New Student Nurse Advice

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Hello Everyone,

I recently got accepted into The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Nursing School and I will be beginning in the Fall, 2012. I was wondering if you could offer me some advice on what to expect in nursing school, some books that will help me adjust to nursing school, and just some basic tips on just how to survive it. I am very anxious about nursing and just would like to do my best.

Thanks in advance,

FutureNurse112

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Expect to work very hard, many times for grades lower than you are probably accustomed to making. Expect to be tired and overwhelmed at least some of the time. Expect to get pushed outside of your comfort zone on a regular basis. Expect your excitement at times to leave you and expect now and then to wonder why on earth you did this. Expect to feel amazingly proud when you finish.

I don't know of any books to help. I recommend you use this time preparing your friends and family for the new focus your life is about to take, to ask them for their support and understanding over the next few years as you put school ahead of most anything else. And then enjoy the devil out of your summer.

Congrats on getting accepted :)

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Also expect faculty that will guide u and help u all along the way...just make sure u keep in close contact with them. We are here to see u and help u succeed! Yes it is a lot of hard work, but in the end it will totally worth it to have a profession that fulfills u. Please do not hesitate to email me if u have any questions ([email protected]).

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Oh and one more thing...Congrats on being excepted! Southern Miss Nursing To The Top!!!!

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Specializes in N/A.

My advice once you start your classes get a NCLEX review book and do as many questions as you can related to the material you are learning; it will help I promise. Congrats! I am a second semester nursing student and loving every minute of it. It is hard but I am having a great time learning and meeting new people. Study hard and you will be fine :)

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The above poster was right on about reviewing NCLEX style questions. I've seen a lot of smart people not do well because they can't answer certain types of questions. Looking over the rationales will help you more than the answers. A good NCLEX book will be your bible until your done. Congrats and good luck.

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Glad I found this post! I posted a similar thread about starting nursing this fall but no one ever replied! Anyways thanks all for the advice!! p.s. anyone know any good critical thinking skills book I really need to improve in that area!

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Thanl you everyone for your posts.

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I forgot to mention, I downloaded an NCLEX app to my phone and I go through a few questions whenever I have time. It came complete with a study mode, rationales, and a timer. Pretty cool. Even if you don't know the answers, it's good to start considering issues such as what is less invasive, etc.

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all, thank you so much for supporting each other. you might consider using the personal messaging feature (find it by clicking on the poster's name) rather than posting your home email address. that's a nice personal security feature of being here.

also, please remember this, from our terms of service:

desiring to maintain professionalism, text speak (also known as chatspeak, txtspk, texting language or txt talk) is discouraged. along with using proper english spelling and punctuation, this shows respect for the owner, other bulletin board members, guests, and makes it easier to read your message.

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Could you tell me what app you downloaded. I have the iPhone! Also do you know any other good apps for studying?

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Congrats! I am a USM alum, not from nursing though. I got my BA from USM in 2003. It's an amazing university :)

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