Pre-nursing

arciedee · Jun 2, 2006

1. Attitude: Don't set yourself up for failure. Go in with a positive attitude that you CAN do well and you are EXCITED to take this step towards your career goals. Reminding yourself why you want to do this will help motivate you when you feel your confidence lagging.

2. Read the information that will be covered in class BEFORE the lecture. Even if you don't read in depth, at least being exposed to the info before class will allow you to pay more attention to the instructor and absorb more.

3. For memorization things, make flashcards and carry them around with you. Pull them out when you have a spare moment (on the bus, in line at the grocery store).

4. Do a little every day. It's better than trying to cram right before an exam.

5. Utilize your instructor and classmates. If you don't understand something ask. If you are curious and want to learn more ask.

Best of luck!

sddlnscp · Jun 2, 2006

Do exactly what arciedee said - she hit the nail on the head - great post!

Making A's in the pre-nursing classes is very do-able, but you have to be dedicated and really want it! You have to do each and every bit of work, all the reading plus some (be willing to research things on your own) and put your heart into it. You can do it - it just takes a lot of hard work and determination and a ton of self-discipline! If you can handle that, then you can do it. I was scared to death of the in-depth information in the pre-nursing classes and I managed to pull straight-A's (and I even took A&P II and Micro in the same semester, plus I work full-time, have a hubby and two kids under 5!).

Just remember to keep your head up and keep on working, don't let others pull you down. Do your studying and all of your work and do what works best for you to learn. The biggest thing is to really stick with it and constantly remind yourself of your goals. Go into with the attitude that you know you are going to be swamped, but that you know it will be worth it - that helps!

Best of luck to you - you can do it!

goingformydream · Jun 2, 2006

I just want to know how to get A in pre-nursing courses since it seems like
hard to do,is there anyone willing to share about this?
thanks!!

utilize the extra resources, such as the CD provided with the book (from the publisher) Take the practice tests, review the tutorials.

take any necessary or recommended pre-reqs to the pre-reqs (like biology or chemistry) if one has not had a recent college level course. This will introduce you to the "science language"

I went into biology thinking.. cell? what is a cell? (ok I was not that much in the dark, but that gives you a clue at to how long it had been since I had biology class) I now have one pre-req class left and have a 4.0 gpa.

C...

JaxiaKiley · Jun 2, 2006

I also suggest using the CDs and websites that come with the books. They helped me a lot with both A&P and math.

stpauligirl · Jun 2, 2006

I just want to know how to get A in pre-nursing courses since it seems like
hard to do,is there anyone willing to share about this?
thanks!!

Pace yourself, don't take too many credit hours and study like heck!!!!!

FNPhopeful · Jun 2, 2006

Yes, like everyone else said, study like heck EVERYDAY. Have the attitude "Im gonna have the highest grade in this class!" Thats what I did and it worked! People would come to me and ask what my secret was.

Also use the internet for extra study sources, if you dont understand something in the book, look it up online.

For Micro, ahd Anatomy I would look up microbial images and print them out and make flashcards with them. And for Anatomy I would look up anatomy worksheets and print and relabel them myself (try Gray's Anatomy online)

Just find ways to study things from many different perspectives. In anatomy, I would take pictures of the dissections and models in class with my digital camera/ or camera phone and email them to myself and then print them out.

For chemistry.......I dunno That one was tough theres lots of chem help sites but I still had trouble. Get a tutor if you have too. They are usually free at your college.

GAA30 · Jun 3, 2006

Study , Study, Study. Use all your resources to include workbooks, handouts, ect even if the teacher doesn't. Find a scripture to encourage you even when it is discouraging. Always stay ahead. Read early, The minute you have your first test began familiarizing yourself with the next chapters you will test on. Set your goals high because it will make you perform to that level, even if you make the next grade. I am an A student, married, with three kids. I have been out of highschool for 12 years. You can do it.....

illidan01 · Jun 3, 2006

:balloons: this is what i learned in psych class for memory. the brain can only handle 7 + or - 2 pieces of information at a time (for short term memory). to study these helpful hints will enhance your short term memory, and then it will go to long term memory.

1. attention - since the brain takes in only so much (even tv noise can enter when studying). study where it is quiet.

2. repetition/rehearsal - the more you look at something the more memorable it will be.

3.elaboration - being able to talk about it to someone helps you memorize it. try to explain it to class mates or family.

4. self - reference - if you can apply it to yourself or your family somehow you tend to remember it more.

5. visual imagery - picture it! this will go to the occiptal lobe and help you remember. close your eyes and try to picture the information and repeat it to yourself.

6. auditory encoding - if you say it and hear it then it will go to your temperal lobe.

7. tactile encoding - write it down, or re-type your notes this will go to your paretial lobe.

hope a few of these hints will help. i find that reading the notes before class do help, and reading the chapter before hand. i retype my notes also, it does help. best of luck! :mad:

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2006

these are two websites of large u.s. universities with information to help students become efficient at studying. i'm sure you will find something helpful at these sites. with anatomy there are some things that you just have to memorize. there are other anatomy subjects that it helps to picture where these things are in your own body to help you remember them. my sister-in-law had some problems with english to chinese translations. she wrote a lot of notes in chinese in the margins of her textbooks even though the textbooks were written in english. so, if you need a english-chinese dictionary it would probably be a good idea to get one. there may even be english-chinese medical dictionaries.

http://www.accd.edu/sac/history/keller/accditg/ssindex.htm - strategies for success, an online primer and tutorial on how to study for students from the alamo community college. this is a pretty extensive resource with links on the right side of the page to click into the following subjects: learning styles, note taking, memory techniques, time management, overcoming procrastination, sq3r (a method for getting the most out of reading your textbooks), study tips, critical thinking, preparing for tests, and oral presentations. also, take a look at the faq's (frequently asked questions).

http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/checklis.html - this is a study skill checklist for you to go through and inventory your study habits from virginia polytechnic institute and state university. at the bottom of the form is the link to "study skills self-help information" which is all kinds of information to help you with areas you were weak on in the checklist. if you want to bypass the checklist and just go into the information section, go to this link http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/stdyhlp.html

BeccaznRN, RN · Jun 4, 2006

Great ideas in these posts! A big thing would also be to know yourself - how much time you need to study, how you study best, what areas are your weakest, etc. Everyone is a little different! Making every effort to learn things on your own (related to the course content but not covered in lectures) will also help you understand the concepts taught in class. My motto is to never expect to learn everything just from attending lectures!

HeartsOpenWide, RN · Jun 4, 2006

Study study study study study study study.

Always ask the teacher for help.

Get a tutor if need be.

Be positive, tell yourself you can do it and believe it.

Set goal and try to go above them

Get study partners and go to groups.

Study every night before a test, and then again in the morning before the test.

Carry your note book with you and study on down time.

Study for 20mins take a break, study again, take a break study again take a break.

Prioritize. There are going to be a lot of things you are not going to have time for. Decide who and what is deserving of the minimal spare time you have.

NEVER miss class!!! I went to anatomy lab even though I felt like crap. I stuck it out but had to go home for lecture. But had some one take notes for me. (turned out I had a fever of 102) and I still wished I had taken the notes myself. It was the lecture on the integumentary system and I only got a 95% on my next mid-term because I missed a few points on that section.