If you we're a new nursing student? What would you do?

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Hi fellow Nurses,

I'm hoping your having a fantastic day! I got recently accepted to a local ADN Nursing Program (2years) and I'm really excited about it. I really want to do well and at the same time document my journey here in all nurses to help future nurses.

If you are in my position, What will you do to prepare for the program and what should be my expectations and priorities?

(Here are the things that I'm currently doing for you to get the context)

  • Listed the qualities I need to have as a Future Nurse
  • Bought all my supplies/uniforms/ and needed packets for the program.
  • Practicing basic Nursing tasks (CPR, Blood Pressure Reading)
  • Listed my goals for the program and compiled it in a binder.

Looking forward, Thank you! :)

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Relax ;)

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I liked going through an nclex book and getting used to it. And for our intro class we used the book "Nursing in Today's World" by Ellis and Hartley and I thought it was excellent to prepare me and answer my questions about nursing. I learned the differences between nursing language and medicine language, what professional organizations are involved with nursing, about the nclex, what ceu's are and needed, what specialties nurses can enter and how, legal issues, how to comunicate with staff, etc. It's a short softcover book you maybe can find in the library and easy resding, if you must do something, I recommend this reading!

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Sounds like you are off to a good start. Organization is key, in my opinion. I am going into my final semester and being organized really helps due to the stress level.

I like that you have your goals lined out, we have to prepare a portfolio, which I assume most if not all programs do, and part of that portfolio is listing goals, etc. However, don't go too far with that as your instructors will outline their requirements, formats, etc.

Be prepared to read, a lot, and/or figure out what style works best for you. Myself, I learned early on that reading every word does not work for me. I figured out what did and went with that.

And above all else, do like studentnurse47 said, and relax. There will be plenty of opportunities to ramp up and be gung-ho. Take this opportunity to breathe before you start the program. Good luck!

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Ditto. I start my ADN program soon as well. I spent a few months prior to my last semester ending reading all the comments that said relax. Psssshhhh, you want me to relax?!?!?! I'm starting nursing school, I'm super excited, tell me what to do, tell me what to do, I need to DO something!!!

Now here I sit, 23 days before school starts (well I'm still excited) and I feel very grateful that I listened, at least in part. I've very much enjoyed this summer with my kids. The closer school gets to starting, the more that excitement is tempered with fear and/or realizations of just how much things are going to change.

I've already gathered most of my supplies (books and Nurse pack to be purchased on the 17th) and I ordered and printed a planner made just for nursing students (Nursing School Planner - Straight A Nursing StudentStraight A Nursing Student). I have a Nursing Fundamentals demystified book on my Kindle and a Pathophysiology made easy that I am browsing through, but I am really just trying to relax and enjoy the last bit of freedom I have left.

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Specializes in NICU.

If you are in my position, What will you do to prepare for the program and what should be my expectations and priorities?

I graduated from a very very hard ADN program where I lost many many of my classmates...and here's my suggestion

1- Never Procrastinate! ADN is fast paced. It's already too late once you get behind.

2- Read the Book...This might sound obvious but there will be days where you will think that you can get away solely with the ppt...but Nah!!

3. Check out YouTube videos to understand tricky concepts such as Electrolytes imbalance or fetal circulation...(try Khan Academy, MedCram...) I personally like videos intended for med school students. They are easy to understand and make more sense (But That's just me) 4. Get Reviews and Rationales of Fundamental Nursing...awesome!

5. Get NCLEX-RN made incredibly Easy...it has tons of content questions. Practice questions every single day according to the syllabus or what you are studying in class.

6. Get in touch with your instructors they are not the enemy although this is hard to believe.

7. Practice, Practice, Practice, Practice, Practice....at the library at the skills lab, at the computer lab, at home, in the train or the bath tub... PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!!!

PS: Nursing School cost a lot. Try to save money because you will need every dime. Only buy the book I mentioned in #5...you can get the rest from the local library. You really don't need to buy more than 2 extra books beside your textbook

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