I'm starting my education this fall, and would like to hear from SRNA's on how they are managing their time and what works for them to keep their balance and sanity during the semesters. I'm already getting overwhelmed when I think of what's entailed to be successful, but I don't want to "burn out" early. I understand the time involved, but please share what's working for you since you're the "been there, done that" crowd in my eyes. Do you take any days off on the weekend? How much sleep do you try to get?(to function at least coherently) What do you do for "fun" to get away from the books for a short while?
Also, if you could do the first year over now knowing what you know (Not that anyone I've talked to would do it a second time!:chuckle ) what would you have done different?
Finally, any good "on the side" texts that you feel are great supplements to help understand some of the difficult concepts during school. Physiology, Pharm, ect. would be greatly appreciated. Good luck to all on finals this semester!:)
To answer your question about PDAs - no, I am still not using one, even though I am in the homestretch with only a couple of months of school left. I have the time to learn to use it now, so I am definitely going to get a good one in the weeks to come.
I think it is a very worthwhile investment for any SRNA, even one that is as technologically-challenged as I am. I hate computers and anything even remotely related to them (with the exception of the iPod, which is the most brilliant device ever, and makes you a hero in the OR when you bring music the surgeon likes).
But, I cannot even count the number of times a preceptor has asked me some random trivia question that I would be able to answer on the spot if I only had a PDA. And forget about toting books around. My first M&M book only survived until my first ruptured AAA, and then it was a bloody biohazard mess.
So, long answer - get a PDA, learn to use it, and reap the benefits in clinical when your preceptor asks you how to use etidiocane or some other obscure question!
Thanks for your reply. I had a few more questions. Do you know what kind you plan to purchase? Do you prefer the Windows CE or Palm OS? Is there a huge difference insofar as compatability with certain programs? Thanks again.
Clinical in anesthesia school is nothing like working as an RN (obviously). I think my point here is that after working 16 hours in the unit, I was not as tired as I now am after 8 hours in the OR doing cases. Doing cases is mentally and emotionally exhausting, not even considering the fact that I also got up at 4:15 to be in the OR by 5am. The lectures and tests....well that's a whole entire different ballgame. I have never studied things in such depth and detail, it's a different world from undergrad. Oh yeah, there's the busy work- papers, careplans, thesis, blah blah blah. My advice is to remember that as long as you learn the material, B's are GREAT!!! You will make the same amount of money as the person in your class who makes straight A's. I'd also recommend taking one day off per week. That's not always possible, but if you can double up study hours on one day, it's worth it to have the next "anesthesia free". And if your program does not require Jaffe's surgical procedures book, I highly recommend it. I could not do careplans without it! Best of luck to you!
Thanks for the advice and the recommendation of this book. Where in NC are you located?
Well I am into my 3rd week, I am sooooo tired and feel like I never sleep. I study between 8-12-14 hours somedays. all day saturday and sunday. Here the violins playing. To think I am just getting started, :chuckle :chuckle :chuckle
GC
Wow, maybe the doo doo hasn't hit the fan yet in my program. I'm in my 5th week, and granted, the volume of information is huge, but I think it's doable. I still go out one day on the weekends with friends, still work like one day every two weeks, and try to study a little bit every day. Sunday is my big study day where I don't do anything but review material. I heard it gets a lot worse when we start clinicals in November though.....
darienblythe79
160 Posts
Thanks for your reply. I had a few more questions. Do you know what kind you plan to purchase? Do you prefer the Windows CE or Palm OS? Is there a huge difference insofar as compatability with certain programs? Thanks again.
Darien