isa_salud

I learned the hard way that I need to attend class prepared. This is a golden rule to success. I want to share my tips on using the syllabus that helped me stay on top of my game during nursing school. I know you will benefit from them too!! THE SYLLABUS: this is your golden ticket by far... You have to open and read this thing before the class even starts. Once you know what classes you are going to take next semester, buy the syllabus for each class. Put it in a binder and review the course objectives for each week. AT LEAST have an idea of the first 3 weeks worth of lecture material. During the semester, even if the teacher deviates from it, still use it. READ the chapter readings that are listed for each week. If you don't have time to read, skim through the readings taking note of all the diagrams/pictures/vocabulary/ and boxes. Stay on top of your A game!! OMG this is so important because if you can answer and fully understand the objectives for each week and dedicate time to really study, you WILL be guaranteed to pass the class. EXAMPLE: the first week will be over the GI system... devour this topic like a mad animal (it sounds funny but this is how you have to think to fully grasp the information and learn it) 1. review the course objectives in lecture and lab 2. Read/review the chapter readings without taking notes! This is time to put what you learn on paper into your head... there will be no transferring of information from the book to the notebook paper... and don't give the excuse "I'm a tactile learner" NO! Don't worry because you will have time to take notes during lecture. Your best friend while you're reading/ reviewing are highlighters, pens/pencils/ and post-it notes utilize them. and If there is some really juicy info then write that down on the post-it note to remember later. If while reading you don't understand something also write it down on a post-it note and leave them in the pages you're studying to remind you to ask your teacher when you see her/him. 3. Let's say you don't know the key complications of Crohn's disease... NOW YOU ARE A DETECTIVE! don't limit your knowledge to class notes/power points/ the book... widen your horizons and look elsewhere use: Youtube and the internet... tell yourself that you will not get up from your seat until you understand the key complications of Crohn's disease and can repeat them out loud! 4. BUY Prentice Hall Nursing Reviews and Rationals by Hogan AND the SUCCESS series by Colgrove and Hargrove-Huttle for each class you're taking These books are just great! Whatever topic you are studying... look it up in these books and practice the NCLEX-style questions in them. (These book are expensive so I bought all of them on Amazon... each book cost me no more than $20 with shipping-and-handling included.) I really wished I implemented these tips my first semester of nursing school. Now I've provided you with these tips, utilize them to the fullest and succeed in all your nursing school classes -isa_salud

So when I will be taking Med Surg, I would like input on how you prepared for the class. I bought review and rational books from Amazon and practice NCLEX medical surgical nursing questions. What were a few things you wished you knew before taking the class and regretted knowing later. How did you construct your study time? What about clinicals... anything surprising that you learned? I appreciate your feedback

I understand how you're feeling. The same thing happened to me this semester. I was so distraught and felt like a failure... that feeling has to limit itself to the moment. You can't be feeling sorry for yourself because time flies and time is $$$$$. Get your act together and keep at it. Ok so you messed up once... now to work extra hard to get back into your program. Don't let a day pass when you didn't do what you're supposed to do. This means: STUDY STUDY STUDY. First get everything settled with your advisors and have a plan set to get back into your program. While you are waiting, review EVERY DAY what you did the last semester (the semester you failed) and do a serious reality check and figure out why you failed. T The same thing happened to me when I failed. In my program, I need 78% and I got a 77.5% and the teacher didn't round. I had no one to blame but myself. ALSO realize if you did end up passing with a 78%, that was just barely. You want to aim high so that if you screw up... you still are able to pass. I felt devastated when I failed because it pushed me back an ENTIRE semester... but I'm using my time wisely. THIS IS KEY. I went on Amazon.com and bought review and rational books for each class that I will have the next semester AND the semester I failed. When I started nursing school I thought "I don't have to look at it know because I wont understand the terminology or concepts/ I already have a bunch of stuff I already have to do for nursing school/ I need some time for myself. Yeah right! what they about not having a life is serious but don't let it get to you because YOU CAN DO IT IF YOU WORK HARD. Just like NIKE statement "Just Do It" This really helped me. Be proactive. Once you learn something in class study the concept in review and rational books and practice NCLEX questions (this is what helped me). There are going to be times when you feel like you've had enough but GET THAT THOUGHT OUT OF YOUR HEAD. Think to yourself "Now is the time to focus! I WILL do this!!" When I study, I study for 45min take a 5min break and then back to studying this will help not go crazy :) Keep at it, and NEVER make excuses. remember where there's a will there's a way!!!!!

Excellent post and thank you for the useful tips... I learned a couple of new things I'm going to try for next semester when I take pathophysiology!

Hello stephaniesoto, A&PII was a continuation of what was taught in A&PI. You're expected to know the information given in A&PI... that means while you're on break REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW. This way you are guaranteed a better semester because you won't have to go back through your notes unnecessarily. In my opinion, A&PII is not harder because you're only building upon what you already know. To succeed in this class and organic chemistry, RECORD the lectures, take notes during class, ask questions, and review the lecture later THAT day. A wise tip is to manage your time because if you don't it will become a handful. Also, color coding folders and pens for each class is helpful. If you implement these tips you have nothing to worry about, Isa_salud

Hello Trisha, I will be starting the nursing program in in spring '14. I've taken all four classes. In my opinion it's best to RECORD RECORD RECORD each class... first you go to class prepared, listen to the teacher explain during class, and review your notes after class. Keep up with U.S. History events that you're taught and review so that you don't miss anything b/c history is a progressive timeline: its like cause and effect. Knowing this helps you predict what may occur. I don't know if you are a "math person" but statistics is tricky and there are many formulas. During the semester when I took stats with 3 other classes, this class took up most of my study time. It's important to have good communication with your teacher in this math class. Chemistry is a handful because lab is included. Be sure to ask questions in class if you aren't sure... AND pick a helpful/responsible lab partner. If you put your mind to it, your semester will be doable. I suggest an agenda, color-coding pens for each class, viewing youtube videos on college study tips for the classes, and a calendar on your laptop that's synced to your phone (gmail is excellent)... add alarms to remind you when things are due and it helps distribute your study time. Set up your game plan and you will follow through, Isa_salud:up: