Nursing school in a month......

Cortney2013 · Jul 14, 2013

I am just starting school in August too so no real tips from me but I didn't have a friend who recently graduated say to get a fluids and electrolytes book and study it and it would really help in 1st semester. Other than that Good Luck and I am excited to get started!!!

MrsClarkRN · Jul 14, 2013

Get started with your reading as early as you can

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Jul 14, 2013

I start in August as well, and I will be reading ahead in my Fundamentals book. I ordered a lab values chart to study as well, because I heard we need to know those. I saw someone else post on here that had just had her first week of school and she said they are having a test on the first nine chapters. EEEK!

DisneyNurseGal, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2013

I have said it before on this website and I will say it again. I COMPLETELY disagree with "reading ahead", even before school starts. Not all schools go through books in the order of the books (my first lecture started with chapter 20 in one random book). Many times I had assignments to go along with the reading, so when you get these assignments you are just going to have to read the material again. Also, if you read now, it won't be as fresh in your mind when lecture comes around.

Second, I know you are excited, but you need to take this time to relax, and prepare for the mental Olympics you are about to start. Nursing school is marathon not a sprint. When school starts, keep on top of things, but don't get behind. Use this time to spend time with your family (who you WON'T be seeing much of when school starts). I was in your exact spot one year ago when I started nursing school, trust me... take this time for you!

mbittleston · Jul 14, 2013

If you have your syllabus start reading on what's required. The best way to prepare is to begin preparing family and friends that you will be to busy for pretty much everything including holidays and birthdays while you're in school. I had an exam every other week for 2 years and all you do is study. Make sure you are stocked up on printer paper and ink because you will burn through a lot of it. As a new student you really won't know you to prepare until you have a semester/quarter under your belt. I would memorize lab values but because they vary your instructors will tell you what they want anyway.

I would recommend that you go out and have fun while you can. Nursing school is hard and very stressful and not everyone makes it through. Congrats on your entrance!

EdenK · Jul 14, 2013

Get Nclex books and use them as you go through the semester especially the practice questions. They will help with test taking.

BeautifulSky · Jul 14, 2013

I appreciate the advice from everyone, I will keep it in mind :)

RShieldsSN14 · Jul 14, 2013

The fundamentals of nursing you will learn in the 1st semester are the foundations of the nursing profession and the primary role of the Registered Nurse. You will have to be prepared to adjust your entire life around and commit to nursing.

Peppermint_RN · Jul 14, 2013

The "Success" books were very helpful the first couple of semesters for me. Nursing test questions were unlike any other test I had, and the "Fundamentals Success" book definitely helped me with understanding how the questions were going to be asked, and the rationales were great at explaining why the right answer was right. They have all different kinds, such as Psych Success, Med-Surg Success, etc.

I would also recommend an NCLEX study book. The yellow & white one (I believe it is Saunders) was great at breaking down topics and explaining the important components. My study group & I would read through it & do the practice questions before out exams. Definitely helped!

Best advice I can give is to take it one day at a time. If you look at your syllabus and dwell on it, its easy to become overwhelmed and discouraged. Just remember it can be done, it just takes hard work, determination, and a good support system!

Good luck!