demdars

Take notes during lecture! That's the biggest thing in our program, if it's mentioned it's testable. Even if they don't go into detail, if they mention it, look it up and know it. Nursing school is also about knowing how to apply the material not just memorizing knowledge. That is hard for many people. You have to be able to break down exactly what the question is asking of you. Is it asking for the correct answer?, wrong answer?, is it SATA, is it a prioritization question, is it looking at the ABC's? You'll learn your own way to study for these tests honestly. Know the material and do as many practice NCLEX questions before the test as you can. There is an app called nclex mastery that is great. I suggest buying at least one nclex book early and more as you move through the program. I just purchased the new saunders and it's awesome. You'll be expected to participate in class so it's always good to know a little about the material before lecture even if it's just a skim of the chapter. There won't always be time to read ahead but if you have time, do it. It's important to know about the diseases but it's equally or more important to know what YOU would do if something happens. Yes, you need to know why it happened and about the disease process so you can educate your patient but many questions will fall on prioritizing what you'd do for the patient and what you can/can't delegate to an LPN or CNA. Good luck!

I really enjoyed my psych clinical but honestly so far I am loving med surg. I didn't go into nursing school with my mind set on anything really. My mom worked telemetry/med surg and she raves about it. So far I've had clinical for geriatrics, mental health, and med surg 1 so things may change but I'm definitely loving the hospital med surg floor. I'm looking forward to ER and trying the other specialties though :)

Started pre reqs at 18 and my actual program at 24!

I would say it won't hurt to study and have a few things in mind. just make sure that you are using reliable sources to study. Go back over your A&P, that will help. I would honestly say relax a little before the program starts and you don't get the chance for a while. I didn't study anything before my semester started, I began fresh. But there are a ton of CNAs who already knew much more than me going in.

Never comment on how slow/easy the night shift is going..

My program did not allow rings on lab/clinical/Sim days unless they were solid bands no diamond insets or anything due to risk of infection spreading. No engagement rings ect... no nail polish, even clear. Nails must be trimmed short, shouldn't be able to see nail over finger tip if looking at palm side of hand. No jewelry with exception of stud ear ring on lobe. No cartilage piercings on ears or facial piercings. Scrubs must be clean, ironed, and hair free. No special badge holders allowed. Hair off collar, in bun if long enough to swing forward when bending over. No baby hair or pieces hanging down near ears. Natural hair colors only. No pink, blue, green, ect. Socks must be crew socks. We had uniform inspections that people got dinged for short socks.

I just finished my first semester. Every program is different and everyone studies different ways. Having said that... I heavily studied off of all power points the teachers supplied us with. I also took notes in class and had my book open to highlight and mark pages. I purchased the Nclex RN app and love it. You can trial version it and they will send emails when it goes on sale which is fairly often . We were supplied with BP cuffs and stethoscopes but my BP cuff died in lap so I purchased my own on amazon. I also purchased a Littmann stethoscope which I absolutely love. It's up to you if you wanna buy one before graduating but I love love love mine. The pair we were given hurt my ears but it's still nice to have the spare pair. I plan on buying a pulse oximeter before this semester starts also. There was a shortage of those during clinicals. Not necessary but definitely will make my next rotation a little smoother. Also, as for studying... if it's mentioned but nothe thoroughly covered, look it up and be prepared to at least know the basics. If it's mentioned it's fair game. I'm not trying to scare you because I had a smooth semester but you do need to be dedicated and willing to study. If you do well studying with others, make friends and try a study group. I always studied at home before meeting the group. Allow a few minutes to chit chat but be sure someone says OK time to study! Ask questions, volunteer as often as you can, and be curious. Good luck on your journey. :)

I have an 18 month old and I start in January! I feel you, I am terrified. But like others have said I am just putting faith in the fact that plenty of parents work and go to school and manage. Also, I am not super happy about being a stay at home mom because I have always worked so I hope that getting out of the house some for school and clinicals will pull me up out of the rut I am in. Good luck!

Three rivers college in Missouri :)

This is exciting too! I have all of my prerequisites finished for a BSN degree but was accepted into an ADN program so I can hopefully easily bridge to my baccalaureate after I finish and pass my NCLEX

Thank you!

Thank you! I transferred into my program with 85 credits so the only thing I have to take my first semester is Geriatrics and Fundamentals of nursing. My scrubs came in yesterday

I'm beginning my ADN program in January! It's getting so close I can taste it. My scrubs are supposed to arrive Friday and it just seems so real finally. Until now it felt like a far off dream. I know I should relax until the program starts but I am too nervous and excited. Those of you starting in January, what are you doing to prepare? I haven't been told what books I need yet so I can't start reading. I really feel the need to prepare some how though!

Everything happens for a reason! I didn't get into the school I was trying for a few years back and after changing majors I reapplied to a different schools nursing program and got in! Don't give up on your dreams and you will get there.

I start my ADN this spring! I have my schedule except for clinicals. I'm taking Foundations and Geriatrics this semester. I am so excited! I'm ordering my scrubs next week, all white. They said they supply a cheap stethoscope but I really want a Littmann before I start. Edited to say I just recieved my EC planner yesterday and love it!