Sound Tips for Nursing Fundamentals Course

Music in My Heart · Jul 9, 2008

Hello ,
I begin nursing school this fall semester and I would like to read any tips that fellow student nurses may have on the course Nursing Fundamentals and/or ideas of what the first year of Nursing school is like sans all the other non nursing courses. I have those completed. Any tips will help, and Thanks!

My only tips are (a) read the assigned material, (b) do the assigned work, and © THINK about what you're reading and how it might apply in the real world.

I think there are a variety of somewhat typical first-year experiences that depend on the nature of the programs; the quality and character of the instructors; and the interest, aptitude, and abilities of the students.

I've found the first year to be busy but not conceptually challenging. Many of my classmates have echoed this feeling. A few, though, have struggled -- but more with volume than rigor.

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Jul 9, 2008

My own tips that I felt helped me:

1. PAY attention to the syllabus....and always highlight dates of tests/assignments/papers on a calendar or in your cell phone. I can't tell you how many times I had to do a 8 hr paper because I forgot it was due the next day....

2. Read what you can before class...or at least bring your text and follow along.

3. Do NOT monopolize class time with "oh, my dad/mom/sister/3rd cousin 3x removed etc...had..and they did...." You will be hunted down quickly!

4. Ask questions but only those that relate to topic at hand...

5. Do not argue with instructors unless it's something that compromises patient safety.

6. get to know 3-4 classmates that you can count on to fill you in if you miss a day, or if you need help with a topic.

7. remember to have fun at some point...

Music in My Heart · Jul 9, 2008

3. Do NOT monopolize class time with "oh, my dad/mom/sister/3rd cousin 3x removed etc...had..and they did...." You will be hunted down quickly!
4. Ask questions but only those that relate to topic at hand...
6. get to know 3-4 classmates that you can count on to fill you in if you miss a day, or if you need help with a topic.

I would like to emphasize locolorenzo's points above; they are right on the money!

5. Do not argue with instructors unless it's something that compromises patient safety.

On this point I disagree. Do not argue with your instructors at all. If they're wrong then let them be wrong and be sure that you recite their "wrongness" back to them if they ask for it. Be equally sure, however, that you know what is correct.

If you simply must argue with a teacher, DO IT IN PRIVATE.

goodstudentnowRN · Jul 9, 2008

Do many NCLEX questions. Get a saunders or some other types that have fundamentals and do the questions, read the rationals. This is what hepled me in fundamentals.

Nursetastic · Jul 10, 2008

I discovered early on that my opinion simply is of no significance anymore, therefore arguing is a futile (and often humiliating and angering) exercise. Instead, when I disagree or don't understand I will preface with "I'm confused, will you please help me understand XYZ?". I've found most of my instructors love to feel like they have been placed on a pedistal, and asking them to further explain something gives them that feeling. Unfortunately, with some instructors, it can be a delicate balancing act to avoid making them feel like you are questioning their intelligence or doubting their knowledge when all you really want to do is clarify for your own understanding.

intuition · Jul 10, 2008

This biggest thing I can stress is stay ahead of the reading. I tried to read the chapters the teachers were going to discuss in class, before class. Pretty much I stayed a week ahead. I can't tell you how much that helped me.

Go to any NCLEX type study groups, in the school I am going to, we have a instructor who holds this study group 1x a week. It has helped me become very comfortable w/ the NCLEX style questions. You also get to find out where your weak areas are.

I hope this helps. If you stayed focused on school, you will be fine. But once your head goes somewhere else, it is hard to get caught back up again.

Like one of the above posted, have some fun time somewhere in there too.

beverly j · Jul 12, 2008

What type of recording equipment can you buy for lectures? Would a dictaphone work?

FUTURE_RN_08 · Jul 12, 2008

I would recommend just reading the chapters assigned and pay attention in class. Do not OVERTHINK on the questions during the test, and DO NOT put more into it than what they are asking. In other words, NEVER ASSUME... Fundamentals is an important course and is challenging only if you stress over it. Do not be afraid to have an instructor clarify something for you, because the book we had contridicted itself and the instructor would tell you something different. I would always go by the book, because you had something concrete to refer to if you missed a question on the test. Good Luck!

geteducated123 · Jul 12, 2008

Thanks,

All of these tips are very helpful and I am sure in many ways I will be utilizing all of them.

Thank You Again.

MQ Edna · Jul 12, 2008

Here is my study habit.

On the weekends I will read a couple new chapters, do the vocab and any related work book assignment. I will then review anything that I need for an upcoming test and I will write flash cards of concepts I am having trouble remembering. And just because you've read a chapter once, it WILL NOT KILL YOU to re-read 2 or even 3 times.

supafly · Jul 12, 2008

here's my tip:

if you ever find yourself up late at night unable to sleep but wanting to, pull out your fundamentals textbook and start reading. you'll either 1) learn something or 2) find yourself in dreamland. win-win situation imo.