1 Semester

[3blessings]

This is my 1st semester doing the traditional track for BSN. I'm pretty excited and confident about it but feel like there is alot that I need to know on how to maintain while going thru the program. I do have a 15 yr. medical background as a MA but I know there is so much more to learn as I become a nurse. Just wanted to see what advice veteran nurses/new nurses have to say about their experiences on going through school, graduating and working as a nurse. I have completed all science and majority non-nursing courses and now I really am just down to clinical nursing classes. I appreciate any advice.

Thank you!

[Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN]

Congrats on getting this far!

* always come to class/clinical prepared. I don't mean do all your readings because we have to be realistic but have a general idea of what is being discussed. Research your patient, don't only know why they are admitted but what co-morbidities they have and how they affect them and their current state of health

* Join a study group of 3-4 people tops. Make friends, they will be life-savers. I cannot tell you how many times my friends and classmates have saved eachother.

* A good stethoscope is necessary. I bought a littman lightweight and couldnt hear a damn thing! invested in a cardiology 3 and now hearing breath sounds is a breeze.

* If you don't know something, admit it. Your professor will not be mad, we cannot be expected to know everything.

Best of Luck!!!

[csmcj, BSN, RN]

I'm not a nurse yet, but I am in my last semester of nursing school.

Ask questions in clinical. It's not enough to know how something is done, you need to know why it's done.

Space your studying out. Cramming won't cut it at test time.

Speaking of tests, nursing school tests will be unlike any you've likely taken before. Straight memorization won't be enough; you'll need to know how to apply the information you've memorized. A good NCLEX study guide with rationales will go a long way toward helping you with this.

Most importantly, make sure to take time for yourself. Nursing school has a way of taking over every aspect of your life if you let it, and if you don't take time out every now and then to do the things you enjoy you'll find yourself burned out quickly.