How to prepare for first semester of nursing school?

April, RN, BSN, RN · May 16, 2008

Lab values are always important to know. What about becoming a nursing assistant? I really think having that hands on experience helped the most. Being a CNA, you become really comfortable with the basics like vital signs, bed baths, assisting in transferring from bed to chair, etc. which is a lot of what your first semester is.

LittleWing21, RN · May 18, 2008

congrats!!!! :yeah: i think it's great that you're looking ahead...but coming from someone who just finished, i say relax while you still can!!! haha. i think one of the best things you can do is become a cna. first semester clinical will be a breeze if you do (it was for me). it really helps you to gain your confidence and become a better nurse.

the 10 important drug thing...well that's all well and good but the biggest thing you'll learn in nursing school is that memorization is over-rated!!! those meds will have a lot more meaning and practical applications once you start school. right now, they're probably just words in a book. not to mention, the drugs that are "important" change from floor to floor.

your first year (particularly your first semester) you will learn to "think like a nurse." i believe that this is one of the most important things you get out of nursing school. and it's the one thing that you really can't learn from a book!

good luck, you'll do great. all the hard work is worth it!!

oncnursemsn · May 21, 2008

As faculty at an ASN college I would say brush up on your math. If you can find out what calculation system your school uses and just practice, you will be so much more ahead of your fellow students. We use Dimensional Analysis, which I didn't use when I was a student, so I had to learn it to teach my students! I'm not from the sliderule days, but it felt like it when I was mastering this new way to calculate.

I agree with an early poster- relax and charge your batteries. Oh, and get a CNA job too! Seriously, working in a hospital or other patient care setting will put you ahead of your other students AND give you confidence. (And make you more marketable when you get out.)

Congrats and above all, enjoy. You will have the most memorable and intense ride, but it's worth it! :yelclap:

ngaki1230 · Sep 26, 2010

So how do you become a CNA? I live in Los Angeles, so if anyone can point me to the right direction, I would be very grateful. Also, what are the reqirements for a CNA?

caliotter3 · Sep 26, 2010

Get your study area organized. If you have the money to afford it, get a PDA, computer, nursing apps for your PDA, any nursing references that catch your interest at the bookstore. I suggest you look into the Pulse Smartpen system for taking notes in class. Get yourself settled into good health habits, to include a strenuous workout program.

Sabr&Shukr · Feb 28, 2011

@ngaki - I don't know about LA, but here in Boston the requirements for getting a CNA position is that you need to be certified. Which will cost you $800.00 to do through the American Red Cross. I think it's expensive, but sometimes you have no choice. You may be able to find a place that teaches and certifies CNA's for free - so check into your local area hospitals about that first.

April, RN, BSN, RN · Feb 28, 2011

A lot of hospitals will hire you as a CNA without certification as long as you have completed one nursing school clinical.

Sabr&Shukr · Feb 28, 2011

Yes, you have to have your first semester of clinical completed - which they usually count as med/surg experience.

MandaBattles · Aug 16, 2011

Im a CNA in NY and I just looked around for local nursing homes that were providing the class. They paid me an hourly wage while going to class and paid for the tuition. That is the best way if you can find a place to do that! Good Luck! :up:

AngelaDeWispelaere · Feb 26, 2012

I just got accepted into a second degree BSN program which requires pharmacology and pathophysiology as prerequisites. So I started going through several NCLEX-RN prep books to help me get the hang of critical thinking skills. Granted I don't always have enough background to answer the questions without guessing but I ALWAYS read the rationales. It's amazing how much you can learn doing that. I average over 250 NCLEX questions a week. Plus I got Davis' Test Success and Fundamentals Success books as well as a Reviews and Rationales book on Fluids, Electrolytes, and Acid-Base Balance. I want to know the major lab values before I start classes. I already have my CNA but I won't be able to work until after my first semester due to my family obligations. But I already know I'm ahead of the game. I'm trying to balance about 10-12 hours of reading/studying these books with fun reading and doing stuff I won't have time for when school starts.

arbor-vitae · Apr 21, 2012

congrats!!!! i think it's great that you're looking ahead...but coming from someone who just finished, i say relax while you still can!!! haha. i think one of the best things you can do is become a cna. first semester clinical will be a breeze if you do (it was for me). it really helps you to gain your confidence and become a better nurse.the 10 important drug thing...well that's all well and good but the biggest thing you'll learn in nursing school is that memorization is over-rated!!! those meds will have a lot more meaning and practical applications once you start school. right now, they're probably just words in a book. not to mention, the drugs that are "important" change from floor to floor. your first year (particularly your first semester) you will learn to "think like a nurse." i believe that this is one of the most important things you get out of nursing school. and it's the one thing that you really can't learn from a book! good luck, you'll do great. all the hard work is worth it!!

excellent advise!