I don't like mnemonics, but I like to spell the word.

rmbt418 · Dec 26, 2008

I don't like mnemonics either............anybody have any other things that worked for them?

Baloney Amputation, BSN, LPN, RN · Dec 26, 2008

Honestly, I do have some mini-mnemonics in mobility and musculoskeletal management to keep some of the items straight between them, but other than that, it is more of a pain to make and memorize mnemonics than memorize the key words. I operate in words anyway in that I can see a word (or series of words) and it is seared in my mind, so maybe that's why I'm a nerd like that. :specs:

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Dec 26, 2008

I love mnemonics. But I steal them from other people. If you go through the threads about the CPNE they're all packed with them!

I use them even day to day.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Dec 26, 2008

i thought i was the only one....i am spending more time trying to build these mnemonics than studying... i find that i do better just by memorizing the steps and going with it. now when it comes down to it i will just make small print and write it out on my grid cause i feel like i will fail by doing these mnemonics....i am also just bound to forget what the mnemonic stands for so if i learn the steps and constantly repeat them i think ill do better...

am i the only one that doesn't care for mnemonics? i feel it takes me so much longer to create a mnemonic than to remember my key words. i have no problem remembering key words, but for the most part, mnemonics just aren't for me. call me uncreative, but that's how i roll. hopefully i'm not setting myself up for extreme failure with that technique.
merry christmas, my allnurses peeps (to quote my favorite spreadsheeter)!
karen

caliotter3 · Dec 26, 2008

I kind of feel the same way and I'm just getting ready to start preparing. I don't know how I'll ever do it.

TLAandy · Dec 26, 2008

I think the point of the mnemonics is just a memory jog. Something to write down on paper so you can refer to it during a stressful time to get you back in gear, nothing more. I think it is part of the puzzle but not the complete answer. The mnemonics I use are in the order of operations. So if something happens and I have a proverbial brain fart, I have something to look at and go, "okay yeah, that comes next" it is also an organizational tool. Check them off as you do them, you see progress right away. Breaks things down into neat, little, digestible parts. I think students that use them are list makers, and maybe have some OCD components, (not being mean, remember I use them too). It acts as a security blanket and calms your nerves somewhat. How hard can it be? I have it all written down here. I love them. I'm prior service with the army, spent a year in Iraq, and let me tell you in a stressful situation, you can forget your own name, let alone the proper sequence of an assessment. I think its best to be safe than sorry, but don't waste time, use someone elses. I did, I put my flash cards on the bed and walk through the assessments and what not with them saying everything out loud. Now it is part of the assessment. I am saying them in my regular work day.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Dec 26, 2008

you make a lot of sense here...what i have found is that most mnemonics i have ran across did not include in it's entirety the whole assessment or management area so i find myself continually rewriting the darn thing to get everything included....therefor the process is screwed up. i think i am approaching this wrong.....

i think the point of the mnemonics is just a memory jog. something to write down on paper so you can refer to it during a stressful time to get you back in gear, nothing more. i think it is part of the puzzle but not the complete answer. the mnemonics i use are in the order of operations. so if something happens and i have a proverbial brain fart, i have something to look at and go, "okay yeah, that comes next" it is also an organizational tool. check them off as you do them, you see progress right away. breaks things down into neat, little, digestible parts. i think students that use them are list makers, and maybe have some ocd components, (not being mean, remember i use them too). it acts as a security blanket and calms your nerves somewhat. how hard can it be? i have it all written down here. i love them. i'm prior service with the army, spent a year in iraq, and let me tell you in a stressful situation, you can forget your own name, let alone the proper sequence of an assessment. i think its best to be safe than sorry, but don't waste time, use someone elses. i did, i put my flash cards on the bed and walk through the assessments and what not with them saying everything out loud. now it is part of the assessment. i am saying them in my regular work day.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Dec 26, 2008

Yep, there are people on EC's EPN who didn't use mnemonics -- they just didn't work for them. Nothing wrong with that! They ended up just learning the required assessment and management steps, and were successful at the CPNE.

And yes, I'll admit it drives me nuts when people spell it "pneumonics."

NC Girl BSN · Dec 26, 2008

Like others have mentioned, You can do them by learning the critical elements but IMO that is so much harder.

Try some of Rob's Mneumonics they were so easy to learn. His relates his to the body area. For example:

"PAIR" for respiratory assessment- Remembered a "pair of lungs"

P-osition upright

A-ssess RAP(rate,respirations,asssory muscles, Pattern)

I-nhale deeply

R-ecord response

Here is another easy one from another student:

PS LAPS- Abdominal Assessment- Think of the abdomen is so big that it sits in your lap.

P-osition,pee,pain,privacy

S-uction on

L-Look

A-asculate

P-alpate

S-suction off

WANT I BE GLAD I PUT ON TWO DRY SOCKS FAST -20 minute check(which includes fluids management)

W-ash hands

I-introduce

B-and check

G-Love

I-inspect IV, tell about I&O's

P-inch tugor

O-ff gloves

T-ubing check

D-rip rate

S-olution

F-luid level

All my Mneumonics relate to the body part most were Robs but some I picked from others.I loved them because it was quick and easy and allowed me to document with ease because they included all the critical elements. During the CPNE you will get extremely nervous at times and these mnemonic help me during my time of need. PM me if you want the rest. I just think you need the right ones and you will be fine.

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Dec 26, 2008

While in school mnemomics at times helped me tremendously to remember things. Other times, I would remember the mnemonic but not what each letter stood for..so that didn't help at all.

Most times while reading or listening to lecture a mnemonic would just pop in my head without trying to think of one or being told one, those are the ones that stick for me and that I remember what each letter stood for.

I'll admit, I am a list maker, and I think I do have a very slight case of OCD for some things (nothing that hinders my life though, silly things like say a bookshelf has to have books that go from tallest to shortest..)

I would have to say mnemonics as a whole have helped me more than hurt. But there is nothing wrong with not liking them or not getting it. Everyone learns in a different manner, so if you have a way that helps you remember better than mnemonics go for it, the only person that has to remember for your tests and when you are in practice is you. So do it the way that helps you the most.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Dec 26, 2008

i just found my lynn's workshop stuff and am looking at those mnemonics...i have rob's stuff and will be going back through those.