starting before I start????

JBGC4 · Jul 10, 2010

Not sure. Our school has a monster syllabus w/ our assignments. Before I started I thought about doing the same thing. I'm glad I didn't. The reason is b/c nursing school isn't chapter by chapter. It's jumping around all the time. For us, we may have to read 1/2 of one chapter and read only 3 pages in the next chapter and such. If you really wanted to start, I would look at the calculations. Leave the reading until you receive your assignments. If you've never had a nursing class before, I think you will be lost when looking over careplans. Calculations. Go w/ that.

nikisashabell · Jul 10, 2010

Yeh your probably right, I'm am just so nervous about the whole thing. I would just make myself crazy:) Thanks

BellsRNBSN · Jul 10, 2010

I've always tried to be ahead of the game. It helps me to prepare the info and get a hold of what I need to study. Do you think that maybe this could hurt the student at the same time, just by hearing and reading all this info about calculations, care plans and the original nursing process. It's very overwhelming but I also want to know what I'm up against. Are you students that are getting ready to start NS doing the same or am I just being overly anxious??????

I'm the exact same way!!!! :yeah: I start NS toward the end of August and I have been perusing this web-site every day, researching what stethoscope and backpack to buy, reading books that give NS advice, checking out articles about getting a job as a new-grad nurse, etc. etc. It took me 2 years to finally complete my remaining pre-req's after already getting my bachelor's degree, so I feel like I've been waiting for FOREVER to finally start NS. This has officially been the longest summer of my life!

I too am trying to be careful to not overload myself before I even start the program, but I want to be as prepared as possible. I'm taking some summer school courses and working part-time, but I still have a good amount of down time, and I want to use it as wisely as possible. I'm trying to spend as much time as I can having fun with my friends and working as much as possible to save up money, because I plan on giving all of that up once my program begins. I will be taking an accelerated BSN program that is only 12 months, so I know that I will for sure be a busy student, and I am willing to give up my work and social life for that 12 months if it means succeeding in my program.

So what are you doing to prepare yourself? Maybe we can share tips

tokidokifantasy · Jul 10, 2010

It's funny how I was just posting in another thread about preparing for nursing school. I am not starting till Spring11, but my school has advised me to take a few classes in the Fall to prepare me. On top of that, I am thinking about getting the CPR certification, getting fingerprint,immunization, etc out of way.

What other things should we prepare?

I have gathered my old books for future references that I am sure I will need.

You guys are all starting in Fall, so it's understandable to be nervous. I am starting in Spring, and I am already super nervous. =)

racquetmom · Jul 11, 2010

Hi,

I am reviewing calculations as it just isn't automatic for me. Some are automatic for me and some trip me up. Pediatric body surface area calculations, tube feedings and the ones like calculate the amount of dextrose and NaCl in 2L of D5 1/4 NS. I was going along fine then got that and said what? I do feel I am doing okay because there are a lot I am figuring out without hesitation, but I really want them all to be second nature as I fear the dreaded med error :eek: . I also picked up the fluids and electrolytes made incredibly easy. About half way through it. I am not finding it an easy read as it is a lot of information (IMO). I have read lots on here about how hard fluids and electrolytes are and you have to spend time with it. I figure if I can read through this and try to pick up on some key things it may help. There were things I had forgotten from A/P II or maybe never learned :bugeyes: . I am trying to comprehend and learn normal lab values for the electrolytes and really understand the alkalosis and acidosis and this book details ADH, ANP, aldosterone, calcitonin, PTH, among many other hormones and how produced and why. I think kidney is complicated and it is a good review of the glomerulus, proximal/distal tubule, loop of Henley and collecting duct and what functions they perform rather than tackling an A/P book. I haven't picked up my books yet as I start late Aug. and books aren't available at our school yet. I will not pre-read my actual nursing books as someone stated they will probably skip around. I did that in another class and it was a lot of wasted time. I want to enjoy my time right now and kids so just doing the above when I feel like it.

racquetmom · Jul 11, 2010

It's funny how I was just posting in another thread about preparing for nursing school. I am not starting till Spring11, but my school has advised me to take a few classes in the Fall to prepare me. On top of that, I am thinking about getting the CPR certification, getting fingerprint,immunization, etc out of way.
What other things should we prepare?
I have gathered my old books for future references that I am sure I will need.
You guys are all starting in Fall, so it's understandable to be nervous. I am starting in Spring, and I am already super nervous. =)

Once I was accepted to the school, I had to show proof of all of the above to register for my nursing classes....CPR, fingerprint, immunizations. In fact, the program's secretary was going through the immunizations and my dr's office filled out the TB card incorrectly so they wouldn't accept it so I had to go back to dr.'s office and get a new card. All of my other immunizations were done elsewhere and correct and they still wouldn't let me register until I came back with the new card. I do totally understand that so not complaining just pointing out that if you are accepted into spring then they should be giving you a list of what is needed to be completed. Are you doing a BSN program? I am not sure I understand what classes you needing to take....pre-reqs?

racquetmom · Jul 11, 2010

For tokidokifantasy,

You can start gathering things like stethoscope, school scrubs, watch, shoes. I did that so the money wasn't all at once. I am still searching out a wheely type pack for the books instead of my reg. pack. Lots of posts on here where to buy and what to buy.

Ambitious-Girl · Jul 11, 2010

Hi,

I also will be a NS august 2nd...I am already a Medical Assistant so, I just go over al of my books to refresh me..it's nothing major. I def. don't want to give myself a headache and you don't either. If anything look at a few basic skills etc. GOOD LUCK!

nikisashabell · Jul 11, 2010

I would just be careful with getting your cpr, child abuse and criminal checks( I don't know about fingerprints) but our admissions made us get up to date cpr so we would have it all through school.(I still had a year on mine and i still had to renew) also they did criminal so i wasted my money on that. Anyway I was just talking to a friend and she wanted to gather all her paper work and I said the same thing wait until the school tells you what they want unless its specified with the app process.

nikisashabell · Jul 11, 2010

I got my stethoscope and the other things. They didn't say anything about a watch but I will get one, with a second hand. How exciting to have my stethoscope I think I listened to everyones heart and stomach sounds in the house even the dogs!!!!!!

Saysfaa · Jul 11, 2010

I'm doing the same thing. I do not think it will hurt. Sometimes, things are confusing because I don't have necessary background to understand them. So, I just let them go for a while and study other things. Later they make sense....or will eventually.

It is not an efficient way to learn nursing but it is fun.