Nervous New Student..trying to get prepared! HELP!

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Nervous New Student..trying to get prepared! I start nursing program in Jan 2013 and am working on getting all of my supplies and items needed for my first day/week of class. There is so much to get done, buy and plan. Don't have much time or money to waste.

Have a quick question and appreciate your feedback. Based on your experiences as previous or current first time nursing students, what do you think is better -- Binder (maybe 2") with dividers & loose leaf paper OR a 5 subject notebook with separate folders? :wacky:

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Specializes in hospice, HH, LTC, ER,OR.

Separate folders.. you are going to need a lot of them :) HUGS and GOOD LUCK :)!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

moved to General Nursing Student forum as not specific to NJ Nursing. Good luck.

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Specializes in Progressive Care.

I liked using binders when I was in nursing school. We would get power points posted on our school website, so I'd print them out and if I wanted to write additional information, I'd have loose leaf paper for that (or I write on the back of the power point page). To save space and keep myself uncluttered, I would only keep current material for the upcoming exam in a binder that would go to and from class with me. Everything else stayed in a giant binder at home, until I needed it for the final. I personally never liked using spiral notebooks, but maybe that's because I scatter when I write down notes. Can't exactly move the pages in a spiral around ;) Good luck!!!

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I would have a somewhat big binder, at least 2 " and separate it into units. My school has 5 units per semester, so I divide it into 5. I get the dividers with pockets in them, and that is where I put papers that are pertinent to that unit. I would put some loose leaf paper in the front so that in case you do have to write notes on something you have it available and you can just move that paper to the appropriate unit. It doesn't really matter HOW you organize, as long as you organize in a way that works for you and it might take some trial and error to figure that out.

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I just finished my first semester. I had a binder, notebook and folder for each class (Each course had its own color so i wouldnt get confused, five total). I found that this helped me stay organized, but ultimately its up to you. Whatever works best for you is what i would stick with! Good Luck!:up:

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I was thinking maybe the binder route may work better but keeping it color coordinated is also a good idea. I have everything - binders, folders and notebooks. Thankfully Walmart has a nice return policy. :)I am generally an organized person but am letting my nerves and anxiety get the best of me. "Reveries" -- I love your idea of keeping a larger binder at home with all of the excess information and only take what I need in the binder I will use to/from class. Thank you!!! All of the advise is very helpful. LOVE allnurses!

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2 in binder? lol yeah right....try 4 to 5 in binders.

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I started out with a big binder and loose leaf for each class. What I found is that it was a LOT of bulk to be carrying around every day and we have these tiny lecture desks that they don't fit on opened, so I transitioned into a 5 subject that I'd bring to class for note taking and then rip the sheets out and put them into my binder. Plan for this semester is to use a "case it" soft binder with shoulder strap for syllabus and hand outs and a 5 subject.

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I found my method to be great.... We use PowerPoints for all out sections.. so I usr those new binders from staples (2in) that has the rubber outline... But it is pretty expensive but good investment! And instead of using paper folders, I came across the plastic folders that won't rip with all the movement of the folder... I'll be using it again next semester!

I use the pull tabs to organize also... It keeps me pretty organized...

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I use a 1 1/2 or 2 inch binder. That binder includes all of my power points, notes, calendar, and loose leaf paper. After I take an exam I remove all of my power points for that exam and put them in a HUGE binder at home. So I have two binders.

one smaller one: I carry around every day, has all my notes and information for the upcoming exam

Large one: I keep at home so I put information that I do not currently need.

I like this method because you will probably have tons and tons of notes and power points but will only be using some of them to study for your next exam and for lecture. I like keeping my notes at home that I don't use everyday because they will remain neat and I also do not have to lug them around!

Best of luck!!

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I ended up buying a really nice book bag on wheels which expands a lot and so far I can barely fit my books let alone a binder. At this rate I may also need to invest on a back belt like those used by the people that work at Home Depot. I can't believe how much stuff I need and I haven't even started. I feel bad for those that are waiting for the last minute to get all of their stuff. You guys ROCK!!! Thank you.

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