Need Help with OB/PEDS pls

Bedside_Life RN · Jun 30, 2016

So I want to give you a very big hand for tackling a bridge program while working full time. I did the same and it is NOT easy. However, it is possible. Something beneficial is to consider the things that stay the same (meaning the same thought process applies to peds as to adults) like fluid and electrolytes, Cardiac, Urinary, endocrine, GI, etc. With that being said, if you do not have a grasp on how these systems work normally in an adult it will make the application to PEDS much more difficult. Also take into consideration that it is the most difficult for LPNs and EMTs/Paramedics to transition to RN as we have had experience in the field/real world. Apply this knowledge carefully when testing. Focus on what your syllabus and instructor focus on. Remember you just need to satisfy what the instructor thinks is important for now. Worry about what the NCLEX lady thinks is important when the time comes.

So first things first, if you do not understand a word or disease process start from the very beginning and read it. then read it again. don't move on until you understand it. don't start in the middle of the subject material and assume that you know the content. START FROM THE BEGINNING. If you are not sure about intussusception and how this pt. may present or cannot identify risk factors/abnormalities and treatments then you need to review this material in its entirety. If you are not sure how to take care of a child with cerebral palsy and cannot identify the priorities of care, review it. Same with Cystic Fibrosis, Ewings sarcoma, etc. Try to focus on the "biggie" "odd" "one of a kind" s/s, tx, dx, meds, and POC specific to the diseases or circumstances presented to you. Choose the safe answer, not the fun answer. the goal is to take care of the problem not satisfy the child's "wants". and for mom and baby think the worst. think to yourself what is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed first and what would my instructor consider to be the best. don't add or take away from any question. sit down and answer one question, one patient scenario at a time with each question. remember maslow's and erickson's or freud's. DO NOT use your experience with your own kids as a guide to answering questions. remember easy things to get them out of the way like APGAR, nagele's (spelling?) rule, contraception, family planning, HIV, Hep C, Herpes, Vaccinations, stress tests, Glu tolerance, stages of labor and delivery, contractions, epidurals,Rhogam, Mag, Pit., betamethasone, BUBBLE, amniocentesis, variability, abx therapy, mcroberts, leopolds, GTPALM, etc. these things are usually pretty consistent. I could go on forever...... but you do not have to be an expert L&D or OB/GYN nurse to pass. This is a subject covering from conception to 18 and there are soon many milestones and developmental stages that are involved but the basics are the basics. don't forget I know how to take care of this pt. from the basic needs. I know how to protect an airway and I know how to prioritize pt. needs that will kill my patient the fastest. and as the RN you are responsible for every and all delegation to LPN, CNA, UAPs and are accountable for those delegated things being appropriately assigned (even to another RN) with follow up. I wish the best of luck with your journey..... it is worth every single second spent.

Psalm 23 · Jun 30, 2016

Thank you for the tips! my biggest challenge is time. there is just so much to know in the short amount

dorkypanda · Jul 1, 2016

Highly encourage doing as much nclex questions as possible pertaining to what you learn in class. When you are reading just focus on what you need to know for class . I just finished OB/Peds in late May ending my 1st ADN year and it was a heck of a class.

Bedside_Life RN · Jul 1, 2016

spend the time NOW.... Don't let all of the work you have put in thus far go by the way side because it is behind you. It took TIME and EFFORT just the same as this will. put in that same amount of effort for each semester. Respect the time needed to study. and how hard you worked to get here.

Two statements come to mind:

1. "You deserve to be where you are... but you are entitled to nothing." Sacrifice now if possible. Doing this twice should not be an option. forget the house, forget the cars, forget the yard, forget the flowers....some days you may have to forget the shower haha.

2. "Are you going to be a working student?" or "a student who works?"..... I didn't realize the significance of this initially but it is soo true. Work will ALWAYS be there. and if they had it their way, you would be slave to their limitations. This opportunity exists NOW. it is worthy of your time... for your success..... for your life... and your family. For once it is okay to be selfish. I know you do not want to lose your job. But you also have to consider what you have invested at this point and the doors that will open if you stick with it. Your job opportunities will exponentially grow if you decide to back off of work and spend time studying. I really look forward to your success. The last mile is the hardest. as is the mile after. haha. keep your head down and focus. meet your goal. you can do this. and do not let anything get in the way. The patients deserve someone with drive and compassion and you would not be doing what you are now if you didn't possess the ability to succeed.

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Jul 1, 2016

Need efficient study skills? I have not utilized it yet but here are some things i learned use class time as your main study session. It will take preparing ahead of class time to be successful. Teacher is talking off topic? Study your notes. Classmates asking off topic questions? Study notes. you get the pattern. lol. bottom line is while everyone is asking questions about off topic things, you will be in the classroom studying your notes for the upcoming exam. Also, do 5 minute study sessions throughout the day talking out loud. Taking notes from textbook or nclex book? Create a study guide at the same to save time going back in your textbook. Last but note least create audio flash cards perfect for driving time. You have lunch do a quick 5 minute study session. Think of all the down time you may have and use those as 5 minute study sessions. Visit office hours periodically. Hopefully these help. :)