Med-Surg lecture

[dcwang]

So... med surg. I think I've feared this class more than any other class. I've heard of stories on here where ppl failed this class. I've a tough lecturer.

Could ppl pls give me some tips on how to be successful in this class?

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Listening only triggers your short term memory - literally "in one ear and out the other". It will take more effort to make it stick. Make sure you review the material BEFORE the lecture. This increases your ability to actually understand what is being said. THINK about each idea or concept as it is presented - THINK about how it fits in with the information you already know & what you read prior to the lecture. Take notes - the act of writing down words will help your memory. Try to visualize how things fit together - e.g., What are the underlying physiologic connections associated with sepsis that cause the hear rate to increase? If you are familiar with the method, use concept mapping in your notes to connect everything. After each lecture, take time to REFLECT on what you heard and what it means... this will 'push' that information into your long term memory.

And of course, stay fully 'engaged' in the lecture. This means no texting, surfing, or phone-playing during the lecture. Avoid unnecessary interaction with fellow students. You don't need to get distracted with social drama about who did what last Saturday.

Finally --- critical thinking is an essential nursing skill. This means we make decisions based on evidence, not hearsay or rumor. Just because "everyone" tells you something doesn't make it true. MedSurg may actually be the best class you will ever take.