Making Sure to ACE Nursing I

pinkiepie_RN · May 13, 2008

Hey Nursing Students, its my first post.
My wife and I have recently been accepted into the nursing program for Spring 2009, and we cannot wait to begin! :bowingpur
For those who have gone through Nursing I, Can you guys recommend some books, or some advice or topics on what to expect in Nursing I.
We would like to begin studying now(while we wait these 7 months) to make sure were at the top of the game in Nursing I
Thanks for the help... its an honor and a privilege to be a part of the nursing family

I wouldn't try to study too much because it's likely that most of the text will sound like Greek until you get into a classroom and clinical setting. That being said, medical terminology would be a good thing to pick up if you can and it won't hurt to review your anatomy and physiology notes. If you've got 7 months, it also might not be a bad idea to see if you can take a CNA class just to get your feet we if that's not something you already have. It's hard to go into a patient's room during your first semester and it's pretty nerve wracking if it's a new experience for you.

Since you said both you and your wife will be embarking on this journey together, it might be a good idea to distribute chores and errands between the two of you so you're both not overwhelmed when nursing school consumes your life. Also get in some quality time with each other and maybe work on scheduling or setting aside time for just the two of you to be you and not nursing students because it can get stressful and it's hard to work around nursing school. Time management is your friend!

You could head to your local bookstore and skim through the NCLEX review books to see if any one in particular looks like you might benefit from studying with it, say if you study best in an outline format, you might want a review book that covers material in an outline kind of organization.

I guess I'm giving you tips more about how to get through nursing school alive, but it depends on what you're taking during your first semester and how you react to studying the different material. Nursing school is a different beast compared to pre-reqs and I think it definitely took some adjusting on my end. That being said, I got through it just fine and am getting ready to wrap up my junior year within the next week or so. Good luck and congrats to the both of you!

krenee · May 13, 2008

Yeah I wouldn't worry about studying either . . . I'd completely clean and organize my house . . . make meals and freeze them . . . work and save $$$ so you don't have to work during nursing school! Until you have your assigned readings you really don't know what to study anyway.

Congrats!

Kelly

NurseJeanB · May 13, 2008

Before I started nursing school I read a book called Test Success: Test Taking Techniques for the Beginning Nursing Student. It is a quick read and I think it was useful in preparing me for the NCLEX style question which we were introduced to from the very first test.

Otherwise I would do what others have suggested and get super organized, before you dive into the chaos of nursing school. Congratulations to you both for making it in. I think it will be a wonderful experience you will be able to share together.

theniseRN2B · May 13, 2008

Save as much money and possible

~cxJvak · May 13, 2008

Congrats, we just had a married couple accepted to our program. I think it's a clever way to get through!

I would review anatomy because you already know it and basic stuff always helps. Med terms, or simply latin prefixes are great as well. Don't do too much because you will get sick of all the studying that goes on! Test taking stratiges are very very helpful. But as said before, make money, frozen foods, and get plenty of exercise plus sunshine.

Congrats again!

~cxJvak

manofcare · May 14, 2008

You might start by lowering your expectations of what you consider acceptable for NS. First, there are a LOT of smart people in your class. It's not like A&P, Micro, etc. It's hard. I had a 4.0 prior to NS and made one A prior to completion. Number one in my class with one A. All B's other than that. Not a dumb person in my class. You will look back at this post when you are through and realise that what I am telling you is the truth. If you have not gone through the program, you do not believe what the graduates tell you because you think that they exagerate or want you to freak out or whatever. This is as blunt and truthful as I can muster. Nursing school is really, really hard. You should focus on learning and not on making A's. You will very rarely see A grades.

nickynoodle · Nov 19, 2008

Just completing my first semester in nursing school. Review math skills for Dosage and Calculations, also review Fluid & Electrolytes. These subjects were very difficult for me to grasp for the nursing aspect(I am 45 years old). I also don't want to burst your bubble but the first thing our instructors said, you can kiss your A's goodbye. Take time to enjoy your freedom because once nursing school starts you have none. Between studying for test and care plans you have no freedom.

RhodyGirl, RN · Nov 19, 2008

Before I started nursing school I read a book called Test Success: Test Taking Techniques for the Beginning Nursing Student. It is a quick read and I think it was useful in preparing me for the NCLEX style question which we were introduced to from the very first test.
Otherwise I would do what others have suggested and get super organized, before you dive into the chaos of nursing school. Congratulations to you both for making it in. I think it will be a wonderful experience you will be able to share together.

I love that book! :nurse:

Good luck to you and the Mrs., and congrats on your acceptance!