I'm a bundle of nerves

[Pdxstudent]

Well this is my last weekend of being the pre-nursing student version of me. My nursing program starts in 2 days and im mostly excited but a part of me is freaking out. I have all of my supplies and books and feel as prepared as I can but of course I can't help but be afraid of the unknown and afraid that I'm going fail. That's normal and part of being human...but I also know that I have to just dive in and take it one day at a time. Even though I'm nervous and scared, I haven't been this excited for a new chapter in my life in a long time!

My plan for this weekend is to enjoy my kid's sports games, have a couple drinks with my husband, and finish a couple shows on Netflix since I probably won't have a chance to again until Christmas Break!

[ORNurseCOS]

Ha. I like your conception of what you will be up against soon, very healthy view. You will have no time for any of the above when things get going, and its worth every minute. I've been out since the end of July, got an amazing job and I am basically back in school b/c my position was an internship in the ICU. Let me tell you though, getting paid to study is way better!

Some tips for what they are worth:

-find a good person to pair up with, someone that covers your weaknesses and vice versa

-Kahn Academy is very helpful for understanding Patho

-When you are at clinical ALWAYS try and do something, volunteer to do everything, talk to the PCT/UAP etc, they have a lot to share. Never shy away from a procedure etc - this is the time to fall on your face and mess up, not when you leave.

-test taking strategies that will serve you all the way through the NCLEX - safety 1st, least evasive 1st, if you can provide no relief by any action, contact the Dr - read the question and ask yourself what is it they want to know -

-Pharm tips; try and learn the drugs as you learn the body systems - pharm really sucks and there isn't that much at all on the NCLEX.

-Learn how to give report and be an active participant on rounds - this is really important, don't shy away from this as it is really important in the real environment