DotFlower

So my nursing program doesn't have a pharmacology class, we basically learn the drugs as they relate to the Fundamentals chapters. For this upcoming exam, my professor said to use one text-book (Abrams) to make note cards and in the future we have to use Davis Drug Guide to make flash-cards. Our Abram's textbook is basically a watered down version of Davis. I've done both but now I have two sets of flashcards and it's getting overwhelming. Does anyone like using store bough flashcards? Specifically Medi-Quick? Thanks!!

I'll try Livescribe and see if it saves me time. Until then I'm going to try to type my hand written notes and print them so they're easier to read. Do you guys make study guides? I feel like every piece of info is important so I don't know how to set it up. Is it just the info you're iffy about?

So in the beginning of nursing school, I didn't print the power points my professors made, instead I took handwritten notes on the chapters while adding to the topics from the power-points. But I failed my first test so I thought maybe the way I'm studying is wrong and printed the slides like my classmates and as for my notes I tried answering the chapter objectives and re-write the vocab. I feel like my notes are sloppy and poorly done and just want to re-write them so they look neater but that would be a big waste of time. Does anyone else feel like this? I feel like I'm never organized enough because I keep changing my method of note taking....

I'm taking Fundamentals of Nursing and Current Concepts of Nursing. I have an exam on the first day, the 6th, on basic math for dosage calculations. I'm a bit nervous since it's only 10 questions and I have to get an 80 or higher or else we have to get a tutor. I hope we all ace this semester and the ones to come!!

kkbb, BSN, RN, thanks for the solid advice and a huge congrats on graduating and passing the NCLEX! I don't have great stress coping strategies so I just wanted to get a feel of what works for others; I think going for walks might be what I choose to do. And I will definitely look into volunteer events at school instead of making a commitment I'm not sure I can keep.

MotoMonkey, thanks for your advice! I know I will have to continue to not compare myself and my grades to others. Trying to focus on doing better than I did in the past is what I'm striving for.

direw0lf, thank you for your tips like shadowing a nurse, getting "NCLEX made incredibly easy", and having a tape recorder for lecture. I will definitely try to use them. And congratulations on going into your last year for your BSN!! That is a great accomplishment!

Hello everyone! I am going into my first semester of nursing this fall, it is an associates program and I am a bit nervous. I have a few questions that I hope you can answer so I can calm myself down. 1. Do you believe it is useful to bring your laptop to class? I like taking notes on paper and reading from an actual book, however my school also requires us to by the online version of the book that includes practice NCLEX questions. Should I ask my professor what they believe would be best or is just a matter of personal preference? 2. I rented the Kaplan NCLEX 2017 review as well as the Saunders NCLEX 7th edition from my library. Should I review these books to see how NCLEX questions are asked, or do you believe it is better for me to see how my professors explain how to answer them? I don't want to be caught off guard on my first test! 3. What is the best advice you could recommend for new nursing students? I don't have any experience in the medical field so I believe this might put me at a slight disadvantage than my peers. Also best study tips? 4. Do you have any healthy tips for reducing stress? I'm trying to incorporate some over the summer so I don't go crazy in the fall! 5. Do you believe volunteering at a hospital would be beneficial in the future - career wise? Even if it isn't I would still like to do some good.