Hi everyone. I am finally starting the Nursing program at my school January 2010. I've always wanted to be Nurse. Lately I feel like I won't be good enough in the program since at Orientation everyone just seemed much older than me. Im starting to wonder if this is really what I want to do. But this is what I;ve always wanted and im just being completely insecure with myself. What I do need is someone to please give me some tips on studying or items to have handy during this next year and a half. I really want to succeed in Nursing school.
Hey everyone! I have just completed my first semester in a BSN program! I now have all my pre-reqs completed so as of next semester I will only have to take nursing classes. The professors at my college give us a list of objectives for each chapter, which I have studied as a guide. Studying the objectives or outline helped me VERY much! The first 2 exams I took I was getting 76% on and couldn't figure out why, but as soon as I began studying the objectives instead of only reading the chapters my grades on exams went up to As and Bs! Also, my school considers a 92-100 an A so I have to work a little harder for that A!
I will have to say I finished Nursing school May 2009 and had to tk Micro after I just finished with that n I am now studying for my boards. What worked for me in Nursing school is buying books that explained the info in a way that I can understand than I read the book the school provided, Saunders is EXCELLENT,so is Mary Ann Hogan she has a little book that goes with each speciality, Med. Surg, OB, Peds etc. If u can't afford to purchase any extra books just remember the key to passing nursing school is read, read, read, read, and do NCLEX Style Questions, Questions and more questions and mk sure u read the rationales, even if u got the answer right.
nursing school is hard but well worth it! I have a woman in my class who is 66 years old, she is doing great. she had to learn how to better access some info on the internet but other than that it is just a matter of studying. we are currently on our winter break and all i have done is study to try and get a good grasp of the info I will be learning next semester. I have really good notes and info. If you want them send me a private message with your email address. let me know what classes your taking and ill try and help. You can do it. The first semester is the easiest in my opinion.
I agree with Mocombe1.....read NCLEX style questions and their rationales! Not only is it helpful in NS, but when it comes time for taking your most important exam...the NCLEX! (I will be taking mine in June sometime):)
I graduate my ADN program May 2010 - I never used them, but the ".... Success" books helped many of my fellow students. There are two ways to memorize them - memorize the questions (a lot of them repeat, apparently, on our instructors' tests) or use the rationales, the memory tips, and the straight up QUESTION ANSWERING skills to become good at disecting the questions. (I recommend the 2nd method if you're going to use them.)
Other than that - your planner is now your bible. Stay on top of assignments, studying, clinicals, and know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel - other people, probably younger than you, have graduated this program; it can be done.
I'm headed into the third semester of our program. While I initially thought, "not me!" when they told us in orientation that we needed to form study groups, and work with others (I'm kind of shy), I have to say finding a study group or partner has helped me immensely! Get phone numbers and keep in touch with each other-even if it's just to text for confirmation of assignments. It's a lot of information to keep up with so you may remind someone of something they forgot and vice versa. Some of the girls I study with SWEAR by that smart pen recording system. Recording is always a good idea. Just keep up with the material and do your reading and you should be fine! Good Luck! It's so worth it! :)
hey everyone :) i am starting the ADN program on Monday! Very nervous and excited but luckily i have a little pre-nursing experience as I was trying to get into my school's BSN program which requires 3 pre-nursing classes! I will tell you that there is A LOT of reading in nursing and A LOT of studying..but nursing questions are more than just knowing the facts, it is knowing how to apply those facts to a situation. For example, a question could ask "what is the most important thing you should do...", "what is the FIRST thing you would do..." etc...so in many instances, all the answers are correct actions but it wants to know the BEST thing or the FIRST thing to do..it is all about looking for the keywords and knowing how to apply what you know to what the question is asking. It sounds confusing but after the first test or so you will get a pretty good idea of what the questions will be like. Also, flashcards are always helpful to me..it is a really easy way to study on the go..I take them with me and study in between classes or during commerical breaks when I am watching tv. Also, never wait til the night before to start studying for an exam..always study at least 3 or 4 days ahead of time..you want to KNOW the information, not memorize it! Best of luck to you!
If nursing school is what you REALLY want, you will succeed. Just dedicate the majority of your time to it, as it will/should be a priority of yours.. just get through it.. I am in the middle of my 3rd year of nursing school.. I did not think I could do it either. They scare you, but it is ALOT of work. Just use all your resources. Look up videos, record lectures really helps, make flashcards, etc. Review old notes from the BEGINNING so you DONT have to cram for the final, if it is cumulative.. and also it will help keep in the info in your head, rather than just knowing the info for the next test. I have a 3.7 right now, and I did not feel I could make it either. I just stuck to it, because this is what I really want to do. I have taken all the prereqs. and also Health assessment, Professional nursing (fundamentals), and Pharmacology.. Now I am onto Med-Surg & Psych!
OK I have been woking on getting int nursing school for 3 years nw. I am currently at cal state san bernardino and have applied twice and been denied so I started looking at ther options. I went to Loma Linda and I like thier program but there is still a lot more I have to do to get in. I have all of my pre reqs done but there are a few other classes they require. I went to West Coast univ. today and I like that I can start in Feb but wow is the tuition a lot of money. My Dad is also concerned about the hiring after you graduate and if they will still hire you at a good hospital. I have also looked into national unversity. I am lost. I do not know what to do or what my best option would be. Please help!!
I'm starting nursing school this January too! I'm super excited about it. My only question is.....are nursing classes similar to anatomy and physiology classes, cause I did real well in those. I was planning on applying the same sort of study habits to the nursing classes.
I also did well in A&P I & II, but from my personal experience, nursing exams are not anything like them. It is all critical thinking skills vs. memorizing.
amanda2lynn
5 Posts
Hey everyone! I have just completed my first semester in a BSN program! I now have all my pre-reqs completed so as of next semester I will only have to take nursing classes. The professors at my college give us a list of objectives for each chapter, which I have studied as a guide. Studying the objectives or outline helped me VERY much! The first 2 exams I took I was getting 76% on and couldn't figure out why, but as soon as I began studying the objectives instead of only reading the chapters my grades on exams went up to As and Bs! Also, my school considers a 92-100 an A so I have to work a little harder for that A!
Good luck to everyone!!