Preparation tips for nursing school...

jackometer · May 12, 2011

Definitely know your physiology and anatomy, it helps when it comes to understanding your pathophysiology. When you're in the program, adopt a "don't ask, don't tell" policy when it comes to grades (if you don't already). Get ready to devote 80-90% of your time to reading/studying. Study groups help immensely! Congratulations to you starting the program and I wish you the best of luck!

asilvey3 · May 12, 2011

thanks for the tips! (Patho was actually one of my prerequisites)

AnxiousStrawberry · May 12, 2011

I would get the NCLEX book sooner than later. Maybe not right away for fundamentals but by the time you hit med-surg I found it to be a really nice way to prepare for your exams in class by doing practice questions in the subject areas

EMTCali · May 16, 2011

I just graduated from nursing school. I would say just relax. But if you must study i would start by learning fluid electrolytes and how the body compensates etc. If you want more learn endocrine hormones and diseases

dabears54 · Jun 2, 2011

First off, buying an NCLEX book early is the best thing I ever did. I'm not sure how your program will work, but our tests have questions very similar to how the NCLEX questions are worded. Sometimes all of the answers are kinda correct, but you have to pick which is the most correct.

You will need a larger size organizer to be able to write everything down. Almost every single one of the students in my nursing class had a planner the size of a normal notebook. Staying organized is honestly the best thing you can do.

As much as it stinks, reading the material before you go to class will really help you understand what the teacher is talking about which makes it easier to take notes since the info is kinda familiar.

I've found a study method that really works for me. I take notes in class on paper, and I highlight in the book what the teacher talks about (in my program they teach from the book and verbally add to what the books says). Then that night or the next day I type up in word my in class notes and add the info from the book into the outline. This makes studying way easier when you use over five books for info! Also, it makes studying for comprehensive finals super easy because you already have all the info. However, for pharm I use flashcards that are already connected together with a spiral, like a notebook, so I can carry them with me and review them as often as possible.

dandk1997RN, MSN, RN · Jun 2, 2011

Relax and enjoy your family and friends before you don't have time to any more. :~)

blueyesue · Jun 2, 2011

I recommend getting organized. There are two great programs called evernote and studyblue. Evernote is an awesome notetaking system where you can access your notes on any computer with internet access, or directly on your computer or handheld device. The notes are searchable, and so are the screen clips and pictures.

Studyblue is a nifty flashcard program that can sync with your evernotes. I have it on my computer and ipod touch. Both are free.

http://www.evernote.com/

http://www.studyblue.com/

I also highly recommend the UnCalendar.

http://www.uncalendar.com/index.jsp

If you have $150 to spend I recommend the livescribe smartpen. It records the lectures and also has a camera to capture the notes you are writing. Later you can upload them to your computer. You can search your notes on the computer, and listen/watch them that way, or you can click anywhere on your notes and listen to what the teacher said while those notes were written. It does require special paper, but it lasts a long time and is worth it. Oh, and you can now sync your smartpen with Evernote, send them to email, googledocs, or facebook.

http://www.livescribe.com/en-us/