ironicitis

I am currently ordering books for my first semester of nursing school. We have not had orientation and they just told us to get our books when we enrolled. I'm using my university's bookstore, chegg, and half price. I have the option to rent some of these textbooks. My question is: Which classes did you keep the required books for reference throughout the rest of your nursing school? I don't want to end up renting a book when I'll need it later on down the road to help me with other classes. I also would love to save the money by renting. The main courses I am taking are fundamentals, pathophysiology, and health assessment. Can anybody help me out?! Thank in advance!

What would be good resources to study for fluid & electrolytes? Or should we just wait for nursing school to introduce the topic.

It's good to hear some positive thoughts! I personally love learning and I'm hoping I'll enjoy nursing school more than pre-reqs. Pre-reqs were full of things that made me a "more well rounded student" but had nothing to do with what I want to do. I'm so glad I'll have all nursing related classes. I feel I will be more anxious to learn. A friend that is graduating told me that it is not bad like people make it out to be. There is just a lot of information but it's not something I won't understand. I guess I'll have to see for myself!

I will be starting a BSN program this fall. I see all these horror stories about nursing school on here. How it is horrible. How it is the worst thing in the world. How it basically mimics hell itself.:flamesonb I understand that it is information overload and takes up a great deal of time. I know it will be stressful and challenging. I would like to hear something people actually enjoyed in nursing school. DOES ANYONE HAVE ANYTHING POSITIVE TO SAY ABOUT NURSING SCHOOL?!

I will also be starting in fall of 2012! Sad that I am wishing this summer away too! I'm sure I'll regret that wish soon. lol I have read through various boards on this topic and some people suggest that you review anatomy and physiology. A lot of professors will expect you to know this well. I got the book Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology for Student Nurses. The set up is simple and to the point. It is a really well organized book that allows you to review basic concepts and such. You can preview the book on google. I plan on reviewing this all summer and using the anatomy and physiology coloring books. Good luck and congrats on your acceptance!

CNA or CMA is definitely a great idea! You will still be in the nursing field. By the time you get to nursing school you'll get a better idea of what things are like and be more knowledgable. Volunteer in a hospital on a floor that interests you. If you work as a CNA or CMA at a hospital for a while then attend nursing school, after you graduate you will know people and be a great candidate to be hired! Don't let this discourage you!

Thank you!

I was wait listed at the program I applied to last year and was never taken off the wait list. Naturally I was devastated. I thought my life was over and sank into depression. Then finally I picked myself up and decided to make use of the time I had until the next year of applying (this year, still waiting for a letter). In the meantime I figured I would volunteer at a hospital and spend some more time in the hospital setting. Well I in fact did this but in a little different way. I was diagnosed with a disorder that I had my whole life. I had a huge bypass surgery to fix me up. I feel amazing and healthy now! So I got a great patient experience including an NG tube, epidural drip, and a bunch of other fun stuff. So anyways, what I am saying is that I believe that it was a blessing that I didn't get into the program. I would of had to put off this surgery and live in pain for another year maybe even reflecting poorly on my grades. I'm hoping this experience will give me a great perspective for my patients someday. I pray that I get in this semester with no wait listing to disguise another "blessing"! So remember, if you don't get in, there could be a very good reason for it!