Now that I'm starting nursing school in the fall, what should I be studying/learning?

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I'm starting a nursing program in the fall and I'm wondering if you guys can give me some advice on what I should be doing in the meantime to help my transition into nursing school. It's been over a year since I completed my science prereqs so I'm starting to re-read all my books so that it can be fresh in my mind. Is there anything else you guys recommend? Thanks for your advice.

One thing I would do is try to go back over the various muscles and bones from A&P if you don't remember them too well. I didn't rememeber them too well so I would have to spend extra time looking up what the various muscle was or bone in order to know what something was talking about in my notes.

Another thing you could start learning now to give you a heads up are lab values. You will definately need to know these. Everything from Fluids and Electrolytes, to CBCs, UAs, etc. Learn the #s if you can and if you have extra time try to learn the S&S of each and what it does to the body. That will give you a big heads up in school.

Specializes in Case management, hospice.

I agree with Gauge, memorize the lab values now. It is so hard to memorize a whole set of electrolyte values when you have everything else to study.

We all struggled with fluids and electrolyte in our class, you can get a book and work on that and will use it constantly.

Also, in our program the math was all self study. Get one of those books too and start on that, you will have a big advantage. "Calculate with Confidence" is a good one

Good luck!!!!:up:

We all struggled with fluids and electrolyte in our class, you can get a book and work on that and will use it constantly.

Good luck!!!!:up:

I ended up buying the "Fluids and Electrolytes Made Easy." It breaks it down so much easier, at least it did for me!

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
I ended up buying the "Fluids and Electrolytes Made Easy." It breaks it down so much easier, at least it did for me!

Ditto to that and to Calculating with Confidence. Reviewing A&P couldn't hurt either--I recommend A&P the Easy Way by Barron's.

To be honest...don't kill yourself studying this summer. Sure, read the guides we recommended, memorize those lab values (keeping in mind that they're going to vary between textbooks so don't panic if what you learn over the summer isn't exactly the same as what you'll learn in class), and if you're feeling really frisky, thumb through your NS textbooks, at least the Fundamentals once since that will probably be your first class.

But keep in mind that this summer is also going to be the last chunk of (relatively) stress-free time you're going to have for at least 2 years, so enjoy it while you can. Go do all the fun things that you've always wanted to do because you're probably not going to get the chance to do them again for a while. Relax. Be a sloth every now and then. Enjoy the last few days of waking up without an alarm clock anywhere near you.

And besides, you don't want to start NS already burned out. Trust me, that day will come soon enough :)

I definitely recommend that you start reading a phamacology book or at least become familiar with the different kinds of prototype drugs, also be familiar how the alpha/beta receptors work in the body , you will apply this when you'll learn how the drugs act in the body. Also, and this is a must, start looking at any NCLEX review book, so you can be familiar on how your tests questions are going to be from now on, for I was naive when i got into the nursing program :banghead:and did not prepare myself ahead of time because i had a 3.9ish gpa and thought that nursing school was going to be a piece of cake for me.

Well congrats that you got into the program.:yeah:

Specializes in L&D.

anatomy, definitely. I really wish I'd had the time/foresight to study anatomy before I started my program. It would have been helpful.

I also second fluid & electrolytes, if you're able.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs, pediatric development stages (erickson, etc) are also helpful.

Specializes in Oncology, Med-Surg, Nursery.

I'm sure this won't be the popular opinion, but I wouldn't stress too much this summer. You will stress enough once school starts, trust me. Maybe brush up on a little A&P, but other than, I have absolutely no regrets about not busting my tail studying before the first semester. :)

Good luck and CONGRATS on starting NS!!!

If I could do anything over I'd go through your drug guide and study up on the different classes of drugs.

And that's it.

If you really want to get ahead take a medical terminology class...assuming you have the time.

For the most part just relax though and take it easy...you're gonna be busting your butt soon enough and need some time to center yourself. I wouldn't worry about any NCLEX review as mentioned above...you have PLENTY of time to ease into that. If your school does NCLEX style tests then they will start off easy.

One thing I would do however is get an NCLEX book and go through it when school starts and focus on the area you are currently studying. For example if the current area of focus is Cardiac, then read the summary section of the card chapter. Those NCLEX study guys have a knack for packing in THE most relevant information and can really help to guide your studies. Take the quizzes in the book to see where you need to focus further studies, etc.

Grats on getting into the nursing program. I'd get a PDA if I were you, they are handy for looking stuff up quick. Get a cheap one with little memory as a memory card is very inexpensive in comparison. I'd recommend whatever drug guide your school uses and a medical dictionary. With THAT having been said, plenty in our group did just fine without a PDA.

Specializes in Acute Mental Health.

Our program was also self study with the math. Most of the students struggle with this area. We can't move on until we pass the math portion and the whole book is covered. Our school uses Clinical Calculations (Kee Marshall). It's an easy book to work through and it will help so much. I would look into that and just enjoy the last of your freedom. We are tested in 1st and 3rd semester for math. Congratulations on a fall start!

I decided to relax this summer. I ordered some books to read for fun. Right now I'm reading "The making of a nurse" by Tilda Shalof. It's a good book. She's written a few others. It's cool to step into her shoes and she talks about her path in nursing.

Specializes in ED.
I'm starting a nursing program in the fall and I'm wondering if you guys can give me some advice on what I should be doing in the meantime to help my transition into nursing school. It's been over a year since I completed my science prereqs so I'm starting to re-read all my books so that it can be fresh in my mind. Is there anything else you guys recommend? Thanks for your advice.

Please don't re-read all your books. It is not necessary. you will have plenty to study come fall. If I were you I would: go to the beach, read books for pleasure because you won't do that once fall comes, spend time with family and friends, watch lots of movies, organize your home, go on vacation, go out to eat and have fun. Seriously, all these people telling you to memorize lab values and study A&P. You guys can't be serious??? There is plenty of time to do all of that. If you study that now, will you really remember it all come fall?? Nope I doubt it. I still do not know all my lab values adn I graduate in a couple weeks. Do you think all RN's know all the lab values? To go into the fall prepared, you will do yourself the biggest favor by having a nice low stress summer and relax. Then you will be ready to dive right in.

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