Nursing 2013

I don't see why one would start with an NCLEX book. The questions make much more sense once you have learned the theory behind them and how to apply that knowledge in answering them. I think it would be hard to teach yourself the reason for rationales to the answers/questions.

I start nursing school this fall, and I just asked a student ahead of me what the first lecture is over. I've been reading those chapters in my fundamentals book so I have a head start. Since every program varies in what they cover when, it is hard to give good advice that will apply directly to your program. If you are eager to begin, like most first time students would be, I would say just get your books and start studying the fundamentals one, since most likely that's what lectures will be based off.

There are plenty of students who go into programs without any prior experience, so reading ahead won't really give you a leg-up content wise. It'll just ease your workload once you first begin. As for studying, here is what I do/plan to do: Read the chapters pertaining to an upcoming lecture beforehand, then during lecture, take notes since the professor will add her own notes to the subject, and record the lecture. If I have time (that is, I will make time and do this:P), I will listen to the lecture again and read my notes as I go to make sure I didn't miss anything.

To prepare for a test on the subject matter, I will attempt to teach the concepts to another person (or myself, if no person is available). If I can't lecture to myself about the subject, then I do not know it well enough to be tested over it and will need to increase my knowledge in that area.

Besides lecture, I know a girl ahead of me who did well in clinicals/lecture but was having trouble with the Math for Nurses course. Part of it could have been the instructor, but she also didn't like math. If you feel this could be a problem for you, read up beforehand. Though I have heard it is easier than college algebra, so if you did that, I don't think it should be an issue.

Good luck

I agree with Elektrisk's study plan. This is EXACTLY what I do. It's helped me so much in A&P to reteach the information back to someone. I am just starting in fall, so I guess we will see how these study habits go towards the nursing program! I also wouldn't worry about an NCLEX book yet, but that's just me.

Personally I did not find NCLEX questions helpful till after I finished Funds. My school uses ATI and we purchase our power points with the meds we need to know put into the section they pertain to. My suggestion would be to practice your dosage calculations, which seem to cause a lot of panic for students. Find the formula that works best for you and practice it till you could do it in your sleep. It will reduce a lot of anxiety, so you can go into your dosage exam feeling secure. Next, if you have the ability to get your power points, then I suggest doing so and start familiarizing yourself with what will be taught. Basic nursing skills will be a big chunk of Funds, so read up on normal heart and lung sounds, and try and find videos on those skills. Also, start learning your meds. If your school uses ATI, then the ATI pharm book is a great go to. Last and most importantly RELAX! I heard so many horror stories prior to starting my program. Yes it is hard, but it is not impossible. I am a single mom who works 25 hours/ week and doesn't live and breathe Nursing school 24/7, and I still maintain A's and B's. I firmly believe that if this is what you are meant to do then you will succeed.

The reason behind it so you can get a feel for the NCLEX-style questions a lot of schools are switching to. It can be tricky at first. A lot of paramedic schools use those questions because of their own exam and I did fine without a book. I know others who failed though.

Another thing to consider is emailing your instructor for a copy of the syllabus so you know what to read and the order to read it in. If you don't, you may read unnecessary chapters.

The reason behind it so you can get a feel for the NCLEX-style questions a lot of schools are switching to. It can be tricky at first.

Oh, this is true. I did not consider this because I know my school uses NCLEX-style questions on all of the lecture tests, and I had a course prior to being accepted in the program that drilled us on critical thinking and application.

Thanks for your input! A lot of what you stated is what I plan to do as well!