for Meds book and go through it (get a second hand one)

Then:

Spring clean and organise your house

Make and freeze some meals

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