Is a laptop handy in nursing school?

anonymousstudent · May 27, 2012

It might be helpful if you're in lecture and want to type in notes.

I'd NEVER take it to clinical, it would walk away.

shay&lynn, ASN, RN · May 27, 2012

I use a laptop, not at school...at home to download notes and print off before class.

I also use it to look things up that I might not understand (I love YouTube). I also sometimes type up my own notes and make my own Powerpoints.

Cristina417 · May 27, 2012

Thanks!!!

Certifiable, BSN, RN · May 27, 2012

I take all my notes on my laptop!!!

I recently had a 3 week break from my laptop because the screen wasn't working (first glitch in 3yrs of use) and I felt like someone had cut off my arm.

GET A LAPTOP!!!

I recommend a 13 inch screen--15 is really big and heavy (also depends on battery weight) and the little ones are good for notetaking but unless you have a PC at home, I wouldn't reccomend them.

ImKosher · May 27, 2012

It depends on your learning style. I personally can't remember anything that I type compared to writing it down. Plus, if your not disciplined, you might be spending more time on Facebook rather then on the lecture. If you need computer resources, your school offers computers, printing, and access to the internet. My school offers free printing, so I go and print all my power-points rather then buy my own printer.

Katie71275 · May 27, 2012

I don't see why you would need a laptop. I have one, and if I didn't a PC would work just as well. I don't take my laptop to class, but I do know people who do.

studentnurse50 · May 27, 2012

Cristina, I just graduated in December. My instructors posted their lecture power points on the college webpage before lecture~sometimes not until a half hour before class. They were vital to have in order to follow and understand lecture. Out college also has wi-fi, so we could literally sit down start our laptops and download the power points as lecture began. My instructors permitted laptop use during lecture and while studying in skills lab. Its a good idea to ask each of your instructors for permission before taking it along to school. When school started, I had a pc which weighed a lot, took forever to boot up and the battery died within two hours.....that's very inconvenient when lecture lasted 4 hours (I was in an accelerated RN program). Anyway, I got a Mac with two semesters left to finish in school. I regret not getting it way before then. The fully charged battery lasted 10.5 hours. Additionally, a fellow student showed me how to take notes and record lecture at the same time, all within Word for Mac. It literally would have saved me countless hours listening to lectures on a hand held recorder which I used for years. When you type notes during a lecture being recorded in Word for Mac, it automatically indexes that point in the lecture. They are denoted by a small speaker icon in the margin of the notebook. The notebook is accessed by opening Word and clicking on the tab at the bottom of the new document page. It was a huge help as I always record lectures and relisten to those parts which are unclear. My opinion, is a resounding, yes, have a laptop for nursing school.

laurazlsk · May 28, 2012

All my books are on the iPad 2. I have a laptop and haven't touched it in so long. I record and take notes simultaneously (I draw in extras when I need to). I have an app that matches lecture notes to note taking place as well. I can study anywhere and most of my study materials fit in my purse for the day. I have a sensitive stylus, and bluetooth keyboard. I'm thinking of getting a bluetooth mic wireless microphone. Not everyone likes this style but it works for me. You might want a hard copy of your core book and study guides. The screen isn't so hard to read on either.

MN-Nurse, ASN, RN · May 28, 2012

Is it helpful to have a laptop when in nursing school? Thanks!!

I bought a Toshiba netbook that I used during school and I found it very helpful. Easy to carry around, did what I needed it to do and good battery life.

ItalianBellaGirl · May 28, 2012

Hey there! Yes, I don't really take it to class, tried a couple times but found it more useful to print out the lecture notes and then during class add things into the printed out pages. But as far as doing things at home, absolutely! I use a lot of my information, youtube videos, .org and ,edu sites all the time to help me understand the information. Not to mention, my professors post everything on an online site. :)

BinkaRN · May 28, 2012

All my books are on the iPad 2. I have a laptop and haven't touched it in so long. I record and take notes simultaneously (I draw in extras when I need to). I have an app that matches lecture notes to note taking place as well. I can study anywhere and most of my study materials fit in my purse for the day. I have a sensitive stylus, and bluetooth keyboard. I'm thinking of getting a bluetooth mic wireless microphone. Not everyone likes this style but it works for me. You might want a hard copy of your core book and study guides. The screen isn't so hard to read on either.

I'm starting school in the Fall and just got an iPad 2. Can you tell me what app you are using to take your lecture notes on? And also, what stylus? There are so many to choose from and I have enough to think about already. Any recommendations would be helpful.