Just accepted to nursing school, don't know what to do.

[cute_in_scrubs]

Hello, I found out yesterday that I was accepted into my nursing program. Class doesn't start until

September, so in the meantime I would like to get a head start on studying, but I don't know what I should focus on. Should I review A&P and microbiology, look up medical math practice websites or pharmacology websites, or what? I really want to make these months before school productive, can anyone give me some advice on what they did, or even what they wish they had done before starting nursing school?

[Boog'sCRRN246, RN]

If you're school provided a list of requirements before classes start, begin working on those. Like immunizations, medical records, physicals, CPR class...it takes time to gather all of that and you really don't want to wait until the last minute. Many of my classmates last semester weren't allowed to attend clinicals because their immunization records were incomplete or they didn't have a current CPR card.

As far as studying before classes start...you might go over your math skills because pharmacology is usually required at the beginning.

I wish I would've banked more vacation hours at work so I could take more time off, more frequently

[caliotter3]

I would complete any requirements they may have set forth for you, work on getting organized with school supplies, etc., work on my physical fitness program, and work on math skills. Other than those activities, relax. You will need it. Good luck with your program.

[malenkiyb]

Do CNA training and keep working per-diem if you can during the school.

[Cathylady]

Where were you accepted if I may ask?

[daisyfleur70]

Definitely get your immunizations and certifications up to date. If you haven't had your HIV-BBP (blood borne pathogens) training yet, and are so inclined, get that (the 7 hour training though!! Not the shorter one). In my program that was something we had to complete in our own time online, along with classwork and everything else.

If you feel weak in any particular area, it can't hurt to try to bone up on it, but in my textbook for my nursing competencies class, oftentimes there's a bit of an a&p review within the chapters on each concept, so if you did ok in A&P and retained the info, that should help trigger your memory.

Try not to overdo it though, take some time to enoy your break, read some non textbooks, get outside and enjoy the sun, catch up on movies/tv shows you missed, spend time with friends/family, because once school starts, it's a heckuva ride, and you will be very busy with academia. Hard work, but enjoyable. I'm loving it so far (I'm in my first semester of my program.)

[cute_in_scrubs]

Where were you accepted if I may ask?

Gwinnett Technical College in GA.

[ohthatgal]

Congratulations on getting in the the program! Your hard work has taken you this far so you already have what it takes to succeed.

I have a student mentor (not a tutor) that graduated one year ago that I emailed or talked to a few times the last two semesters. She knew how to help me understand an assignment, what steps in a procedure to memorize backward and forward, what books to buy or not buy, etc. If you do not know a nursing student ahead of you, ask your academic counselor if she/he can think of someone.

About counselors - I am in my last semester and am surprised by how many students found out at the last minute that they are missing a class that they thought transferred in. What a mess! So have a face-to-face with a counselor a few weeks before each semester's online registration opens up.

If you cannot find a mentor, connect with a classmate or group of classmates as soon as possible and then stick together. Noone else, not a husband, best friend or mother will be able to share your nursing school ups and downs like your friends/classmates will.

In my opinion, nursing school is not the nightmare it is made out to be. Yes, you must memorize facts. But a lot of it is busy work and critical thinking (AKA nursing common sense) so get and stay organized. Do not get behind in reading or assignments. And please do not worry about knowing everything before the first day of class, you will be exhausted before this exciting journey even begins. Good luck!

[cute_in_scrubs]

Thanks for all the great advice! I think I will just take this time to enjoy my family, I have two little boys ages 1 and 3. I keep hearing from everyone that I will be so busy when nursing school starts that I will be feeling guilty about not spending enough time with them, so I had better get in as much mommy time as I can. I definitely have alot of preparation to do as far as getting my CPR certification and immunizations, etc. So, I should be able to keep somewhat busy with those things, but knowing me I will have to take a second look at my A&P lectures just to make sure I don't forget anything. I can't help it, I'm a bit of a nerd at times! Thanks again everyone!

[howellhouse]

Congratulations! I just found out today that I was accepted into Tarrant County College's (Ft. Worth, TX) R.N. program. I'm so excited, but also scared and nervous. I have two boys as well, 4 & 10. Like you, I'll probably take most of the summer to relax, maybe get in a little review after they're in bed. Congrats again and best of luck!

[cute_in_scrubs]

Thanks! And congratulations to you too!

[RNTutor, BSN, RN]

I wouldn't have even thought to suggest making sure all the immunizations and paperwork were in order, but that's a great suggestion!!

I tend to lean more towards the A&P review. I have always found that having a solid knowledge of A&P will make nursing school go a lot easier! But as one other poster said, there is almost always a little section of A&P review in the beginning of each chptr, so as long as you learn the A&P well enough the first time, then that can just be a little reminder to job your memory.