1st Semester--Getting head start??

EMTtoRN · Jun 22, 2005

I was lucky in that at orientation our instruscters gave us the first weeks reading assignments. With over 500 pages to read, I bought just the books now that had the assignments in it and am slowly working on those. I think that the first few weeks are the basis of everything and therefore I like the fact that I can take my time and really read the info.

Redeemed98 · Jun 22, 2005

Do you know what all is generally covered in 1st semester of most adn programs? I Know we will have Dosages and Fundamentals but I am not sure what else is really covered. I read where people are recommending care plan books, is this something we should need 1st semester?

I am going to ask some people I know around here what they had to read the first few weeks. Thanks

EMTtoRN · Jun 22, 2005

Ya know it is soo hard if you dont have your book list. We got ours on orientation. There is a care plan book listed however I have not bought it yet because there was no reading assigned.

We did have to get a book called :

Dosage Calculations 7th edition by Gloria Pickar and were told to do the 1rst 5 chapters which covers all the basic math stuff including Roman numerals and basic dosage caluclations.

If you know someone in the program now they may be able to tell you what else to study.

Do you know what all is generally covered in 1st semester of most adn programs? I Know we will have Dosages and Fundamentals but I am not sure what else is really covered. I read where people are recommending care plan books, is this something we should need 1st semester?
I am going to ask some people I know around here what they had to read the first few weeks. Thanks

purplemania, BSN, RN · Jun 22, 2005

I would not buy a lot of textbooks until you get a list from the instructor. However, you are smart to start on the calculations. Medication errors are a hot topic and the one sure way to lose that license you work so hard to get. Even if your instructor teaches you a different method (most only care about results) you will only have to learn the new method, not all the other stuff. So go ahead. You might go the school's library to see if they have copies of the textbooks in the school library. Some states require texts be available for students in the library as reference material. You could get acquainted with some info there. Good luck. This is a great journey you are starting.

NurseBunky · Jun 23, 2005

Hi, everyone I am starting nursing school in august, It is an Adn RN program. At orientation the teachers gave out conversions and abbreviations and recommended that we begin to look over these during the summer. I have been studying them already.
I purchased a "Dosage Calculations Made Incredibly Easy" book. Can there be any harm done by trying to go ahead and learn how to do these calculation by the book during the summer? I would like to have a good understanding of the methods before we begin. I have not received my book yet. Is it something that can be learned from a book?
I also am considering getting my fundamentals book and start browsing through it as well. Anyone have any input on this? Thanks

No harm in starting early. It's the best idea I took from a nurse (my mom). You can definatley learn a lot from that book. I used the book you have and calculate with confidence. Browsing through the fundamental book is good too. You'll have a head start on the skills you'll learn and probably be checked off on during your first semester.

I am in an ADN program in Georgia (going into my second year). A care plan book is good to have for when you go to clinicals and have to do all the nursing process paperwork. First semester in our program we were in Med/Surg for about 5 weeks.

RNmaria · Jun 23, 2005

I start an ADN program in the Fall as well. We were given a list of required books. I have purchased all of them and have purchased a drug calculation book as well. I have been trying to review some anatomy, drug calculation and soon to go over the fundementals book as well. I am also trying to kick back a bit and enjoy the summer. I have been doing some major reorganizing in the house and getting things squared away before Fall Semester arrives.

Pasha :)

Hi, everyone I am starting nursing school in august, It is an Adn RN program. At orientation the teachers gave out conversions and abbreviations and recommended that we begin to look over these during the summer. I have been studying them already.
I purchased a "Dosage Calculations Made Incredibly Easy" book. Can there be any harm done by trying to go ahead and learn how to do these calculation by the book during the summer? I would like to have a good understanding of the methods before we begin. I have not received my book yet. Is it something that can be learned from a book?
I also am considering getting my fundamentals book and start browsing through it as well. Anyone have any input on this? Thanks

Jennerizer, ASN, RN · Jun 23, 2005

Start practicing the skills you will be learning - does your school have a web site? Mine does with the step by step skills we needed to pass the first semester = taking blood pressures, head to toe assessment, injections, putting in a foley catheter, performing a sterile dressing change. Find out what clinical skills you will be learning & start practicing. Reading is ok, but I highly suggest you enjoy your last couple months of freedom...cause once school starts, you will be super busy. Good luck!

Jen

sheri_u2 · Jun 23, 2005

I start an ADN program in the Fall as well. We were given a list of required books. I have purchased all of them and have purchased a drug calculation book as well. I have been trying to review some anatomy, drug calculation and soon to go over the fundementals book as well. I am also trying to kick back a bit and enjoy the summer. I have been doing some major reorganizing in the house and getting things squared away before Fall Semester arrives.
Pasha :)

Hey Pasha, just curious if your going to the Tech. in Concord? I'm from NH (grew up in Pembroke, moved to GA 4 years ago). I didn't start my nursing adventure until I moved to GA so I didn't know what other schools, besides UNH had a nursing program.

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Jun 23, 2005

What did we cover in semester 1 ADN? Legal and ethical fundamentals of safe practice such as introduction to charting, scope of RN practice, advance directives, safety issues for patients and nurses and how patients respond to hospitalization, in general. Toward the end of the semester, we began some common pathophys and medication administration of PO and IM meds in our clinical, but mostly how to do an assessment, change beds, patient hygiene, documentation of intake and output... all the skills necessary to get that first nursing assistant job.

RNmaria · Jun 24, 2005

Hello!

No I will be attending NHCTC-Claremont in the Fall. I live in the Upper Valley so Claremont is so much closer...30 minutes.

Pasha :)

Hey Pasha, just curious if your going to the Tech. in Concord? I'm from NH (grew up in Pembroke, moved to GA 4 years ago). I didn't start my nursing adventure until I moved to GA so I didn't know what other schools, besides UNH had a nursing program.

kdavisnh · Jun 24, 2005

Hello!
No I will be attending NHCTC-Claremont in the Fall. I live in the Upper Valley so Claremont is so much closer...30 minutes.
Pasha :)

Hi Pasha! My name is Karen, I'll be joining you in the fall! Can't wait to get started!