Pointers on How to Pass the Fundamentals of Nursing

[maija]

Class starts next week, and I am wondering if you could help me devise a plan on how to successfully pass my first semester in the program. I already took all the other subjects while waiting to be admitted in the Program, so basically this Fall I am only taking my Fundamentals of Nursing which is being subdivided into 3. Lectures, Clinical, Lab Skills. We have to pass all that 3 sub-categories.

Any suggestion on how you overcome your first semester in the program? I know some of you will answer me to "study, study, read, study" - but study has a broad scope, I wanna know HOW?

One of the weakness I have is that English is not my first language.... But so far, I was able to get an A in both my A&P 1&2, B+ on my Algebra and Microbiology, and B's on English & other courses.

Anything you wanted to share on your first semester Associate RN program?

Thanks...

[rnjls]

Time management for keeping up with classes. Figure out how you learn best and devise a plan around that. For example, I learn best if I write things out as I'm learning them, so I write out answers to study questions and sometimes even type up my notes. Use flashcards if they help. For skills lab, practice, practice, practice. Find people who will let you take their vital signs, do head to toe assessments, etc.

[smoore1790]

I'll be honest with you - Fundies is probably the easiest class you will take in the first semester. Alot of what you learn is just plain common sense. For instance, there is alot of material about preventing infections and maintaining a safe environment for you and the client. You will be taught some obvious things like "wash your hands" and "don't put an oxygen tank near a fire". As long as you do the reading and pay very close attention in class you will be fine. I would suggest however that if something is taught that you are not familiar with, read it over and over again, summarize it in your own words, make up a personal test to take, practice the skills associated with the topic. Some of those topics you will probably have to study more fervently are wound dressing changes, acid-base balances, oxygen administration, nursing theories, and care of the surgical patient.

I would focus alot more of your energy on applying your knowledge in the skills lab and clinical setting, that is where it all counts anyway. Practice the new skills you are learning EVERYDAY and practice on anyone who wants to be your guinea pig. Treat the lab as though it were real life that way when you are in the clinical setting with REAL people you feel much more comfortable and you won't freak out.

Last, don't let the language barrier discourage you. YOU CAN DO IT! You may have to study a little harder or get a really good dictionary, but you will do great! My best friend in Fundies was from Nigeria and she knew very little English. But in the end she received a better grade than me in the class! Good Luck!!!

[maija]

Thank you so much SMOORE for the encouragement. Yes, I CAN do it. I HAVE to do it!

Thanks to you too, JSKSMON...

[smoore1790]

Your welcome maija! If you need any help during the course let me know! What school are you going to?

[maija]

RVCC smoore. Thanks

[Abishag]

If your school has the NCLEX 3500 questions take them over and over until you know the material. If you're school doesn't consider borrowing the CD or purchasing an NCLEX review book that breaks it down by section.

Also, learn WHY something works a certain way. Don't memorize information...LEARN it. Find a way to associate it with a personal experience so that you'll remember it. Practice on your family! And try not to stress. Overstudying can make you sick. Just try to learn the material and know it. But don't force feed yourself or it won't stay in the memory bank.

[moncj66]

If your only taking fundamentals then you should have more than enough time to study for it. Fundamentals is pretty basic, so if u read and understand u should do fine

[Sarah Hay]

For me, the first couple of exams were quite difficult due to my learning style. In case you haven't figuered it out yet, you cannot merely memorize phrases and words while studying Fundamentals. You have to understand and be able to comprehend the information because it can be used in a variety of different scenarios. I'm in my last year of the associate nursing program and I still have a wee problem with that because I've always memorized facts instead of completely comprehending them. I hope this helps and doesn't scare you!

Sarah Hay

[mbcatac7]

Buy a Fundamentals Study Guide book with practice questions. I did not ever read my textbook..all I did was practice questions and read ALL of the rationales. Plus I also really like the Sauders NCLEX Study Guide Book..great book for all semesters.

Billie