New LPN students to start soon !! Come share your experiences :)

logans_mommy · Jul 15, 2009

Hi lorrie! I know EXACTALLY how you feel. It will get easier but it is going to take time. You have to learn what study tequnique works for you. I will attach some web pages that helped me through A+P. I hated every minute of it! You can do it. Just stay focused becuase if you loose sight of what you are there to do it will all fall apart. Something that works for me is I read each paragraph and highlight what i feel is VERY important or the main idea from that section. then in your notebook re-write what you highlighted. Do that for each section of the chapter. The key is that each time you re-write what you highlighted put it in your own words so it is easier to understand. Take your time and if possible use visuals. The post about you tube is 100% correct. You tube is VERY helpful!! I wish you the best of luck. Just hang in there! I hope these pages help...also google practice tests for each chapter you do and take them. The key to A+P is using all available resources. The more ways something is explained the better!!!

http://bioscience.jbpub.com/anatomy/index.cfm

http://www.bio.psu.edu/people/faculty/strauss/anatomy/skel/skeletal.htm

bear19kilosgirl2 · Jul 15, 2009

I started in July 1, 2009. We are in anatomy right now, its hard and I can cry, nothing is sinking in my head. Major test tomorrow. I need to learn how to study the right way, any suggestions?

The best thing that I can suggest is to study with a group or even one person that is as focused as you. The only problem with large study groups that I have found is sometimes people come along to socialize and then no studying is actually done. Make sure you pair yourself with someone good and that has the same goal as you in the long run. You will find that some people do not take nursing school serious and it is mind boggling that they are even there to begin with. I personally study with one other person. What is your test on, maybe I can help. I finished anatomy with a 104%. Keep your chin up. You will do just fine if you remember the reason you are there to begin with.

Nervous1 · Jul 16, 2009

I start August 10, orientation is Aug 7. My classes are for the next 11 months, Mon-Fri, 8am-3:30 every day.

abbyann · Jul 16, 2009

I started June 29th. It's hard, hard hard. But I havea 95 average after 3 exams (we have at least 2 a week, and pop quizzes WHENEVER). But I love it. I know I'm going to finish and graduate. I've already made some really good friends - we're all in the same boat :)

RCH85 · Jul 16, 2009

I started in July 1, 2009. We are in anatomy right now, its hard and I can cry, nothing is sinking in my head. Major test tomorrow. I need to learn how to study the right way, any suggestions?

I highly recommend the Essential Atlas of Anatomy by barrons...they have a separate one for anatomy and for physiology. It's a small book, but explains everything with excellent pictures. Theres also website like www.getbodysmart.com that have interactive games that may help you. Obviously this post is late for the test you had on the 2nd but maybe it will help you down the road.

Lorrie1964 · Jul 16, 2009

Here's the things I've done so far to study: Rewrote and rewrote notes, read over, and over my notes so many times, made flash cards-review them. met several times with another student to study. We are having a test on our first unit, has 3 chapters, but we already went over unit 2, that test is on Monday, and we already started unit 3, I think the new information I'm learning is staying with me, and I don't have time to process the first unit. They are moving so fast, I know they have alot to teach in 1 year, but I'm really studying.

RCH85 · Jul 16, 2009

Here's the things I've done so far to study: Rewrote and rewrote notes, read over, and over my notes so many times, made flash cards-review them. met several times with another student to study. We are having a test on our first unit, has 3 chapters, but we already went over unit 2, that test is on Monday, and we already started unit 3, I think the new information I'm learning is staying with me, and I don't have time to process the first unit. They are moving so fast, I know they have alot to teach in 1 year, but I'm really studying.

It's seems like your using a lot of good study techniques. You have to remember that with AP it all builds on eachother. I actually will go into my room and "teach myself" by talking aloud as if I'm teaching someone else. That seems to help me. If the first unit is the basic, like cell, basic chemistry stuff, I wouldn't stress about it too much. But if it's bones or muscles or something I would review it again to grasp it better. Eventually it will at click, and you will use the information your studying at some point so it is not a waste of time. Hang in there, You can do it!!!!!!!

HULIYO · Jul 17, 2009

Those of you who have already started cause i see some were starting in March/April could you please tell us how your first semester or first days went and what you did in the program. I would really appreciate cause I am starting in August.

bear19kilosgirl2 · Jul 17, 2009

Those of you who have already started cause i see some were starting in March/April could you please tell us how your first semester or first days went and what you did in the program. I would really appreciate cause I am starting in August.

The coursework in my program is very fast pace. Just when you think you can breath you have another assignment or two or three due. It is manageable and completely doable if you want it. When clinical's start you will still be responsible for class work at the same pace but with less class time. I have three days of clinical rotation and two days of theory a week in my program. You have to discipline yourself to do your homework and read ahead as often as you can. Trust me it will save you some stress if you are ahead on the reading before hand. We get a syllabus for every new subject that outlines every chapter to be read by each date so that we can work ahead. It makes it much easier to not have any suprises. On average I have anywhere from 3-8 chapters a night. My first two days (started on a Thursday which was orientation night and Friday was class) I had 13-15 chapters to read over the weekend. My first test was that Monday. My course is 11 months but when you take out the days that we are off school for breaks/holidays it works out to just at 9 months. That is a very short time to learn everything in. We also have 3-4 tests per week. Keep in mind we only have two days of class time now. When you get to your clinical rotations try hard not to be too insecure. Everyone was a student at some point and try not to forget that. The nurses you will be working with can teach you a lot to help the coursework make more sense, if you ask. Not all are helpfull but the majority are, seek them out and gleen what you can from their experiences. Most of all relax and breath! You can do it. :nuke:

asc5 · Jul 17, 2009

I just read every post from this thread and even though it took me awhile (wink) all I can say is how terribly excited I am! I start August 24th and I just finally got my info packet (not enough info for me BTW!) and then we left for vacation. So, I am sitting here in the smokies reading nursing threads and making master lists of everything I need to accomplish before school starts and I can hardly contain my excitement. I am touched by so many of your struggles to get to this point, your concerns, and over all general excitement. Godspeed to all of you!

Mom2Cassidy · Jul 17, 2009

Good Luck everyone! I was supposed to start the beginning of May, but couldn't get childcare worked out. If everything falls into place I will be starting Aug 24th!

abbyann · Jul 18, 2009

I just read every post from this thread and even though it took me awhile (wink) all I can say is how terribly excited I am! I start August 24th and I just finally got my info packet (not enough info for me BTW!) and then we left for vacation. So, I am sitting here in the smokies reading nursing threads and making master lists of everything I need to accomplish before school starts and I can hardly contain my excitement. I am touched by so many of your struggles to get to this point, your concerns, and over all general excitement. Godspeed to all of you!

My advice to you: relax and enjoy some quiet and peaceful time before you start school. I wanted to get a good handle on things, too, but all the studying I did hasn't realy helped me because I had no idea what books we would be using.

I love nursing school - I know I will get through it and become an excellent LVN. But there will be PLENTY for you to study after school starts, and not a whole lot of time to do little things you enjoy.