need help in fundamentals

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Oct 23, 2013

Do you have any online /web resources that accompany your text? Do you have a study guide/workbook for your text? (Even if optional for your program) I found the exercises and quizzes in the study guide to be most beneficial.

If you are struggling with critical thinking or test taking strategies (select all that apply , choose the BEST answer, etc) try a NCLEX prep book. Find one that has sections by subject. (I think Saunders may be set up this way but I'm not sure )

Another good resource is the LaCharity Priority Delegation and Assignment (PDA) book for an additional resources.

You can look at different NCLEX prep books in the library or a book store.

Good luck

laurie121 · Oct 23, 2013

thanks just actually ordered the Saunders NCLEX book from Amazon and waiting for it. I do have other sources like the study guide, but I am in a hybrid program so my classes are only and they have modules that focus on what we should know, just so much information! thanks for your response.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Oct 23, 2013

thanks just actually ordered the Saunders NCLEX book from Amazon and waiting for it. I do have other sources like the study guide, but I am in a hybrid program so my classes are only and they have modules that focus on what we should know, just so much information! thanks for your response.

So your classes are only and they have ... huh? And what's a "hybrid" program?

Please don't take this amiss but your writing indicates that you might benefit from an eval to see whether you are seeing all the words in the test materials. Learning disabilities take many forms. Your college should have a student academic help center that can help you with reading comprehension, study skills, and testing skills.

Also I'm not seeing you saying anything like, "I know all the material and ace my labs and clinicals but the tests are my downfall." DO you feel very confident in your understanding of all the material? If not, you should be seeing your faculty at least weekly to be sure you're learning what they think you are.

pookyp, LPN · Oct 23, 2013

So your classes are only and they have ... huh? And what's a "hybrid" program? Please don't take this amiss but your writing indicates that you might benefit from an eval to see whether you are seeing all the words in the test materials. Learning disabilities take many forms.

Or it could be she's typing on her phone. ... Happens to me a lot.

laurie121 · Oct 23, 2013

Sorry I was not very clear. And yes I was typing in my phone! I have lab once a week at school and clinicals once a week, but the class material is online, we do not have seminars. I have to do it this way because I work full time and a single mom. I was really just asking if anybody could recommend a way that they study or if there is a source out there that helps them with exams the most. I have 2 B.S. degrees so it is not a learning disability, it is a matter of application of the material of the way that they word the questions, like what is the BEST answer, etc.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Oct 23, 2013

Fundamentals is a prime example of applied knowledge and critical thinking skills that are necessary in nursing.

Try applying Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Like a patient has a BP of 270/110, HR of 170, quick glucose of 1909, and a pulse ox of 69% on room air. Patient is becoming lethargic and you are the primary nurse. Which order is the best choice to implement first:

1. Administer ## units fast acting insulin stat

2. Draw stat chem panel & CBC

3. Get a stat ECG

4. Admin _______IV anti hypertensive med stat

5. Place patient on 100% non-rebreather mask

6. Call rapid response code

All are necessary and important but oxygen would be a priority based upon ABC/CAB and Maslow's as the lack of oxygenation is most likely to kill them now.

Just like if you have two patients one has a glucose of 45 the second has a glucose of. 4500, you can only treat one at a time. You pick the hypoglycemic patient and treat with dextrose as very low blood sugar is more imminently fatal than extreme hyperglycemia.

To simplify try what is the SAFEST choice, which option/patient is most at risk for death or irreparable harm, and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

If prioritization is an issue try the PDA book.

ChipNurse · Oct 24, 2013

What worked for me when I was in school was to read the book and as I was reading I would outline the chapters (the book will tell you what the priority is for every situation). I then would study my notes and fill in the things that were missing on the power points. I would also try to apply what I was learning in lecture to what I was doing in clinical. For me, I learn best when I have an actual patient to apply the book stuff to. I think people who are not successful in lecture are the ones who don't read the book. Just my 2 cents. It is much more time consuming, but I felt like when I was done with nursing school, I barely had to study for NCLEX since I spent a lot of time studying when in school. Also remember, when you get your first job, the learning doesn't stop there. Medicine changes daily and nursing protocols change constantly. Study hard and good luck! :geek:

Ladyt03 · Oct 29, 2013

If you have a blueprint for your lectures, use that to study in your required text. Also use any online resources that come with your text. Also you can research/google topics from your blueprint that will broaden your knowledge. Google practice questions and anyone you get wrong, read alot on it. this is how i study. Also, dont get discouraged. If you really want this, continue to work hard. you still have time to bring up your grade if your semester ends in Dec.