Need some advice

nyapa, RN · Apr 3, 2008

You really shouldn't bamboozle yourself. Accept the fact that you are a student, and you will be going in 'green' - it is expected. There is really no point in buying textbooks that are out of date, and that you won't use, once you have the ones required by your course. Believe me, the latter ARE expensive.

Jay

IcanHealYou · Apr 3, 2008

Lol I've never heard of the world "Bamboozle" before, but I looked it up, guess I learned a new word.

I dunno from my previous degree I was taught to do reading before I went into the class. It was a biochemistry major so most of the time I was reading that crazy textbook. Thats why I just wanted a head start. Buying old textbooks should be fine, some of them only cost like 10 bucks and base knowledge doesn't really change that much from one edition to the next.

Natkat, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 3, 2008

The best thing to do is wait and see what your assignment will be. Each instructor has a different way of teaching and they will let you know what's expected.

When it comes to nursing school, any time I tried reading ahead I wound up reading stuff we never covered and I wasted my time.

Enjoy what free time you have left before you start school. You'll be glad you did.

nyapa, RN · Apr 3, 2008

Lol I've never heard of the world "Bamboozle" before, but I looked it up, guess I learned a new word.
I dunno from my previous degree I was taught to do reading before I went into the class. It was a biochemistry major so most of the time I was reading that crazy textbook. Thats why I just wanted a head start. Buying old textbooks should be fine, some of them only cost like 10 bucks and base knowledge doesn't really change that much from one edition to the next.

Didn't think of that. Is 'bamboozle' Aussie slang? I just use it as everyday language...

Nursing does change quite quickly, as we come into the computer age.

Nursing's specialty is that we take whats important from other professions along with our own knowledge and research, and create a new art. Each allied health profession does the same.

You would have seen changes in medicine on the media for starters. Just imagine the changes in nursing, and other allied health professions!

bollweevil · Apr 4, 2008

Lol I've never heard of the world "Bamboozle" before, but I looked it up, guess I learned a new word.
I dunno from my previous degree I was taught to do reading before I went into the class. It was a biochemistry major so most of the time I was reading that crazy textbook. Thats why I just wanted a head start. Buying old textbooks should be fine, some of them only cost like 10 bucks and base knowledge doesn't really change that much from one edition to the next.

The subjects in Nursing school are: (I have been out of school for

more than 3 decades, so things have, doubtless, changed some but

here is what we studied in school back then.)

Anatomy

Physiology

Physics

Chemistry

Microbiology

English

Sociology

Nutrition

Math for calculating drug dosages

Medical terminology (get a medical dictionary and memorize it - I'm only

partly joking. You definitely need to learn the vocabulary of Nursing

and Medicine.)

Nursing Leadership

The specialties you will study are:

Psychiatry

Pediatrics

Obstetrics/Gynecology

Medical/Surgical (Cardiology, Respiratory, Gastroenterology, Hepatology,

Renal, Allergy/Immunology, Ophthalmology, Genito-Urinary,

Infectious Disease, Orthopedics, Neurology and Neurosurgery,

Dermatology, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), etc.

I think it is a wonderful idea to go in prepared and highly recommend that you stick with your plan to read ahead. You can often find good used books that relate to these topics at used book shops and they won't be all that outdated - maybe even just a couple of years old.

I will say this. There is a huge number of microorganisms, like HIV, Ebola, and other viruses, bacteria, and other forms of pathogenic (disease-producing) critters that we never heard of 30 years ago. Lots of things change. so get the newest books you can find.

You also could ask the school what the curriculum is and say you want to read ahead if they ask why you are asking. Who knows? They might even point you to some used books that your teachers will be using again in your classes.

Best wishes to you. Keep us posted on your progress.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Apr 4, 2008

A book I would consider purchasing is an old edition of Fundamentals and Adult Nursing by Christensen and Kockrow. Yes, it is an LPN text, however, it is also used for refresher courses for returning RNs. This book actually includes everything: Fundamentals of Nursing, Med-surg, Psych, OB/GYN and Pediatrics. One of my friends got it from Amazon for 10 bucks (and older edition). It is straight to the point, covers the nursing process, medications, a glossary of terms and lab values.

I say that you should balance your reading. It is very true that school will basically sock it to you 10x over, but, on the other hand, reading a bit ahead of time will reduce your anxiety. Don't spend each day cramming like you are getting tested tomorrow, but it does help to have some knowledge before hand. When I got accepted into the LPN program, 15 chapters were suggested for reading before class started and I did take the time to read ahead of time, and it helped me to be an A student. Just don't overdo it. Enjoy life, go out, also read nonsense things. Believe me, nursing school will hit you with a ton of bricks within the first few hours.