Im scared out of my mind for Anatomy

SaraMC · Jul 28, 2012

I took A&P 1 last summer and it was difficult. There's a lot to memorize and you just have to go over it again and again and again. I made a C, but I work full time and had two other classes along with it. I would recommend not taking more than one other class, like psychology or something a bit simpler, so you're not over whelmed. If you can, try finding 2 or more people in your class to have study session with. Repetition is key. Good luck!

jk1989 · Jul 28, 2012

Hi NurseLizzy,

I'll be taking A&P 1 this fall as well. I'm a bit nervous about all of the studying because I work full time as well, and I'm worried I may not have the time it takes to prepare for the tests. From what I've heard about A&P, flashcards and lots of memorization tricks help. Also, taking notes in class is important. I've noticed in other classes, that even if I get handout notes for the class, I still take my own notes and I absorb the material better. Good luck to you!

Jess

a16sRN · Jul 28, 2012

I took A&P online and had to teach myself, which was very time-consuming. Whether you're taking it online or not, I found that youtube has some videos that can explain things in a different way and help you understand the concepts. Lots to memorize. Learn your study style - are a you a visual learner, do you learn best by listening and taking notes, or by reading the material?

DisneyNurseGal, BSN, RN · Jul 28, 2012

My A and P classes were separate so all had to worry about was Anatomy. To me anatomy was easier than phys because Anatomy is 90% memorization. I am a visual learner so this was right in my wheelhouse. We also had a cadaver lab, which helped tremendously! The Netter's Flash Cards are a little pricy but really worth it! I also preferred the Netter's coloring book to the one my school provided. There are a lot of resources online, videos on Youtube, practice quizzes from schools all over the country and check to see if your textbook has online access. Just don't get behind, because you will never get caught up! Before starting class, if you wanted to get a head start, start to fully comprehend anatomical positioning.

http://www.oandp.com/news/jmcorner/library/uclamanual/UCLA-01.pdf

This is a good document from UCLA to get your started!

BloomNurseRN, ASN, BSN, RN · Jul 28, 2012

I second finding a group. It's a ton of memorization and working with people and saying things out loud made a huge difference for me. Good luck!!

NurseLizzy13 · Jul 28, 2012

Thanks guys everything is helpful, I forgot to mention that my class includes a lab also. They have these test where the fake bodies are laid out with pins pointed to the parts that have to be known and it's timed so I'm really not looking forward to that ?

Andoo · Jul 28, 2012

As it was mentioned, the best way to retain A&P information is to re-read and go over the same information over and over again. Another piece of advice is to get a tutor from the get go. Having a tutor works great, it allows you to discuss and talk about the anatomy and physiology of the body. The more you talk about each part, the more likely it will be that you will remember the information.

leenak · Jul 28, 2012

A&P 1 isn't bad at all. Yes there are regular tests and labs tests and its quite a bit of information but not too bad. Just keep up with your studies as each week builds upon the previous.

I studied about 3 hours per week and got an A in the class. Also, you will probably have some knowledge from your job that could help you get a slight edge in the class.

bubblejet50 · Jul 28, 2012

I did not find ap hard. I got a's in both ap 1n2 while working full time. My ap1 prof was horrible and we had to teach ourselves. Ap2 was more complex and I remember a 32page essay test on endocrine system and a one question final....how is homeostasis maintained? Lol so broad! But its doable.

EMT89 · Jul 28, 2012

Hi guys
I'll be starting with my first nursing prerequisite class anatomy this fall and I'm so scared, never taken any of these classes I usually have to study extra hard and work extra hard for my grades. I work full time as a LVN on the med/Surg floor at a hospital. Any suggestions as to how to study or what to expect would really help. Thnk you! 

I have a mild learning disability, unfortunately there is no other way around then to study. I took A&P1 and am finishing up with A&P2 on Tuesday. I made an A in A&P1, not so sure about A&P2 with how inconsistent my professor has been since she's new. I've studied about 35 hours a week for both 5 week summer sessions. I'd suggest getting a tutor that really helped my nerves at the very beginning. Most campuses offer free tutoring.

I also made flash cards, typed up notes after every class, stayed in lab until lab was over, and would discuss the information to myself (study groups have failed for me, as in people committing) so I just talked it out to myself.

tigerlogic · Jul 29, 2012

Use google images to help you with histology but double check that you are actually looking at what you searched for. A lot of people in my class liked audio recording the lecture and listening again while reviewing notes. Take as many pictures and videos of models/dissections and review them over and over. Create a flash add system that works for you-- I had a lot of success with putting stickie notes on the pictures of my text and then writing the names of things over and over on another sheet of paper. Study BEFORE you come to class so you're less lost and have more time with models/bodies etc. study before you go to sleep and as soon as you wake up. Your brain processes the info while you're asleep or eating breakfast. Give it a break when you're overwhelmed and instead study many times (5,6) times a day-- commutes, waiting for coffee, etc. even if only for a few minutes. SLEEP! SLEEP! A tired brain won't help you. Use the Internet to help you find useful mnemonics. Find associations that help you. Use Khan Academy on YouTube and Wiki. Go to office hours. Use all your time in the lab and if there are open labs try to go to them regularly. Remember to eat and excersise. It makes your brain so much smarter.

Good luck. These tips landed me straight As in prereqs. I hope they work for you too!