Is a laptop handy in nursing school?

♑ Capricorn ♑ · May 28, 2012

No. Unless if it is required for you program. I've seen people use one and it works for them. I can definitely see how it can be useful. You'll also need to take into consideration if your instructors will allow you to use it during class. Typing can be a distraction during lecture. An iPad may be all you really need, if even that. Many schools provide computers and charge a fee which is factored into your tuition. Why not use them or the PC you have at home?

Stephalump · May 28, 2012

Well you need SOME sort of computer, but I don't know that it needs to be portable it you already have a desktop. We have enough stuff to be dragging to class without adding in a heavy laptop. They can also be distracting in class, and some people don't commit typed things to memory as well as written.

I know people who take their laptops to every class they have for 4 years, which means they've obviously found a huge personal benefit from it, but I wouldn't call it an across the board necessity. I'm taking my iPad to classes so I can have the benefit of recording, written electronic note taking, and no power point lugging, but that's just my personal preference.

Mama_Cashew, ASN, RN · May 28, 2012

I am going to use a netbook with Microsoft Office Student edition on it. I know in the program I am hoping to get in to , the teachers post the power points online. By using OneNote, I will be able to add my own notes to their slides. I have heard of people who print the power points out and write on them, but that seems like such a waste of paper!

I say, do what you think will work best for you. For me, I can type WAY faster than I can write and by doing that I can pay more attention to the lecture!

KB1975 · May 29, 2012

"

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"

how do you do that? :)

thank you

studentnurse50 · May 29, 2012

KB, in my edition of Word for Mac, I open a new blank document. In the bottom left-hand corner of the window, there are six icons. Click on the one which says Notebook Layout View. Once in the notebook layout view, look above the notebook and click on the "audio notes" tab. It's fairly self-explanatory from that point. If the lecture you are taping is over 1.5 hours, it's best to stop the recording every hour and save it so that the file isn't huge. Example: our NCLEX review lectures lasted from 8am-4pm. Each hour we took a 10 minute break during which I stopped the recording, and saved the file. It also helped when I wanted to re-listen to a specific hour of the lecture-no hunting and searching, it was clear which section needed more attention. You can PM me it you would like more information.

OKNurse2be · May 29, 2012

I think it depends on your learning style. Up until now, I have printed out the powerpoints, and then just highlighted the important stuff and taken notes on the paper under the slides. It works for me that way. I do have a laptop, which I bring with me for classes such as A&P where pictures go along with models etc. I don't know if I would do that in nursing school, but it might be helpful to watch a tutorial on how to do something online right before practicing something in lab (Hypothetically). I also use my laptop for writing papers and such, and by having a laptop I am not chained to a desk and I can take my work with me to the bedroom if I want to, or even outside.

I would recommend getting a laptop, even if you won't use it at school. I have found plenty of uses for it at home, like writing papers, studying etc.

KB1975 · May 30, 2012

StudentNurse50,

Thank you so much. I am waiting for my new ipad to be delivered :yelclap:. Once it gets here, I will likely send you a private message! Thank you!