Should I review pathophysiology/anatomy and physiology before starting my nursing program? Or is this overkill?

[Stressed1998]

So, I am doing a 2 year BSN nursing program as a second bachelor degree student (general ED credits transferred/prereqs taken). My program starts at the end of this month. While I did take pathophysiology last semester and got an A in it I don't really think my grade was a good indicator of my knowledge on the topic. When I would study for exams I would study a couple of days before the exam and sort of brain dump when exam time came. I never really felt like I mastered the information. I also feel like the class was not as challenging as it should have been (and I do not mean this in a snooty way. I just do not feel like it was planned with the intention of REALLY getting us to grasp the subject at hand). Even now I have difficulty thinking about what is Cushing's syndrome and its symptoms. 

I'm not sure how well we are expected to have a grasp on pathophysiology. I don't remember much of the etiologies, signs/symptoms, and treatment of various conditions. Today was the first day of orientation and it was emphasized to us how difficult and stressful nursing school can be. Furthermore, I have spoken with current/past nursing students from the program and many of them have said the same thing and have mentioned students that failed out/had to graduate later because they couldn't keep up.

 So, I'm wondering if it makes sense to review pathophysiology before starting (and honestly A&P too. I took AP 1 Fall 2019 and got a B+ and AP 2 Spring 2020 and got an A- (honestly, I kind of don't really take my grades super seriously from Spring 2020 because of covid).

I just don't feel like my grades for both AP and pathophysiology line up with how well I actually retained the knowledge. For both of these courses, the grade was largely dependent on exams (majority of which were multiple choice). I know everyone is different, but for me I could memorize/review stuff last minute and still come out with a B or an A on an exam, but from what I've heard nursing school is different. And quite honestly I want to be a nurse who understands what and why she is making certain decisions. Also, I want to be able to educate my future patients and answer any questions they might have as well as I can.

Should I review for these two courses? If so, should I reread the text? Watch some videos? Pick up a review book? (I wasn't the best at keeping track of my notes, which is why that is not really an option) Or is this overkill and should I just enjoy my free days while I can (classes start 8/30)? 

[Brokestudentnbrokeheart]

Do what you think it's best for your education. Never a problem to over learned A&P. I had essay exams in it. 11/30 students at finish line. All these eleven, they are nurses and others are in the program. 

[Taylor13, CNA]

I think you could do a light review, but I wouldn't worry about an in-depth one! Some nursing schools are different, but mine reviewed A&P before each topic so that we could refresh on the basics before learning the in-depth disease processes. Nursing school will teach you what you need to know to do well, so don't try to cram in more information. 

[Triplepoint, ADN, RN]

If you want to review anatomy for nursing school, do a thorough review of the heart and lungs, the immune system, and the liver. This will help you a ton. Doing more review than this is unnecessary, in my humble opinion.