Need few suggestions on what to do before I start my Nursing program?

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Hi everyone,

I got accepted in Nursing school and will be starting my BSN (accelerated program) in June. I am very nervous about the program b/c its only 15 month program and it will go really fast. I really wanted you guys to suggest things that I can work on. What kind of books should I read if any?

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Check to see if your school has a book list for the program, they should by now and you can either order your books early and look over them. Or you can start reviewing some medical terminology.

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I'm just finishing up my first semester in NS (10 days to go!!). I would highly recommend the following:

1. Get organized, your car, your house, everything! I have a big planner that I write everything in. It keeps me alive!

2. Review A&P....you would be amazed at how much you may have forgotten!

3. As the previous poster mentioned.....review medical terminology.

4. Get plenty of paper, pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, highlighters, tissues (those come in real handy the first couple weeks), snacks, gum, SODA

5. Make sure to take care of any pressing issues now, doctor/dental visits, renewing car insurance, trips to DMV, vet visits, etc.

6. Watch your favorite TV shows now....I didn't even see a TV untill I got through the first month.

7. Read your handbook backwards and forwards once you get it so you know your schools policies.

8. Remove any not so appropriate pictures you may have posted on social-networking sites. Our instructors have been known to look at students pages if they suspect something fishy.

9. RELAX and enjoy your freedom!

Hope that helps a little! Try not to stress so much and just enjoy the process. Nursing school is the most fun I've had in my entire life!:coollook:

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Specializes in Telehealth, Hospice and Palliative Care.

The other two posters are SPOT ON! Especially about the A and P/Pathophys review. I thought they would do an overview of all that during the program, but they just assumed we already knew the disease processes! For an audio review type "Cizadlo" in iTunes. He's got the most wonderful free A and P lectures you can listen to while you mow the lawn.

I would add....

10. Visit your grandma or anyone else that you don't get to see often.

11. Sleep a lot

12. Buy "The Merck Manual of Diagnostic Medicine." Recommended by Dr. Cizadlo (above), it is the single best book I own. It doesn't need to be brand new, just new-ish.

Good luck,

Dec. 09 survivor of 16 month accelerated BSN program.

PS You really CAN do it:)

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, ED, Nurse Instructor,.

Overall, just be prepared to read several chapters and researching for papers. Do not wait until the last minute to do assignments. There will be several assignments due around the same time.

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Hello friends,

Thank you so much for your reply. I will definitely brush up on A & P.

Do you guys know of any other Iphone apps that are helpful in nursing school?

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Hello friends,

Thank you so much for your reply. I will definitely brush up on A & P.

Do you guys know of any other Iphone apps that are helpful in nursing school?

I didn't have an iPhone in nursing school . . . but now that I'm working and can afford one, I use Davis's Drug Guide . . . I like it much more than Epocrates. Also, Kathy White's Fast Fact's series is great. I use the IABP app and use her Fast Facts for Critical Care, but in the hard cover version, not the iPhone app.

There are probably many, many more but those are two I recommend.

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