I want to get a headstart before I start nursing school

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I am starting an Accelerated Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program in the fall. I would like to do whatever I can to better prepare myself academically for school with my free time until then. I am already working as a nursing assistant outside of my full time job. Is there any other suggestions/activities/readings that I can do to better prepare myself for some of the basics of nursing/nursing school? I've thought about reading or watching youtube videos on stuff like pharmacology/medications, diabetes, studying Ecgs etc.. just so I can get a head start on some tough areas of nursing that will hopefully help me during my future studies!

Resources would be great too!

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Specializes in Hospice.

Whoa, slow down and breathe for a second.

I understand that you want to be the best nursing student you can be. Really, I do.

But, frankly, once you are in the program, you will be neck deep in studying.

Now is the time to take care of yourself and enjoy this break in your studies. Go to movies, binge watch stuff on Netflix, watch your favorite sports team, eat regular meals and sleep on a regular schedule.

Don't worry about "getting ahead" in nursing studies. You don't even know what you don't know yet.

Lurk on here-if you can get past the "Does the PVT really work?", "Test stopped after 210 questions, did I pass?", "NETY!! NETY!!" threads, there is a lot you can absorb from a lot of really intelligent, seasoned nurses. Some of it is clinical, some of it is how to survive the daily chaos.

Good luck to you!!

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How about taking a nice vacation? Travel somewhere. Do some home renovation and organization while you have the time. Get physically fit.

The academics will still be there, but you will be time-poor in a busy nursing program, especially if you keep your job. I would recommend that you use the time for other life-enhancing activities.

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.
Whoa, slow down and breathe for a second.

I understand that you want to be the best nursing student you can be. Really, I do.

But, frankly, once you are in the program, you will be neck deep in studying.

Now is the time to take care of yourself and enjoy this break in your studies. Go to movies, binge watch stuff on Netflix, watch your favorite sports team, eat regular meals and sleep on a regular schedule.

Don't worry about "getting ahead" in nursing studies. You don't even know what you don't know yet.

Lurk on here-if you can get past the "Does the PVT really work?", "Test stopped after 210 questions, did I pass?", "NETY!! NETY!!" threads, there is a lot you can absorb from a lot of really intelligent, seasoned nurses. Some of it is clinical, some of it is how to survive the daily chaos.

Good luck to you!!

Best advice ever- You can't really prepare for nursing school bc you have no idea what to study and how to interpret it. Enjoy life right now.

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Specializes in ICU.

It's commendable that you want to want to be prepared for the ton of work papers care plans and group projects that is headed your way.

You should have the classic physical assessment text and a med surg text. Read them starting with whichever one piques your interest. Do the post tests now.

The pharm and lab values are taught concurrently.

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.
It's commendable that you want to want to be prepared for the ton of work papers care plans and group projects that is headed your way.

You should have the classic physical assessment text and a med surg text. Read them starting with whichever one piques your interest. Do the post tests now.

The pharm and lab values are taught concurrently.

I personally would not buy textbooks without knowing if they are going to be used for my class- texts and editions change frequently and if OP doesn't start until fall, I doubt she knows what books are needed for each class. Buying a book now, could be a pricy mistake- because by the time you know if used for your class, you won't be able to return it full price.

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Specializes in ICU.

Textbooks can be checked out from the Univ library.

Older editions can be purchased for very little.

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.

Get in good physical shape. Boost your nutrition. Find cheap, portable food that is good for you. Learn Yoga to help you deal with the stress. Have fun.

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Are you the type of person who wants to know worst case scenarios so that you can avoid them? If so, read nursing malpractice case studies and BON disciplinary hearings.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

If you really are insisting on a jump start you can't go wrong with the basics. Things like A&P that are fact based, pure memorization and are the same no matter what source you use. After the all the names of the parts don't change regardless of how the text is written or how the course is taught.

On the other hand, if you have the time and are able to take a quick vacation somewhere or finish a project you've been dying to get to now would be the time to do so. You most assuredly won't have the time when classes start.

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