semester starts 27th Aug - reading ahead?

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Aug 8, 2007

I read a couple of chapters...not reading in order to memorize and learn, but more to start getting familiar with everything. I'll probably read a few more before classes begin (also on the 27th).

I've never read ahead in school before now, so I'll have to wait until the end of the semester to see if it's been worth it :)

PeachyERNurse, BSN, RN · Aug 8, 2007

After the semester from hell that I just had, I refuse to read ahead. I'm sure it would benefit me though.

ZooMommyRN, ADN, RN · Aug 9, 2007

If you can get your hands on the course outline I would, but if you aren't sure exactly where they teacher is going with it, then it may not help at all, good luck! Our 3rd full semester starts teh 27th as well

NaomieRN · Aug 9, 2007

I am starting the 3rd semester 27th August.
Apparently it is the toughest semester at NIU and have therefore decided to start reading ahead.
Is anyone else reading ahead? For those who have read ahead in the past, was it worth it? or would you have waited until the semester started?

I think it is always a good idea to read ahead. I got last year's notes from a friend and the course outline. I am also starting my third semester. I have been reading ahead since I started last year and it has helped me a lot. I am not killing myself though. I just came back from vacation. I am reading 2 days a week. I try to understand the concepts rather than memorizing.

Good luck to you.

BouBou · Aug 9, 2007

I would look at the class syllabus, if available, and read what is going to be covered the first day. Personally I don't read ahead, however I do read the chapter that is being covered before the class.

jsu102 · Aug 9, 2007

I've skimmed the first few chapters just to get familiar with what is going to be covered. I also bought two books on fluids & electrolytes and have already read them both since I heard by 3rd semester we're expected to know F&E inside and out.

MB37 · Aug 9, 2007

We're supposed to read a 600 page med term book between semesters and be ready for an exam on it when the semester starts. I just bought it and it's really mostly review of A&P, but there doesn't seem to be time to read ahead in my other books.

StudentNurseAbby · Aug 9, 2007

Yay! 3rd semester students! lol I'm not able to get my books until the 20th so I doubt that I will. I finally bought an NCLEX book and just going through the questions reminds me of things that slipped my mind over the summer. I think reading ahead will just make me nervous. I feel overwhelmed when I don't understand something, usually I wait until it's taught to me and then read. It works best for me.

Eirene, ASN, RN · Aug 9, 2007

i think it's very unfair for schools to require you to read ahead and be tested on the material right at the beginning of the semester! geesh. you have to have some catch-up time for kids, house, or-- just you.

with that being said, i always read ahead when i have more than a month off. it keeps my study habits fresh. i try to go over the harder aspects of issues while on break so i am ready to tackle it when the quarter does start. but, it's without pressure. i don't beat myself up if i don't read for a few days.

i just ordered the fluid and electrolytes made incredibly easy, too! i hope its as good as everyone raves about. i am such a dork, i get so excited waiting for new books to arrive in the mail.

PeachyERNurse, BSN, RN · Aug 12, 2007

We're supposed to read a 600 page med term book between semesters and be ready for an exam on it when the semester starts. I just bought it and it's really mostly review of A&P, but there doesn't seem to be time to read ahead in my other books.

You guys didn't do med terms with fundamentals?

MMARN, BSN, RN · Aug 12, 2007

After the semester from hell that I just had, I refuse to read ahead. I'm sure it would benefit me though.

I'm actually on the same boat! lol. I just had one of the toughest semesters ever, and I refuse to pick up a book before I have to. It always helps to go back to your books and refresh some things, but, personally, I need to de-fry my brain. So, for now, I'm not even looking at my books. It feels a little weird not having to worry about studying for the next exam, planning research for the next careplan, but eh. It is just fine with me.