How do you organize your binders?

direw0lf, BSN · Jan 5, 2016

I started off with an awesome binder, enough space for 5 classes, pen case, lots of compartments... then forget it. Too many power points accumulated, and I didn't feel like dragging that to class plus my required laptop and my other class items.

I didn't even like using the ppt's I just liked using the books, companion website, and keeping my own notebooks. So I ended up liking single notebooks for each class and I use my huge binder for miscellaneous printouts, organized by body system, med math, assessment, lab values, and clinical/care maps.

You'll find what works!

My binder is Case It soft binder, it's really durable.

Meldel · Jan 5, 2016

Thank you! That was really helpful. I figure I will reorganize once I'm there, too...but trying to be as prepared as possible! :)

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Jan 6, 2016

I think the best binder arrangement depends on how your school is set up.

In my LVN program, we typically took several separate classes at once. For example, cardiovascular, mental health and neuro. In that case, I used one 2 1/2 -4 inch binder with a divided for each class. I also used dividers with built in folders for miscellaneous paperwork. I think I had a tab within each section for "to be turned in" and a different tab for "returned to me".

In RN school, we take 1 class at a time. I still use a large binder. In my class, we receive power points/online written lectures. I divided the lectures/ppts into sections related to the exam we were working on. For example, several teachers might lecture on a variety of topics that would be covered in exam 1. I kept the items for exam 1 in my binder and filed the materials for the the other exams at home.

In both cases, I took notes in a spiral binder which I added into day by day. After the exam was over, I'd start a new spiral notebook or a new section of the spiral notebook.

In RN school, I also kept a separate "clinical binder" for paperwork r/t clinicals.

In both cases, I early brought the text book to class, though about once per month or so, I found I needed access. I relied on students who used ebooks when this happened. People who bought ebooks had access to all 5 text books by carrying a simple lap top or tablet.

PS Some students did not print ppts, they just brought their laptop to class.

HTH!

born_this_way · Jan 6, 2016

Do you save using eBooks instead of textbooks?

DragonNerd · Jan 6, 2016

I'm in a BSN program, and this will be my second semester. We take usually 2-3 classes at a time, and I have a binder for each class. We have too many power points for me to fit them all into one. I usually get the 2in binders and then divide by exams.

So my binder is usually:

1. important class handouts (i.e. exam breakdowns, syllabi, etc)

2. Dividers per each exam (this is where I put any power points/notes)

3. Folder for Misc handouts/ graded papers

4. Loose-leaf paper.

Because of the power points, they do tend to get pretty heavy, so sometimes I rotate and take only the ones that I really need that day. Or for my small courses I just take a folder with my handouts and some loose-leaf paper. Also, my laptop.

3peas · Jan 7, 2016

In my BSN program we took 3 or 4 classes at a time so I brought one binder to school every week to keep all ppts and notes in. It had dividers for every class. Then at home I would transfer them to a binder for that class. The individual class binder had dividers to section it by exams. I could not keep up with 3 or 4 binders and remember which one to bring on what day to school. My bag was always ready to go with one binder.

I kept folders for clinicals and just slid them in the back of respective binder.

kkbb, BSN, RN · Jan 7, 2016

I am taking 3 in-person classes and one on-line class this semester. I use one binder, divided into syllabus, Fundamentals, Funds lab, Health Assessment, HA lab, Gerontology, Evidence Based Practice, and Clinical. In my clinical bag I have a folder that has my medical clearance forms, copy of my CPR card and resume (just a little wishful thinking). When I print ppts I do three to a page with lines for notes and print double sided, which does cut down on how much is actually printed. I also have a huge binder at home for all my previous classes.

Good luck to you!

AspiringNurseMW · Jan 7, 2016

Last semester I had 3 different binders because I had lab and lecture on different days. It worked because I didn't have to carry around my bigger lecture binder to lab. However, at least twice I forgot my lab binder (no biggie though) in all the switching.

This semester, I have lab and lecture on the same day. So I bought a 2 in 1 Case it binder. It's 2- 1.5 binders on each side with panels dividing it. So far i like it. I plan on using a folder for clinicals or get myself that clipboard that folds in half. I don't ever carry more than 10 pages to clinicals anyway

AspiringNurseMW · Jan 7, 2016

As for dividing. My lab portion gets divided by week. My lecture gets divided by content. Our school has learning modules with exemplars and either the subject "inflammation" or the exemplar 'asthma" is the title of the divider. At first I tried dividing my lecture by week, but often the schedule or time frame we finished a subject would change so labeling by subject using the syllabus made more sense.

Also, every time we finished a test, I moved those subjects to the back of my binder. In the front I always kept in a sheet protector the grading rubric, and filled in my desired grades (what I needed to get for an A or B) and automatically filled in my actual grades to keep account.

WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 7, 2016

I have 2 binders. 1 for theory, 1 for lab/clinical since I only do lab for 4 weeks. I then get 15-tab dividers for each week and tape the schedule for that week on the front of each divider so it's handy and I know what needs to get done.