Need Advice for Starting Nursing School

[trjohnson0213]

I am new to allnurses and would like some advice on what would be some recommendations for the fall and any other advice that anyone can give that will help me I would greatly appreciate it

Thanks

TJ:balloons:

[gitterbug]

Time committment and organization of class materials is important. For every hour spent in class, another hour or two is needed to review materials, put them in an order for further study, actual study time, and

more review.

Good luck in school.

[trjohnson0213]

I asked a question about advice on what would be some good do's & don't for nursing school for the fall and I only received 1 response I am surprised I just want to try and make my nursing school experience as comfortable as possible so if anyone has an advice on note taking study skills pda laptops ANYTHING that will help I would greatly appreciate it

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

Check out the Nursing Student Forums, especially the Nursing Student Assistance Forum . PLENTY of great advice and support for nursing students there. Just do a search or post a SPECIFIC question in these forums. The PDAs and Nursing Forum is also a great resource. Best wishes to you.

[rainy scarlett]

I will graduate in Dec--yeah!! My best advice is to find an organization system that works for you; planner, pda (i use a Palm TX), online calendar...whatever & put everything on it. I give myself reminders 5, 2, or 1 day before a big event such as a paper due, case study presentations, quiz or exam days. Also, especially once you get to clinicals I would make sure that you keep up with reading. I divide out how many pages a day I must read & then do it. No excuses!! Once you see a Med-Surg book you will know what I mean:) Best advice--don't procrastinate--

I always highlight off class days & assignments on my course schedule--makes me feel like I have accomplished something & it is a very visual reminder of how much time is left.

Always keep track of the grades you get for all assignmetns, exams, etc. You will always know where you stand gradewise.

Also most of my classmates use 2 bags--one for school days & one for clinical days--it is easier than pulling out books & adding clinical careplan forms, etc.

Good luck to you in school!!!

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

For getting responses on this board, my best advice is to make sure you have a good title that gets to the point. There are a ton of threads here with titles of 'Question' or 'I'm so upset' and people only look at what catches their attention. If I have a special interest in helping nursing students, I'm going to make sure and stop if the title is 'Need advice for doing well in nursing school.'

Best of luck to you!

[trjohnson0213]

I do appreciate the responses that I have gotton The next time I will try to have an eye catching title

Thanks agains!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:balloons:

[ctozrn]

Hi,

I am a nurse here in Greensboro too. I graduated from A&T last year. I have been working at Duke in Oncology. I was also a CNA for 16 years!

I can remember being right where you are. I just tried to stay very organized, reviewed my notes after class, and made sure I kept up with all my reading. Don't get behind with that or you will be overwhelmed! I did not use a PDA. I really wanted one but in the end I really didn't need it. You will be surprised at how easy things will be since you have worked in the field for so long.

Good luck!

Christine

[RNSuzq1, RN]

Hi TR,

You wanted to know how to make your nursing school experience more comfortable. Besides the obvious - being organized, taking really good notes, focusing in class - my suggestion is to get yourself a "rolling book-bag". Our first few semesters we had to drag around many books that weighed a ton - that book bag on wheels was a lifesaver.

A few people in my class tried taping lectures early on - but there was so much noise, I don't think that worked out too well. I'm not sure about using a laptop in class, someone typing, while others are taking notes might be distracting, but that's just my experience, some schools might use them. I don't know much about PDA's - might come in handy during clinicals if you can program your drug book into it for a handy reference, etc., but I don't know anyone who used one.

Honestly, the most simple things like - highlighters in different colors, a calculator, notebooks, pens, pencils, etc. are all you really need to get going. Most of our Instructors handed our power points - I made notes in the margins and highlighted the important facts (really helped when going back to study for an exam).

Feel free to e-mail me with any questions, I'd be happy to help you out. Take Care, Sue

[trjohnson0213]

I really appreciate the advice that you all have given me I have been checking other threads at the student forms as well and I have been receiving other advice as well but the reason why I posted here is because I am from NC and I wanted to get advice from people that attended schools here so thanks again and still keep the responses coming :nuke:

[islamujeres]

i too am looking for info i can get, especially on do's & don't s on what to do with my cna coming up. any hospital s anyone recommends or does not recomend? where are you going to school?