My first day

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Hi everybody. I had my first day of RN1 or Fundamentals today.

Not much happened, the teacher basically went over the syllabus and through the book list and talked about how hard this course would be. How it really doesnt matter if you did well in the prereqs because this is a whole new ball game. "Critical thinking" was the word of the day. It was sort of militarish in the way they talk to ya, they want you to understand how hard its gonna be because it moves fast and they want you to think critically not memorize things.

We have to pass a math test every semester and we have 3 chances to pass, its to determine wether we can do basic calculations to make sure we are safe to pass meds. Soooooo Im nervous about that, there's no calculators allowed at all, so all division or whatever is written out long hand.

76% is the pass cutoff too, so thats scary. Sounds like you just gotta keep your head above water.

My main concern is I test horrible when tests are questions with all right answers and one BEST answer. Its tricky.

But it looks to be interesting and fun as well. Lots of nice people. It'll be an experience. My first clinical day is tommorrow.

Good luck everyone, this is what we've been waiting for!

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It's been my experience that those calc tests are really basic and easy. They want you to pass those tests. It isn't tricky and they do give you second, third chances. You'll do fine on that. I don't think there was one person who flunked out of school because they couldn't pass the calc. tests. Taking multiple choice tests, however, really does take practice to learn -- but those tests are, in a sense, practice for the big one (NCLEX). I'm sure you'll do fine and, if you don't, there are books, websites, tutors, etc., to help you learn test taking.

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How exciting!! I'll be in your shoes this time next week, and I can't wait.

You'll have to post after clinicals and tell us how they went.. I am soooo nervous! (but excited)

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How exciting!! I'll be in your shoes this time next week, and I can't wait.

You'll have to post after clinicals and tell us how they went.. I am soooo nervous! (but excited)

Were actually not going to the hospital for 4 weeks or until they've deemed us ready. I think we are just gonna hang out in the campus skills lab doing other stuff that prepares us for the hospital. I'll let yall know.

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FNP,

Congratulations on finally starting! Some advice for the math calculations test...review conversions!! After taking Calc for Pharm I noticed that it was always easy to figure out how to set up the problem, but remembering the conversions was hard. Maybe once a week just use index cards to go over them. That might help! Good luck with everything!:w00t:

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Specializes in CVICU.

ME TOO!!!! I start classes next week. glad to be starting but nervous also. After being a firefighter/emt for 13 years. I'm having a mid life crisis.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Good luck to you and all the first-semester students beginning in the next few weeks!

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Specializes in ICU.

glad your first day went well - sort of takes me back to last year this time when i had no idea what to expect and everything was new and exciting....remember this feeling today when you're feeling overwhelmed with tests, careplans and other assorted stresses....

good luck with your clinical tomorrow - :monkeydance:

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Specializes in Geriatrics/Alzheimer's.

Good luck new nursing students. Nursing school will be hard at times, yet it is worth every minute.

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Specializes in NICU, High-Risk L&D, IBCLC.

You just described my fundamentals class to a T! It's a lot of work, it's hard, it's stressful to have to learn all the material and be faced with the possibility of not passing due to drug calculations, but as long as you work hard then you will get through it. The first semester in nursing school is especially difficult because it's really NOT like anything you did in prereqs....it's a completely different type of learning and it's almost like you're learning a foreign language. But once you've made the transition, it becomes easier as each semester passes. Best of luck to you!

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Best of everything to you!

(And don't worry about the calc tests..you'll do fine!)

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Critical thinking was the "phrase" of the day at our orientation as well. The exam questions are different than your usual memorization ones that you are used to. I got a taste of these types of questions when I took Pharm, and it really does take time getting used to them. I suggest lots practice to get your mind to think this kind of way. Our school has a computer lab with sample test questions or they said to buy an NCLEX review book.

Our first semester, we have 3 chances to pass the Math exam....after that only 2 chances.

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