Not-quite nursing student resources

Published

Hello all. So I finished all of my pre-reqs and I applied for nursing school yesterday (2 year associates program). Based on all the criteria, I'm fairly confident that I'm going to get into the program, and will start in January (Spring 2014). My question is this: Does anyone have any recommendations of books/any other resources to kind of give me a head start? I just want to start getting acquainted with the basics before starting the program. If it makes any difference, the school I'm hopefully attending is Charity School of Nursing in New Orleans. Thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

maybe look at a medical terminology book. but other that that I wouldn't stress too much about it. Nursing School will teach you a whole new way to learn and study, so you need to incorporate everything together.

Did your school require you to get your CNA license first? If not, I would HIGHLY recommend getting that while you are waiting. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There are nclex practice books that I got at barnes and nobles they are very helpful with terminology and lots of practice questions. I have several of them depending on which exam I will take next. The questions have the answers and rationales to both the correct and wrong answers ... These have been a huge help for me especially bc testing is do different from what we are used to.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Get Critical Thinking and Clinical Judgement...Best book I acquired from one of my nursing instructors many moons ago...prepares you on the mindset of a nurse...and it helps to give a foundation when entering nursing school, the first nursing job, transitioning to another nursing job or level of expertise. I still use this book today, and recommend this book over a NCLEX book for soon to be nursing students, and in addition to the NCLEX book for nursing students starting their first year. :yes:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the responses. I will definitely look into all of that. A couple of nursing friends suggested to start getting acquainted with fluid and electrolyte balance, so I got a book on that from the "...made incredibly easy" series.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

This book is such a great book, they have their own post stating the success they've had with this book after I suggested it...It is truly a great book to keep reminding you of the thinking if the nurse...I can't link to the post on my phone, however, I hope you get a chance to read the post :yes:

It's a priceless book you can use throughout your career.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in oncology, MS/tele/stepdown.
Thanks for the responses. I will definitely look into all of that. A couple of nursing friends suggested to start getting acquainted with fluid and electrolyte balance, so I got a book on that from the "...made incredibly easy" series.

Good choice. The Incredibly Easy series was a very popular brand at my school. I got their NCLEX review book and I thought it was great.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ladyfree28, did the clinical judgment book help prepare you for NCLEX? I am looking into one now and I do agree that I wished I saw this post before starting nursing school. I was bombarded to study a NCLEX book but I am now paying the cost that knowing your clinical judgment and thinking BEFORE doing NCLEX book questions may help a lot. I am preparing for NCLEX now and still have some trouble with clinical judgment. I am great at test taking strategies but lack the clinical judgment. Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Ladyfree28, did the clinical judgment book help prepare you for NCLEX? I am looking into one now and I do agree that I wished I saw this post before starting nursing school. I was bombarded to study a NCLEX book but I am now paying the cost that knowing your clinical judgment and thinking BEFORE doing NCLEX book questions may help a lot. I am preparing for NCLEX now and still have some trouble with clinical judgment. I am great at test taking strategies but lack the clinical judgment. Thanks!

I think it wouldn't hurt to read the book; however, I read the book when I was in a later part of my program and when I studied for the NCLEX, I already read the book-I would recommend it with the caveat that the focus will be on identifying the questions that stump you, depending on the four concepts on being an entry level nurse:

1. Safe, effective care;

2.Health promotion;

3.Physiological Integrity;

4.Psychosocial integrity

Will determine WHAT the question is asking you; the question may be Respiratory related-but is it a Health Promotion or a Safety, or a Physiological or a Psychosocial one? Would you know the difference and choose the BEST answer?

Once one understands the concepts of NCLEX, they can do so successfully.

Don't look at content; you know most of the material because you passed nursing school; begin to do questions related to each concept; review all questions and rationales; ANY rationale you struggle with, THEN review content. Lather, rinse, repeat.

When practicing the questions, prepare the questions like a mock NCLEX exam, review the minimum and then work up to the maximum for endurance purposes.

In summary, The Critical Thinking book is a good tool to use throughout your career; if you are pressed for time, your focus will definitely be on the NCLEX; if you can read that book, then study, you may have a great advantage to your future practice, however you must pass the NCLEX first.

Best wishes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you Ladyfree28! For NCLEX, I have skimmed the Kaplan Strategies, Practice, and Review and focused learning how to improve my inference and analyzing skills on prioritization ABC and (Gordon's Health function/Maslow framework). I also skimmed Mosby's review first 2 pages with the maslow hierarchy of needs. oxygenation- bed position, activity intolerance, etc. Also, my nursing diagnosis book has the maslow physio needs. I've became obsessed with test strategies. lol. but I like seeing the big picture so when I do rationales I can pick apart the rationale and put it in the nursing process format knowing the framework and keywords in nursing dx and maslow

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion